Sam Frender is a first time author…not bad for an eight-year old. He has an older brother with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS). His book explores his feelings about having a brother with AS. It is the first book written by a child for other children to help them understand the complicated emotions having a disabled sibling can produce. The book is entitled, BROTHERLY FEELINGS: Me, My Emotions, and My Brother with Asperger’s Syndrome by Sam Frender and Robin Schiffmiller, illustrations by Dennis Dittrich (March 2007, Jessica Kingsley Publishers; Paperback Original, $14.95; ISBN: 978-1-84310-850-4; 64 pages).
Sam’s mom and co-author, Robin Schiffmiller, describes the conclusions Sam reaches through writing BROTHERLY FEELINGS: “He realizes that his feelings are perfectly natural and acceptable, and that he can only have a healthy, long-term relationship with his brother if he addresses those feelings.” The authors hope that other children will relate to Sam’s emotional journey and feel the freedom to express themselves.
AS children can also benefit from the book. It helps them understand the point-of-view of their family members, which is often difficult for Aspies. Eric, Sam’s brother, enjoyed BROTHERLY FEELINGS. In a final note, Sam writes about his reaction, “… he said it was hard to read about himself, but he was smiling. He told me that he liked my book. He told me that I did a good job. I felt proud.”
Sam Frender is a second grader. He lives in North Carolina with his parents, his older brother, Eric who has Asperger’s Syndrome, and his two cats. His hobbies are listening to music, telling jokes, playing with Lego, and reading. He is very interested in math, science, and art. When he grows up, he would like a career that will enable him to help people.
Robin Schiffmiller is Eric and Sam’s mother. She founded a Sibling Support Group for children with siblings on the Autism Spectrum, and is the Director of Sibling Support for a local chapter of the Autism Society of North Carolina.
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Jessica Kingsley Publishers specializes in producing accessible professional and academic books in the social and behavioral sciences. In 2007, Jessica Kingsley Publishers was named both the Academic & Professional Publisher of the Year and the overall Independent Publisher of the Year at the Independent Publishing Awards in London. The prizes coincide with Jessica Kingsley Publishers' 20th year as an independent company. Jessica Kingsley books are available worldwide through distributors, local bookstores and online bookstores. The company has offices in London and Philadelphia. More information can be found at www.jkp.com. |
