The Boy Who Ate Stars

The overall writing in this story was dreamy and light. The topic of autism is a delicate and heavy issue with no black and white, as every autistic child, like any other child, is unique. The author gave a distinctive look into the life of one autistic child- through the eyes of a child. The narrator, Lucy, is a twelve year old girl who told the story as a child would tell it. Her inquisitive personality is reminiscent of Scout Finch. I agree with another reviewer who said it jumps scenes. Yet, to keep in the world of a child, when they tell a story, the lesser details disappear. As I tell a story I get caught up in details of little importance. I felt the story flowed well and I didn't get caught between the time warps. The way in which Lucy discovered the world around her was with dreamy revelations of each mystery. The connection between Matthew and his nanny was explained that "Either Maougo (the nanny) was a fairy in disguise, hiding under her blond hair, or her past life had made her so wise that now she understood everything." The review that complained about the definitions of Autism that were given are exactly the purpose of the book. These are the definitions that Lucy is given, and she sets out to prove them wrong. Lucy rewrites the dictionary definition in the book and passes on to the reader a wonder and respect of those with Autism. Her enthusiasm and curiosity is contagious, maybe we still don't completely understand, but I feel it intrigues us to look for more. The reviewer also complained about the books remarks about autism affecting communication. This was another goal of Lucy's. Although Matthew was non-verbal she remarked about all the different ways Matthew did communicate, ending one chapter with: "I'll eat my hat if that's not communication." This book is not a good guide to teach children exactly "What is Autism?" However, it helps to move a person a little closer into an unknown world and to be more open and receptive to the complexities behind autism. This book was chosen as an alternate book in my book club this month, when I found the book I wondered why they chosen a children's book, but as soon as I started, until I read the last words, I completely understood that not all children's books are only for children.

I would like to disagree with the other reviews. I thought this book was thought provoking and gave beautiful insights about autism. The fact that this book was translated also did not bother me. Sure, there were a few sentences that were a little strange, but seeing as how the author comes from a different country I can forgive that. I love reading books from foreign authors because they offer a different perspective which is something all children should experience. I could not possibly expect the author to explain all of the dissimilarities between her culture and my own and vice versa. If you don't get it, do some research. Yes, autistic people do communicate, but it is not in a usual way. Lucy, the narrator of the story, knows this and is determined to show everyone that Matthew "talks" in his own unique language. When he plays with people's hair he is communicating to the outside world. Overall, I thought 'The Boy Who Ate Stars' was a wonderful read. Kochka did a great job of depicting the relationship between an empathetic girl and a boy with autism. This book is a good example how friendship can change how we experience the world. I would consider this a must-read for children and adults.