crystal_reading's review
3.0
There is a thought-provoking post about this book over on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B2ce5BmnrK1/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet. One of the issues is the avoidance of the term disability and another is the involvement of Autism Speaks. I think this book has value as a conversation starter around the many ways people identify themselves and about the appropriateness of asking people about differences we may notice.
hereistheend's review
4.0
Just Ask! features kids with different health/body differences, such as autism, diabetes, blindness, or ADHD. Sotomayor seeks to normalize both kids who feel or are seed as different, as well as talking about our differences. Accessibility isn’t just about technology and the width of door frames— it’s about welcoming one another into spaces, recognizing one another’s worths and abilities, and celebrating differences as powers. The book is a little informational in a conversational tone, but mostly feels loving and inviting. This is complimented by the vibrant, warm art full of kids enjoying themselves in a garden. Just Ask! is a valuable book for every child, whether they also have a difference, or we all need a reminder to love and respect every being, and never “in spite of.”
therainbowshelf's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
A sweet picture book taking a look at different types of ability differences people have. They cover wheelchair use, autism, diabetes, and many others in the context of a group of diverse kids doing garden work together.
Content Warnings
Minor: Medical content
ginabbina's review
5.0
The framing of this book is that gardens have all different kinds of plants like fruits, flowers, grasses; some plants need shade, some need lots of watering, etc. Then there's a page for each kid explaining something about themselves, like a blind kid, an autistic kid, a kid who uses a wheelchair. The main theme is diversity, and each kid explains how they're like other kids, in addition to what's different about them. It's a bit more informational than other similar books.
It's a bit wordy for a picture book, I'd guess appropriate for early elementary school. The art is really cute.
It's a bit wordy for a picture book, I'd guess appropriate for early elementary school. The art is really cute.
rryep's review
5.0
**Commentary
+Nonfiction
+Main Topics: Differently Abled Individuals, Physical & Mental Disability, Cultural
+BIPOC characters
+biPOC Author, Differently Abled
+Author Note
+Monarch Award 2021
+Nonfiction
+Main Topics: Differently Abled Individuals, Physical & Mental Disability, Cultural
+BIPOC characters
+biPOC Author, Differently Abled
+Author Note
+Monarch Award 2021
msgabbythelibrarian's review
5.0
This book win the Schneider Family Book Award for its artistic expression of the disability experience.
What a wonderful book about differences in children--from those who are blind and deaf, to those with ADD and Tourettes, to those who have Downs Syndrome or Diabetes. It is a wonderful conversation starter for children. It brings "tough topics" into light and actually a light that is approachable and accessible.
Definitely a fan!!
What a wonderful book about differences in children--from those who are blind and deaf, to those with ADD and Tourettes, to those who have Downs Syndrome or Diabetes. It is a wonderful conversation starter for children. It brings "tough topics" into light and actually a light that is approachable and accessible.
Definitely a fan!!
jesy's review
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Great way to open conversations about people's different medical needs and the medical tools that might assist with some daily needs. My kids liked seeing asthma and dyslexia represented as they often feel that not many know what challenges they might be fighting to overcome because of these medical conditions.
I love the idea of encouraging kids to ask questions about others while also respecting that not everyone is comfortable sharing. Im glad she included the encouragement to talk to parents and teachers to learn more about people's differences.
I love the idea of encouraging kids to ask questions about others while also respecting that not everyone is comfortable sharing. Im glad she included the encouragement to talk to parents and teachers to learn more about people's differences.