David Armitage (2) (1943–)

SUMMARY:
My Brother Sammy tells the story of a little boy whose brother has autism. It explains his misunderstandings and finally his realization that although his brother is different he is still a lot of fun, and maybe his way of doing things is not that bad.
PERSONAL REACTION:
I just recently decided to teach special education, and this book touched me beyond belief. It is incredible to think from the point of view from not only a family member, but the brother of someone with autism. show more Growing up with someone with special needs allows one to see that the stereotypes are unnecessary, and people with disabilities are simply people, just like everyone else.
EXTENSION IDEAS:
This is another great book to use when preparing a general education classroom for a special needs student entering their classroom. It is also a great addition to a lesson over stereotyping, or judging someone simply because they appear different. show less

I enjoyed the book. It describes the perspective of children with siblings who have disabilities and some emotions they may struggle with. I also like that the author gives a solution for children with disabilities and their siblings to come together with little issues. The pictures in the book are a bit hazy and it makes me feel that the older sibling is a bit unsure of the issues that his brother faces.

Sammy's brother wonders why Sammy can't go to school with him, doesn't play with his friends, or smash block towers instead of building towers. Their mom says it's because Sammy is special.
One day Sammy's brother is proud of a tower of blocks he has built, but Sammy runs into the room and knocks the tower down. Out of anger, Sammy's brother shouts that he wants s brother who can go to school with him, plays with his friends and doesn't smash block towers. He wants a brother that not special. show more Sammy points and says, special brother. Sammy's brother and his mom begin to make small adjustments in the way they spend their time in order to maintain Sammy and his brother's relationship.

The book has an accurate description of a child with autism. The story itself doesn't feel outdated but the use of the word special that the mom uses in reference to Sammy seems outdated. I still believe the book can be useful to help a young child find ways they can connect with a sibling who is disabled. show less

This book talks about how the narrators brother, Sammy, is different. It's repetitious on each page saying what Sammy does different and the mother letting the narrator know it's because he's special. Then the narrator wishing his brother could do what him and his friends are doing. He gets increasing frustrated with his brother and talks about how it isn't easy having a special brother. When Sammy knocks down his block tower, he gets so upset that he rants on about how he doesn't want a show more special brother and how he wants someone to do normal things with. He ends up seeing how being different isn't bad and it can be fun when they both build and knock down towers. I like how in this book, the narrator does the things Sammy likes doing. He didn't think they were fun or made sense but when he actually tried it with his brother, he saw how it's fun in a different way. "Don't knock it 'til you try it" is a phrase I'd use for this book. show less