Product Description

The sequel to "Blue Bottle Mystery", this is a science-fiction novel for children, with a difference. Ben is learning to cope with his newly diagnosed Asperger Syndrome, but when an alien crash-lands in his back yard, things get complicated. The alien, Spick, knows nothing about Earth's rules and norms and it is up to Ben and his friend Andy to help Spick survive. The humorous parallels between the alien's inability to relate to humans and Ben's own idiosyncrasies highlight the difficulties that children with Asperger's Syndrome face every day. As well as being a good read, this book provides a teaching tool that demystifies children with Asperger's Syndrome, justifying their individuality as valid and interesting.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19442 in Books
• Published on: 2001-09-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 108 pages

Customer Reviews

Easy To Read, Inspiring, and Heart-warming!
I guess Kathy Hoopmann quite specifically tells you the following characteristics of Asperger syndrome(AS):
1. People with AS easily get confused when things change without notice.
2. They take everything literally, but don't understand the implications.
3. They are really into their own interests, especially net surfing and playing alone.
4. They aren't good enough to understand social cues, other people's feelings, unwritten rules, and non-verbal communication.
5. They may hurt others even unless they intend to.

This story is not only for Aspies(People with AS) but parents, teachers, friends, bosses,and colleagues who often deal with Aspies. As long as NT(=neuro-typical) people understand the 5 characteristics above, they will find it easier to interact with Aspies.
Particularly, No.5 is extremely important for educating and parenting AS kids. Ben gave Zeke what his family members needed because Ben thought Zeke wanted them. "How would you feel if we gave your computer away to a man we just met because he said he wanted one?" - I felt Sue hit the nail right on the head! This is exactly what you must keep in mind. Ben certainly didn't mean to upset their family and wanted to please Zeke, but he got into trouble after his family found it. So I bet the story tells us how to learn from mistakes and stop making the same mistakes again.
Prof. Tony Attwood said in the interview with Dr. Michelle Garnett , "When you deal with the people with Asperger's syndrome, it's a treasure." This book reminded me of the interview, which encouraged me to deepen my understanding on both the pros and cons of AS. Therefore, as an adult Aspie, please don't alienate Aspies just because they are different from other people! And I would like you to know that they have talents to improve their potentials especially like No.3.
Finally, don't label the story 'childish' just because it's for AS kids!

sequel as good as Blue Bottle Mystery
Having read Blue bottle mystery a hundred times I had to try the sequel and was not disappointed. My Son has Aspergers and is now 10, and we have read both books over and over and he loves them and really identifies with Ben and his plight. The stories are wonderful, sad and funny and identify issues in a kind way that the reader understands. Some old classmates read the books too and were saying, "Ok, now we get it!" It is a reasurring read for any child trying to understand themselves, or their diagnosis.