By Benjamin Giroux and Illustrated by Roz MacLean
"I am odd, I am new. I wonder if you are too. I hear voices in the air. I see you don't, and that's not fair."
Step into the world of Benjamin Giroux, a 10-year-old boy with autism, as he invites readers to see life from his perspective. In this picture book, Benjamin's poem, which he composed during a school assignment, takes center stage.
When Benjamin's parents shared his poem with friends and family, they could not have anticipated that the poem would go viral. Now, for the first time, I Am Odd, I Am New is brought to life in an illustrated picture book that captures Benjamin's world view.
Through the eyes of 10-year-old Benjamin Giroux, being odd is different, and different is a good thing. This is what the then fifth-grader hoped to convey in his poem, beginning every few sentences with "I am,” about what it is like to live with autism.
Inspired by a school assignment, Benjamin’s raw and emotional words poured out onto the page, but when he feared they were not any good, his parents shared the poem with friends and family.
Little did they know that it would go viral and end up inspiring thousands of strangers who identified with him to share their support.
Now for the first time, Benjamin’s iconic poem "I Am Odd, I Am New," comes to life in this lovingly illustrated picture book with a foreword written by the National Autism Association. So whether you know the poem, or it is new to you, discover how Benjamin's honesty will reassure children of all ages that it's okay to be different.
Prominently features social and emotional development. Beautifully captures the inner thoughts of a young boy living with autism. Featuring a foreword by the National Autism Association, this extraordinary picture book shows readers the world through the eyes of a boy with autism.
Children will be reassured that everyone is different, and that different is a quality we should all embrace. Written by a 10-year-old boy on the autism spectrum.
Size: 8.0in x 10.5in | Pages: 32 | 14 color images
Binding: Hardback
Ages 5 to 8
