Lisa and the Lacemaker: An Asperger Adventure - Softcover

Hoopmann, Kathy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1843100711 ISBN 13: 9781843100713

Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2002

Synopsis

This book is the third in the series to feature Ben and Andy but this book focuses on a young girl called Lisa who has Asperger syndrome. As with the other Asperger adventures, the book explores features of Asperger syndrome.This book is aimed at the 9 - 12 age group and is suitable for both girls and boys, although girls might find it particularly good reading. This is my favourite of the three books in the series.'

- Communication

When Lisa discovers a derelict hut in her friend Ben's backyard, she delights in exploring the remnants of an era long gone. Imagine her surprise when Great Aunt Hannah moves into a nursing home nearby, and reveals that once she was a servant in those very rooms. The old lady draws Lisa into the art of lace making and through the criss-crossing of threads, Lisa is helped to understand her own Asperger Syndrome. But Great Aunt Hannah also has a secret and now it is up to Lisa to confront the mysterious Lacemaker and put the past to rest.

About this title

About the Author

Kathy Hoopmann has written over thirty books with translations into twenty one languages. Her work sells widely in Australia, the UK, the US and the Middle East. She has won and been shortlisted for many literary awards, including the Children's Book Council of Australia Award, the ALCS Educational Award (UK), the Living Now Award (US) and has five times been awarded a Nautilus Award (US) which is granted to 'books that change the world'. Kathy is best known for her writing on neurodiversity, in fiction and non-fiction. The simplicity, charm and insight of Kathy's books have made them must-haves for children and adults worldwide.

Reviews

Grade 3-5-Novels designed to teach or hammer home a point rarely qualify as excellent, or even good, literature. This is true of Hoopmann's book, written as a mystery but designed to help readers understand children with Asperger's Syndrome. The plot is contrived: Lisa's friendship with Great Aunt Hannah deepens as the girl learns how to make lace, as her aunt used to do. The mystery involves Hannah's old infatuation, when she was a servant-girl, with William, the landowner's son. Suddenly, zing! Lisa and her friend Ben find William through Internet searches and unite the two right there in the nursing home. Throughout, the author tosses in information about kids with Asperger's ("aspies"), their learning habits and behavioral quirks. Lacing together an awkward plot and adding some odd characters does not make a competent novel.
Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1843100711
• ISBN 13: 9781843100713
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128