In So Many Words

Special Diets for Special Kids
Volumes 1 and 2 Combined

by Lisa Lewis, Ph.D.
Future Horizons, 2011
375 pages

About the Book

Praised as a modern-day classic by celebrities and readers all over the world, the first edition of Special Diets for Special Kids has been helping children and adults with autism, ADHD, celiac disease, and other disorders since 1998. Special Diets for Special Kids Two followed up in 2001 by providing more recipes and updated research.

Now, this revised and expanded edition offers both books in one, complete with the latest research, revised recipes, and color photos throughout!

The first part of the book describes dietary intervention in detail, from both a scientific and a personal approach (the author’s son has autism and has been on a GFCF diet for many years). In a nutshell, certain enzymes are required to break down gluten and casein. If those enzymes don’t function well, or are not present at sufficient levels, serious neurological problems can result. Studies have shown that children with autism have a marked deficiency of these enzymes, which may explain why GFCF diets have yielded positive results for many children.

Among many other helpful topics, Dr. Lewis explains:

• The Biology behind Dietary Interventions
• “Leaky Gut”
• Allergies, Sensitivities, and Intolerances
• Antibiotics and Probiotics
• Vitamins and Minerals
• Testing and Nutritional Support
• Other Diets and Interventions
• How to Go GFCF

The second part of the book is an easy-to-follow cookbook. This section contains nearly 200 recipes, including many you would have never thought possible on a GFCF diet, such as:

• Banana-Nut Pancakes
• Blueberry Muffins
• Tortillas/Wraps
• Chicken Nuggets
• Shepherd’s Pie
• Mock Mac and Cheese
• Chili
• Turkey Dressing
• Cakes and Cookies
• And many, many more!

Best of all, this book comes with a FREE CD of printable recipes, so you can easily print out recipes as you use them and keep the book away from counter spills and drips!

My Thoughts

As anyone who has been involved with the GFCF diet knows, there is often much more involved than just eliminating gluten and casein. Other food sensitivities and digestive issues often exist and require specific types of adjustments with diet and supplements to see improvement in a child’s health. In the first fifty-plus pages of this book, Lewis gives an overview of many of the related issues and provides a solid foundation for both the why and how of a special diet.

The rest of the book is a colorful explosion of recipes, ranging from the three main meals a day to holiday treats and desserts with lots of other stuff in between. Everyone should find something to tempt their child’s taste buds and/or texture requirements!

Discount Opportunity: If you order Special Diets for Special Kids directly from Future Horizons, you can use the code INTERRUPTED to receive 15% off and free shipping in the continental US.

Note: I received a review copy of this book for free, but all opinions are my own. I am an affiliate of Future Horizons and receive a small amount of compensation for any sales made using the promotional code provided. You can use the code INTERRUPTED when ordering books or other materials – or even conference registrations – to receive 15% off plus free shipping in the continental US.

It’s been a good month for reading. I am starting to get into ebooks a bit more, although it’s still disconcerting at times not to have the feel a real book gives you.

I have posted a few more reviews at 5 Minutes for Books since last month’s post. My favorite was a short novel by teaching pastor Stephen Arterburn called The Encounter – very powerful story. I also really enjoyed Susan May Warren’s new novel The Shadow of Your Smile and got in some useful nonfiction reading with 7 Money Rules for Life by Mary Hunt.

My most recent read was Gun Games by Faye Kellerman. Loved it, although I know it won’t be to everyone’s taste! While I’m still writing up that review, here are my thoughts of some of the other books I’ve read over the last month:

The Litigators by John Grisham – Not as gripping or fast-paced as some other Grisham books, but had some enjoyable moments. I’m not sure what it was specifically, but I just didn’t find that the characters or their problems pulled me in as much as I usually find with his stories. Still highly recommended compared to much of what is out there, just not my favorite of his. 3 out of 5 stars.

Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata (2005 Newbery Medal Winner) – The writing seemed flat to me, and the outcome of the book seemed a foregone conclusion. Perhaps it might have been a better short story – the only part I really liked what the description of the word “kira-kira” in the beginning of the book. 1 out of 5 stars.

The Baker’s Wife by Erin Healy – Tough book to review, as my opinion on it kept changing. There’s something about Healy’s writing that kept me coming back even when I wasn’t sure I would pick the book up again. I found the characters of Audrey and Diane to be mesmerizing, while the rest seemed woefully underdeveloped by comparison. I thought there would be much more of a sense of urgency throughout the book as well, but I only really sensed it toward the end. 3 out of 5 stars.

