Spaceman

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

A boy comes to terms with his learning disabilities, shedding his need to "space out," in this unsentimental story, refreshing for its "crisp, brisk storytelling," said PW. Ages 8-12. (July) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

This refreshing book focuses on a boy who triumphs, but whose definition of success is unique. Gary is failing every subject in fifth grade. His teachers yell at him, other boys harass him, and his dad is angrily impatient with him. His only escape? "Gary was spacing out, staring out the window, showing them he wasn't paying attention and that he hadn't heard a single word they'd said." No magic wish, lucky penny or superstar sports ability surfaces to rescue Gary and turn him into a hero. On the contrary, he is diagnosed as having "special learning styles" and, because of his behavior problems, is sent to the county's special-needs class. Cutler (Family Dinner; No Dogs Allowed) shows how Gary comes to terms with his learning disabilities. At his new school the teacher slowly helps him create a safe space where for the first time he can make some friends and has no need to "space out." The deft portrayal of threatened parents, unusual children and impatient teachers populates this book with interesting minor characters. To her great credit, the author avoids sentimentalization of Gary and the other special-needs students. Instead, she uses the occasion for crisp, brisk storytelling. Ages 9-13. (Mar.)

Children's Literature - Meredith Kiger

Gary is a fifth grader with special learning needs. When Gary has difficulty learning and getting along with his fellow classmates, he is moved from the regular classroom to a classroom that is especially for those children with special learning needs. Gary's usual response to challenging situations, both academic and social, was to space out and pretend that they didn't occur. Being in a less structured classroom with similar children and an understanding and knowledgeable teacher provides the atmosphere for Gary's skills and self esteem to improve. This story is a wonderful approach to helping children of all abilities understand the differences in all of us. Accurate descriptions of how it looks and feels to be unusual as well as the enlightened approach of the teacher make this book highly recommended. The portrayal of the stresses on family life and the school's role in facilitating understanding is an added plus.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6Gary, a fifth grader, has multiple learning problems. He is nicknamed "spaceman" because he copes with peer taunts and scholastic pressures by emptying his mind and "spacing out." His divorced parents don't think he needs extra help, but the school authorities decide to switch him to a full-time special education classroom. There, in an unconventional teaching environment, he begins to blossom. He makes friends with Jesse, who is always running away, and with Amanda, who is training a puppy to be a guide dog. Through Gary's "newcomer" eyes, readers get an inside view of a special education classroom conducted by a gifted and talented teacher. Mrs. Block pinpoints Gary's learning difficulties and begins to provide ways to help him learn. This novel would make an interesting classroom read-aloud to encourage discussion and promote empathy towards those who have different learning styles.Janet M. Bair, Trumbull Library, CT