Ian's Walk: A Story About Autism by Laurie Lears

Illustrated by Karen Ritz. 32p., Whitman, 2006. Siblings of children who have disabilities have challenges of their own. Julie's younger brother, Ian, has autistic disorder. As she, her older sister, Tara, and Ian walk to the park, she explains some of the ways that his sensory experiences differ from most people's, and in the process, expresses the impatience, embarrassment, and worry that she sometimes feels as a result. At the park, Ian wanders off when Julie isn't looking. To find him, she tries to think like Ian, and her understanding leads her to him. Relieved to find him, she is more patient and empathic on their way home, doing things the way he wants to and helping to keep him safe. He rewards her with a rare, brief smile. Illustrated with expressive, light-filled watercolors, this story offers empathy and acceptance to children who have an autistic sibling. Ages 6-9