Beauty and the Werewolf (Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, Book 6) by Mercedes Lackey – I think this was my favorite of this whole series so far. I read it in less than a day and enjoyed it thoroughly! Although it is essentially the tale of Beauty and the Beast, it opens with hints of Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood and alludes to a number of other traditional tales as well. Isabella was the most intelligent and likable heroine in the 500 Kingdoms. I would definitely recommend this book. Reading the first book in the series might be a good idea, although not mandatory, as it would give you some background on how things work with Godmothers, the Tradition and such. 5 out of 5 stars.

Long Drive Home by Will Allison – This short but powerful novel is gripping in its intensity. The main character is a work-at-home dad who learns firsthand how seemingly insignificant choices can change your life, and that of your family, forever. 4 out of 5 stars.

Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey – Personally, I started reading the book without realizing that it was part of a series, and I don’t feel like I missed a thing. I was instantly drawn into the action and found the characters to be well-drawn and intriguing. I always enjoy reading Tricia’s books (and not just because we share a first name!), but I think the co-writing effort with Mike Yorkey added another dimension to the story, and it was great. I am definitely planning to go back and read the first book now. 4 out of 5 stars.

To read more posts or join in yourself, visit What’s On Your Nightstand? at 5 Minutes for Books.

How about you – what was your favorite read this month?

Chasing Mona Lisa is the continuing tale of Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler (first introduced in book one in this stand alone series, The Swiss Courier). This time they are on a relentless quest to save the most famous painting in the world – the Mona Lisa. You can help Gabi and Eric with your very own spy pack when you enter The Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway (details at the bottom of this post)!

About the Book
It is August 1944 and Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country, stealing countless pieces of art. Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all, the Mona Lisa, as a post-war bargaining chip to get him to South America. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue DaVinci’s masterpiece before it falls into German hands?

With nonstop action, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get readers’ adrenaline pumping as they join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh country chateau, the race is on–and the runners are playing for keeps.

Read an excerpt, watch a video and find out more here.

My Review
Personally, I started reading the book without realizing that it was part of a series, and I don’t feel like I missed a thing. I was instantly drawn into the action and found the characters to be well-drawn and intriguing.

I always enjoy reading Tricia’s books (and not just because we share a first name!), but I think the co-writing effort with Mike Yorkey added another dimension to the story, and it was great. I am definitely planning to go back and read the first book now.

For some other reviews, check out the rest of the blog tour. Also check out Lauren’s review at 5 Minutes for Books, as she has two copies of the book to give away as well!

About the Authors
Tricia Goyer is the coauthor of The Swiss Courier as well as the author of many other books, including Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights, both past winners of the ACFW’s Book of the Year Award for Long Historical Romance. Goyer lives with her family in Arkansas. For more about Tricia and her other books visit www.triciagoyer.com.

Mike Yorkey is the author or coauthor of dozens of books, including The Swiss Courier and the bestselling Every Man’s Battle series. Married to a Swiss native, Yorkey lived in Switzerland for 18 months. He and his family currently reside in California. For more about Mike and his other books visit www.mikeyorkey.com.

About the Giveaway and Party

One passionate protector will receive:

• iTouch (The must-have device for any spy. Camera, Maps & Music.)
• Starbucks Gift Card (For all those late nights.)
• Moleskin Notebook (For those important notes.)
• Invisible Ink Pen (Don’t want anyone reading those important notes.)
• Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey (Great handbook and intriguing tale for any spy-in-training!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on January 31st. Winner will be announced at Chasing Mona Lisa Facebook Party on 1/31. Tricia and Mike will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from Tricia’s website) and giving away copies of their books and a book club prize pack (10 copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Tricia and Mike).

So grab your copy of Chasing Mona Lisa and join Tricia and Mike on the evening of the 31st for an author chat, spy training (How much do you know about WWII?) and lots of giveaways.

Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!

Thank you to Litfuse and Revell for a review copy of this book.

Exploring Feelings
Cognitive Behavior Therapy to Manage Anxiety

by Dr. Tony Attwood
Future Horizons, 2004
79 pages

Winner of a 2008 Teachers’ Choice Award!

About the Book

Anxiety can be debilitating for anyone, but it can be especially confusing for a child. Learning about emotions helps children recognize connections between thinking and feeling, and helps them identify the physiological effects of anxiety on the body (sweating, increased heart rate, crying, etc.).

