Hello to me! by Janeen Brian. Illus. by Kurt Bosecke and Jake Holmes
In Janeen Brian’s experienced and capable hands the story of Joanna unfolds. Joanna is bright, strong and brave. This book shows a week in her life as she goes about her usual activities, probably different from those undertaken by most readers, but shining a light on the reasons for Joanne having a tent, and sometimes a carer who takes her shopping or helps her learn to swim, or takes her to the playground. Joanna is autistic and cannot communicate using her voice, but can make her feelings known with crying or thrashing about.
Janeen Brian cleverly shows what happens during the week. Each day, students will see what Joanne does, who is with her and how she spends that day. Each day’s activities reflect the limits of her abilities, and how she and the people there to help her, manage her behaviour.
She has a tent in her bedroom, a quiet space which gives her a refuge when things become overwhelming.
Joanne cannot speak and is deaf, although she has special hearing aids. On Monday, she meets her friend, Jude at school. Jude has autism and cannot speak. The teacher uses special signs to ask them to come inside, after they have played together.
On Tuesday, Joanne meets her carer, Amy who takes her on trips on the tram or the playground or an animal farm. Today is important as Amy is teaching her how to ride her scooter.
On Wednesday, Joanne goes to the pool and her friend Seb is teaching her to swim. She has been trying to get her to put her head under water. After a few attempts, ending in tears, she conquers her fear.
On Thursday, Joanne is invited to Juno’s house. Together the girls dance to the music. Juno has limited sight and uses a mobility cane.
Friday is shopping day with Amy, and at the mall, they must be careful of crowds and noise. Joanne can be overwhelmed by the noise and number of people, resulting in tears and thrashing about. Amy knows that she must hold on to Joanne until she calms down.
Each day outlines her activities and shows the procedures in place to help her. On the weekend, she sees many of her friends, goes to the beach while Sunday is spent with her family.
Readers will see from each day’s activities how Joanne spends her days, and so develop an understanding of what autism means for some children. From this understanding will come compassion and friendship.
Bright illustrations support the text, helping the reader understand what the disability means for Joanne and her friends.
Themes: Disability, Autism, Carers, School.
Fran Knight