This year I plan to read all the GA Book Award Nominees and provide a “one stop” resource for teachers who would like to use these books in their classrooms. I will be posting links to author Web sites, teacher’s guides, and related Web links. I hope to make this an unbiased resource, so I will not be providing my own review of the books–other than recommending it as a read aloud (or not).
The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous
by: Suzanne Crowley
Summary: In the small town of Jumbo, Texas, thirteen-year-old Merilee, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, tries to live a “very ordered existence,” but disruptions begin when a boy and his father arrive in town and the youngster makes himself a part of the family.
Author Web Site: http://www.suzannecrowley.com
Other Author Resources:
School Library Journal Article: The Voices of Autism (August 1, 2009)
Author Interview about The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous and Writing @ Cynsations
Multimedia Resources:
Link to Audio Excerpt of The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous @ Harper Collins Web Site
Teacher’s Guide: Not Currently Available
Related Links: Autism-Asperger’s Syndrome
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Fact Sheet (Introduction to Asperger’s Syndrome)
ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education: Asperger Syndrome FAQ
General Information about Asperger’s Syndrome @ kidshealth.org
Related Links: Dragons
Dragon Links from The Dragon Theme Page (Created by Jerri S. Cheek at the ETTC, Kennesaw State University) Lots and lots of Web resources!!
Related Links: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Characteristics of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (University of Illinois at Chicago)
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Information @ the Mayo Clinic Web Site
Related Links: Ghost Lights
Earth Lights: Spooklights and Ghost Lights
Haunted Georgia: Surrency Ghost (A Local Legend)
Read Aloud Recommendation: In my opinion, it takes quite a few chapters to understand the complexities of the characters in this story, and therefore, it may not be the best story for reading aloud with younger students. More mature students could handle the slower pace of the story as the characters develop. I recommend this book for older students, grades 5 and up. It is a wonderful story if readers can hang in there.