This book provides a guide for caregivers and then the workbook section allows children to identify situations that make them anxious and learn how to perceive the situation differently.

My Thoughts

From what I can tell, the book seems to be set up in a format that would be easy for a psychologist or other group leader to implement. The opening section provides a good overview of the goals and methods used, followed by a section with all the worksheets needed for the six sessions, and ending with a breakdown of the timeline and resources needed for the facilitator.

As Dr. Attwood explains, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) focuses on aspects of both cognitive deficiency and cognitive distortion, both of which are seen in people on the autism spectrum. To address these areas, the program starts with affective education, the goal of which is “to learn why we have emotions, their use and misuse and the identification of different levels of expression.” From there, it moves on to cognitive restructuring, which “enables the child or adult to correct distorted conceptualizations and dysfunctional beliefs.”

Another great strategy that is used is the introduction of an emotional toolbox, or collection of ways to fix the problems associated with negative emotions. There can be a variety of types of tools, including physical, relaxation, social, thinking, sensory, special interest, etc. Inappropriate tools are also discussed to help the participants learn to evaluate when and how a tool should be used (or not used).

I am extremely impressed by this book and could see it being used effectively with kids who have developed some skills in identifying their own emotions and who are willing to engage in group activities on this topic. At age 9, I don’t think my son would be quite ready for this, but I could see him benefiting from it within a few years (or possibly from a modified version now).

Discount Opportunity: If you order Exploring Feelings directly from Future Horizons, you can use the code INTERRUPTED to receive 15% off and free shipping in the continental US. There is also an Exploring Feelings workbook focused on managing anger.

Note: I received a review copy of this book for free, but all opinions are my own. I am an affiliate of Future Horizons and receive a small amount of compensation for any sales made using the promotional code provided. You can use the code INTERRUPTED when ordering books or other materials – or even conference registrations – to receive 15% off plus free shipping in the continental US.

Getting control of your finances is a common resolution at this time of year, especially for those of us now facing the bills from the holiday season. In 7 Money Rules for Life: How to Take Control of Your Financial Future, Mary Hunt, founder of Debt-Proof Living, offers a common-sense plan for cleaning up a financial mess as well as planning for the future.

Drawing on her own experience, Mary shows how to get out of debt, prioritize where your money is going, and be prepared for the unexpected. Read the rest of my review at 5 Minutes for Books.

The Shadow of Your Smile is the newest offering in the Deep Haven series by Susan May Warren. Although I have read several of the other books in the series, it has been a while and I don’t recall many of the details, so I was glad that this story stood on its own.

Read the rest of my review, and enter to win one of two copies we are giving away, at 5 Minutes for Books.

Also, Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28. Be sure to click on the image below for more details.

The New Social Story Book, Revised and Expanded 10th Anniversary Edition
Over 150 Social Stories!

by Carol Gray
Future Horizons, 2010
265 pages

About the Book

Social Stories™ provide REAL social understanding! Carol Gray developed the Social Story™ in 1991 to promote social understanding in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Now, nearly twenty years after their inception, Social Stories have become a standard approach for teachers and parents all over the globe, and the stories are more effective than ever!

This 10th Anniversary Edition of The New Social Story™ Book offers over 150 of the most requested Social Stories, each one professionally written by Carol Gray. But it doesn’t end there—Carol also teaches you how to write Social Stories yourself! Years of experience and trial-and-error have led to updated Story guidelines. Carol explains her fine-tuned process in the included ten-step learning module The Social Story™ 10.1 Tutorials—perfect for parents and teachers!

INSIDE ARE GEMS SUCH AS:

• Mistakes Can Happen on a Good Day
• It Was Fun but Now We’re Done
• When It Is My Turn to Listen
• Saying What I Think with Respect
• Learning to Respond to Bullying
• Telling My Teacher about a Problem
• Fire Drills at School
• Moving to a New Home
• Children Grow Kind Of Slow
• The Truth about Messes
• This Place is Busy
• and DOZENS MORE!

PLUS, to jump-start your story-writing journey, this book comes with a CD containing each Social Story in ready-to-print PDFs AND easy-to-edit Word files! With the CD, you can customize story content and insert images relevant to your child or student’s individual experiences. An invaluable bonus!

My Thoughts

I can’t tell you how fast I jumped at the opportunity to review this book! I have loved Carol Gray and Social Stories for years and am so thankful for teachers and therapists who have helped me write stories for my son on a variety of topics.

