Abstract

Daisy White was not crazy. Clumsy maybe, but definitely not crazy. In this exciting adventure story, Daisy, who has autism, defeats her bullies and overcomes her fears with the help of Buster, a very special rabbit. All is going well until a terrible fate threatens Daisy's new friend Cody. Will Daisy be able to gather her courage and special talents to save him?

Buster and the Amazing Daisy is not just a humorous and engaging story. It will also give its readers an insight into the hopes and dreams, as well as the fears and frustrations, of many children with autism.

In this exciting adventure story, Daisy, who has autism, defeats her bullies and overcomes her fears with the help of Buster, a very special rabbit. Buster and the Amazing Daisy is not just a humourous and engaging story, it will also give its readers an insight into the hopes and dreams, as well as the fears and frustrations, of many children with autism.
Inclusion Now
These books could be useful for working with a class where children with Asperger's are to be included. Staff would be reminded very powerfully of the young people's feelings and fears in being in class and school and how they will cope. The books could prompt discussions in class to help other pupils to understand more and, one hopes, target less children who are going to be different.
Rostrum
Although the plot is necessarily contrived, the writing is good, and the dialogue and character development make the book a pleasure to read. Schools with Asperger's students (that would be most of us) would do well to pitch this book.
School Library Journal
Nancy Ogaz is a writer and the mother of a child with Asperger's Syndrome. She counseled children with special challenges for ten years and completed a Master's Degree in Public Health. She lives with her family in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California in the USA.
Obviously, reading this book would be of benefit to any class in which there is a pupil with autism. However, not only does Ogaz raise other issues of disability, the whole question of inclusion is addressed. As a result, this story is suitable for any Primary school class in which these issues of equality, rights and a caring society are a theme. In addition, students studying to be primary teachers may find 'Daisy' helpful as a means of exploring behaviour and learning disability.
Escalate
Before any tale on Asperger's or any other topic can be taken seriously as a study of its subject matter, it must first of all work as a piece of fiction. This delightful little book does just that: Ogaz knows how to tell a good story!
Escalate
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would recommend it to young people aged between 9 and 12 years. I am sure those with Asperger Syndrome would be able to identify with some of Daisy's traits and the book could provide a focus for discussion about their own feelings of living with the condition.
Communication
Buster and the Amazing Daisy should be on the bookshelf of every elementary and middle school for children like Daisy, for classmates of children like Daisy, for teachers and administrators.
Paula Jacobsen, Child Psychotherapist, Private Practice, Associate Clinical Professor, Stanford University
I would highly recommend Buster and the Amazing Daisy to al children, young people, parents and teachers. It gives a wonderful insight into the difficulties and triumphs that all children experience.
Angie Northwood, Parent and Inclusion Manager, Early Years and Development Childcare Partnership
I chose to read this book because the girl in the story is very much like me. And she goes through a lot of the same things I go through every day!
Mark Root, Aspie