Isaac and His Amazing Asperger Superpowers!

PreS-Gr 2—Walsh's sweet and significant picture book depicts Asperger's syndrome as a superpower that makes its protagonist, a young boy named Isaac, different than his peers. The first-person narrative frames Asperger's syndrome in positive and cheerful way, with Isaac saying that "it just means my brain works a little differently." The book is an accessible introduction to the syndrome for younger children, describing the positive and more challenging aspects of Isaac's Asperger's superpowers. For example, the narrative depicts Isaac's wonderful memory and energy and his sensitivity to particular sounds and difficulties making eye contact. The simple, straightforward language used throughout is supported by the bright, colorful, and expressive illustrations. These images, along with the kid-friendly superhero theme, work together to craft a story that is informative and engaging. A helpful list of links about Asperger's and autism spectrum disorder directed at educators is appended.