A Manual for Marco: Living, Learning, and Laughing With an Autistic Sibling

Book Description

An eight-year old girl decides to make a list of all the things she likes and dislikes about dealing with her autistic brother, and in doing so realizes that she has created A Manual for Marco.

Illustrated by Iman Tejpar, Shaila Abdullah, Sophia Pirani, Aanyah Abdullah, and Aaliyana Abdullah.

Download A Manual for Marco Press kit

Twitter handle: #AManualforMarco

Lists

• 10 Recommended Autism Books for Kids on the Spectrum, Siblings and Friends, New Horizons Professional ABA Services

Reviews

“In a story inspired by a real-life family, Abdullah, who tackled cerebral palsy in My Friend Suhana, discusses life with an autistic sibling, as described by a girl named Sofia. Endnotes provide additional tips and information about interacting with those on the autism spectrum.”

–Publishers Weekly

“Through her genuine, caring accounts about growing up with an older, autistic brother, this eight-year-old also shows her love for her sibling who is special but sometimes does things that are not-so-special. I highly recommend this book written with sensitivity and beautifully illustrated.”

–Lorna d’Entremont, Special Needs Book Review

“Shaila Abdullah’s vivid writing quickly drew me into Sofia’s world. Readers will enjoy the journey with this perceptive narrator, who navigates her challenging situation with heart and a sense of humor.”

–Jacqueline Adams, author of more than 60 children’s books

“A Manual for Marco is a ‘must read’ for families or friends of an autistic child. Abdullah’s writing is clear, warm, and accessible. Even the youngest readers will be able to understand autism. Abdullah has the ability to show love under the worst circumstances, even when Marco’s sister realizes her treasures are probably in the toilet. The illustrations are delightful. A Manual for Marco is perfect for younger elementary students.”

–Gwendolyn Hooks, author of 17 books for young readers

“A Manual for Marco is the newest book, written and illustrated by Shaila Abdullah. The design and illustrations of this book are absolutely remarkable–it is hard to believe that children helped create them! This fabulous picture book is dedicated to the Ali family, who inspired the author to write this book.  A Manual for Marco is loving and clever, and funny, at times. Suitable for young children, A Manual for Marco would be helpful to children with autistic siblings, who may struggle at times with their feelings.  There are tips for parents by Dr. Salima Ali at the end of the book, as well as a list of online resources for families.” Full review

–Suko’s Notebook

“A Manual For Marco by Shaila Abdullah, illustrated by her and Iman Tejpar, is a frank look at what it is like to be a sibling of a challenged brother. Abdullah is doing important work, and her book is mature in its approach to how these kids relate to one another and how they think and feel.  It is a great book that not only can generate discussion between parents and children, but it also offers a bit about Abdullah’s inspiration for the story and some resources for parents.” Full review

–Serena M. Agusto-Cox, Savvy Verse and Wit

“Shaila Abdullah proves to be a great ambassador for autism, using explanations and warm, welcoming illustrations in A Manual for Marco that give a complex condition a simpler explanation. What a marvelous educational tool for kids (and adults) about a subject not found in children’s books. Impressive.”

–C. Hope Clark, award-winning author, The Carolina Slade Mysteries and The Edisto Beach Mysteries

“A Manual for Marco is a welcome addition to children’s literature that will help in introducing the condition of autism to young people and providing information that will enable them to understand a little more about it so that will not seem so scary.”

–Wayne Walker, Home School Book Reviews

“A Manual for Marco is an outstanding resource that will help educators, family members, children, friends, and siblings understand how to focus and deal with a child who is autistic. Not only do I recommend that this book be in every regular classroom, special ed, and in schools that focus on children with autism, but as a read aloud in classrooms for all children to learn more about autism and create discussion groups and possibly add more to the list of what you think others should know about dealing with children with autism.”

–Fran Lewis, former Reading and Writing Staff Developer at NYC Public Schools 

“It’s tough being a sister when your little brother is not the easiest kid to deal with. In fact, sometimes Marco is so difficult that it seems as though he should come with an instruction manual. That’s because Marco has autism, which makes him behave differently than other kids. Marco’s sister’s manual, with its delightful illustrations, explains that behavior. It also tells how to be helpful when it occurs, and most of all, reminds us of the reward of learning to treasure Marco for who he is. Once again, Shaila Abdullah has written a sensitive book about children with disabilities that should be of interest to all parents and children.”

–Gwen Florio, Author of MONTANA and DAKOTA

“A Manual for Marco is an appealing book for children that can support their learning and understanding about children different from themselves. In wise, yet witty and typically childlike language, Marco’s sister shares her experiences with the readers and her broad acceptance of her brother’s very different actions— while inspiring us, children and adults, to expand our humanity.”

–Shirley M. Hord, Ph.D., Scholar Laureate, Learning Forward