Book Review: A Friend for Henry

 


1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bailey, J., & Song, M. (2019). A friend for henry. Chronicle Books. ISBN: 978-1452167916

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

In Classroom Six, second left down the hall, Henry has been on the lookout for a friend. A friend who shares. A friend who listens. Maybe even a friend who likes things to stay the same and all in order, as Henry does. But on a day full of too close and too loud, when nothing seems to go right, will Henry ever find a friend—or will a friend find him? With insight and warmth, this heartfelt story from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum celebrates the everyday magic of friendship.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This beautiful story shares the challenges children sometimes face when making new friends. I had to read it several times to understand the message and see some of Henry's challenges, but it is a sweet story. The story is very simple but clearly explains the struggles students face whether they are in the spectrum or not. I think I liked this story so much because anyone can relate to it. Even adults sometimes have challenges making new friends. I also liked that this story shared that making friends requires patience, understanding, and flexibility. As I read each page, and admired each illustration, I thought the author did a fantastic job of showing Henry’s disability and the characteristics Henry displayed were very accurate. For example, his difficulty making friends and how he dealt with anger. Another example was the way he perfectly set up each carpet piece square. I also think this book brings awareness to Autism, and it allows students to see themselves within the words of this book.

I really liked the illustrations. They were very warm, and the soft watercolors added to the sweetness of this story. I also thought Bailey did a fantastic job of illustrating the different emotions surrounding the story. We got to clearly see Henry’s frustrations when he was upset, and Mrs. Magoon was illustrated so perfectly and soothingly.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

- A 2020 Schneider Family Honor Book

Starred review in Publisher’s Weekly: “With sensitivity and thoughtfulness, Bailey explores Henry’s literal-minded, analytical personality… her portrayal of what autism might feel like from the inside rings true.”

Starred review in School Library Journal: “A simple, upbeat story that might inspire readers to seek out friendship.”

Starred review in Kirkus Reviews: “Whether on the spectrum or not, friends don't have to share everything, just enough, and this book sweetly provides.”

Starred review in Booklist: “As diagnosed children on the autistic spectrum increase, so does the need for informative and positive presentations such as this.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Engage students in a discussion about how to make friends and how they should treat friends. As students discuss, the teacher can create a Venn Diagram so students can easily understand what kids should and should not do when making friends.

*Engage students in activities that can be done to ease anger like breathing technics.  Students can also try some yoga poses to help calm them.  

*Other books about Autism:

Rudolph, S., Royer, D., Zivoin, J., Coman, D. C., & Braaten, E. (2015). All my stripes: A story for children with autism. Magination Press, American Psychological Association.

ISBN: 978-1433819162

Cook, J., & DuFalla, A. (2018). Uniquely wired: A story about autism and its gifts. Boys Town Press.

ISBN: 978-1944882198

This book review was written for an SHSU MLA course. 

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