Spaghetti Is Not a Finger Food: (and other life lessons)

The title – Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food (and other life lessons) – is the first thing that grabbed my attention, and then the happy innocence of the little boy on the front cover. For anyone not familiar with Asperger’s Syndrome, this book is such a great way to learn more about how it affects a child. The whole story is told through the voice of an eight-year-old boy who has Asperger’s Syndrome. Connor is happy, smart, eager, energetic, and gets into trouble easily because of how differently he relates to his surroundings. He doesn’t mean to, it just seems to happen. And it happens in innocent funny ways. The way Connor tells it is both amusing and informative. For example: after one incident at school, when he was sent – yet again – to the principal’s office, he dashed immediately to his favourite blue chair. It was smooth and calming for him. Obviously he had been there enough times before to have tried all the chairs, but it was not said that way, the reader understood it from the way Jodi Carmichael had Connor tell his experience. Here are the chapter titles: Mrs. Winters Does Not Like to Be Interrupted Girls Are Confusing Mr. O’Brien Does Not Believe Rules Are to Be Broken – Ever Smooth Things Are Calming Lunch Time Can Be Tricky A Library Voice Is Even Quieter Than an Inside Voice Stools Are for Standing on and Chairs Are for Sitting On Even Numbers Rule! Mrs. Rosetti Has the Best Smiley Face Feelings Are Confusing Not All People Are Dog People A Code Yellow Is Serious Business Stomach Swirls Can Be Both Good and Bad at the Same Time Kids Love Dog Tricks Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food (and other life lessons) by Jodi Carmichael is a very well-written book that educates while it entertains, while the illustrations by Sarah Ackerley add a wonderful dimension. Having the opportunity to see the world from Connor’s perspective is enlightening. Both children and adults can enjoy this chapter book and learn from it.

My wife and I both read this book and loved it. I read it to our kids as well and they also liked it. Both my oldest son and I have Asperger's Syndrome and the descriptions of Connor's interactions with everyone were spot-on. He never means to be rude or bad. He never intends to hurt anyone. However, he will have moments where he hyper-focuses on something to the exclusion of all else, especially other people. While other books might simply explain this "Connor thought etc, etc, etc.", Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food is told in Connor's voice. This means that his interests, reasoning, and frustrations are presented to the reader directly. I especially loved the sensory descriptions. Connor gets "bouncy" when he's happy, "red-hot" when upset, and more. Smooth items make him feel calm, but jagged items are hard to look at. At various times during reading the book, I'd stop and ask my oldest son if he felt like this from time to time. He was able to identify with Connor's feelings and we would often stop just as Connor's day became "discouraging" to talk about what else Connor could have done. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who works with Aspies, knows an Aspie, or just wants to learn more about people with Asperger's Syndrome.

As a parent of an Aspie, I could so relate to Connor's conclusions and confusions. How refreshing to see life through his eyes. It is a great book to give relatives, siblings and teachers of Aspies to read, to help them see situations from a different perspective. As my son says about himself, Yes, I am different. But different is good. I think we try too hard to conform ourselves and others into unrealistic moulds and lose sight of the fact that we are, by God's grace, ALL different and that is good. We can benefit from the Connors of this world! And, to top it off, the illustrations are also lovely.

We felt a bit disappointed with this book because we were expecting color on the Pages not just on the binding, exterior of the book. The paper is of a cheaper variety. On the plus side the book was not very expensive.

This book was not only entertaining and engaging, but also very poignant. Reading this helps every child learn empathy for others by understanding truth really is in the perspective. Children with Asperger's Syndrome and other forms of autism encounter many obstacles throughout their lives. Many can be overcome within a loving family and supportive environment. But, we all know "it takes a village". Eventually, these kids need to find their place among their peers - in schools and the communities they live in. This book helps parents and children alike be more tolerant and welcoming toward kids with challenges. Acceptance of others is a lesson that needs revisiting throughout our lives. Thank-you, Jodi, for bringing this hilarious, loveable character, Connor into our home and shedding light on a very misunderstood issue.

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food (and other life lessons) is a funny and light hearted approach to the challenges that a typical school day presents for a boy with Asperger's Syndrome. Our two daughters had many "laugh out loud" moments as we read and enjoyed this book together. They loved Connor for who he is, which speaks volumes for the author, Jodi Carmichael as she has successfully created a wonderful story about acceptance of others and embracing differences. A must read! It makes you want to jump up and cheer for Connor (and possibly shout "Ooga booga")!

I don't remember how I stumbled upon this book, but every time I read it, as an adult, I flood with that warm calm feeling of being truly understood. I recieved my ASD diagnosis as an adult so I spent over 20 years feeling so misunderstood and wrong because I had never been exposed to people like Conner or Mrs. R. A must have for any inclusive classroom and a must read for anyone who is or cares for someone who is on the spectrum.

Cute book. My boys enjoyed it.