I have been recommended this book as a book about an autistic boy. After having read this book, however, I have come to a conclusion that Dibs is not autistic but severely emotionally disturbed. He exhibits some autistic traits because of his giftedness, but he is clearly not on the spectrum. Nonetheless, it is a brilliant book about a brilliant child. It moved me deeply, and from reading it I have learned quite a lot about play therapy and offering emotional support to people in general. ( )

This is one of my favourite books to read, very inspiring. I read it again recently now that i'm a mom, its just amazing how childrens minds work. I love when a story moves me. Its about play therapy, a child that is labeled mentally challenged but becomes/is extremely gifted. ( )

I read this book in 7th grade in less than 2 days. It was a fascinating study and helpful to me when I became older and worked with several autistic children. ( )

Great book! I read it a few times & I highly recommend it! ( )

My mum had this book on her book list while training to be a social worker. Looked interesting so i read it one day. WOW! This is not a text book...this could change your life. It could well break your heart! It is the story of what proves to be a very intelligent child and his therapist and the journey they make together. Amazing! ( )

Book Description
The classic of child therapy. Dibs will not talk. He will not play. He has locked himself in a very special prison. And he is alone. This is the true story of how he learned to reach out for the sunshine, for life . . . how he came to the breathless discovery of himself that brought him back to the world of other children. --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

From the Publisher
As a former teacher-turned-editor, who read DIBS many times before even coming to work here at Ballantine, I feel very connected to this book. The author is a leading authority on play therapy and the treatment of emotionally disturbed children. Dibs is one of these lost children. The story takes us through his long journey from being labeled as "mentally defective," to emerging as a gifted and lovable young man. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, a psychologist, or just someone who loves to actually feel what they're reading, DIBS is for you.

--Laura Paczosa, Editorial Assistant

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