With these resource, I can definitely take it to the next level. Not only can I use the stories in the book as they are, I can also modify them for specific situations using the included CD, or I can follow the 10-step tutorial in the beginning of the book to write my own custom social stories.

My son and I have actually read sections of it as part of our bedtime routine and have been able to refer back to them when we encounter a challenging event during the day. Just recently, he has been having more difficulty with handling games, and I was able to print out the relevant stories to be read before games are played both at school and at home. Such an incredible tool to have at hand when it is needed!

Discount Opportunity: If you order The New Social Story Book directly from Future Horizons, you can use the code INTERRUPTED to receive 15% off and free shipping in the continental US.

Note: I received a review copy of this book for free, but all opinions are my own. I am an affiliate of Future Horizons and receive a small amount of compensation for any sales made using the promotional code provided. You can use the code INTERRUPTED when ordering books or other materials – or even conference registrations – to receive 15% off plus free shipping in the continental US.

Acceptance. Forgiveness. Grace. Profound topics that are deftly woven into this powerful short novel about a man searching for the truth.

In The Encounter, teaching pastor Stephen Arterburn introduces us to the character of Jonathan Rush. Jonathan is a successful entrepreneur with a much less successful personal life, and he has come to Fairbanks, Alaska on the advice of his counselor. His task–to find out as much as he can about the mother who gave him up as a young boy.

Read the rest of my review at 5 Minutes for Books.

Thank you to all of those who commented on my New Year’s post. I appreciate you all so much!

I actually ended my year with a fun-filled trip to the vet, complete with cats escaping from the carrier before I could get them out to the car and lugging said carrier with 27 lbs of cat inside into the building for their exams.

We were there quite a while, and after much exploration, Wallace and Willow found an empty cabinet that they seemed to like! (Sorry about all the shadows; I am not much of a camera person and this was on my itouch anyway.)

Michael started the year with a new reward menu at school. We have increased the time it takes to earn a checkmark from six minutes to ten, but we also cut the point value of all rewards in half and added some new rewards that he seems quite excited about.

One of the new options is to help with the morning announcements, and he spent a good chunk of the week earning this. He was so excited about it, and he did a great job! The first picture is of Michael reading the opening lines before turning it over to one of the seasoned vets, and the second is all three of the kids saying in unison, “Let’s all be Paxtang Proud!”

Autism and Reading Comprehension
Ready-to-Use Lesson Plans for Teachers

by Joseph Porter, M.Ed.
Future Horizons, 2011
394 pages

About the Book

The predictable format, repetition, and routine of these lessons will create a relaxed learning environment, while the variations in the topics will hold students’ attention and help them generalize the reading skills they need to succeed!

Starting with Level 1 (The Cat) and ending with Level 9 (The Lizard), special-educator Joseph Porter has developed an amazing 90 hours of animal-themed, whole-group instruction. There are two student worksheets for each of nine animals, totaling eighteen worksheets. Each worksheet has four variations, and there is a ready-to-go lesson plan for each one!

There are also two sentence-building exercises for each animal theme, which will build students’ observation skills and help them transform those skills into conversation and written language. In addition to the step-by-step lesson plans, Joseph provides a detailed description of what the lessons will look and feel like in the classroom, complete with valuable, first-hand advice. In the back, you’ll find an appendix with numerous suggestions for complementary activities for each animal theme, so you can supplement on the “off” days with art projects, music, books, and videos.

There is even a section containing Data-Collection Sheets, assessment forms that will help you record students’ progress, per IEP standards. And the companion CD contains all of the worksheets, lesson plans, visual tools, and assessment forms for quick-and-easy print!

My Thoughts

This is an incredibly detailed curriculum, with explicit instructions for how to implement every aspect of the program. The worksheets combine both coloring and writing, mostly filling in the blank or copying a sentence, and they offer lots of practice on following directions as well. There are also several different graphic sentence-building tools that can be used as the students gain confidence and skill.

The book also includes an easy-to-use CD containing printable lesson plans, worksheets, visual tools, and assessment and data collection forms. This program would definitely be most appropriate for beginning readers at the elementary school level.

I like that Porter recognizes real-world limitations and presents lessons suitable for small group instruction rather than only one-on-one interactions. I also greatly appreciate his understanding that comprehension – whether in reading or in conversation – is about having an active relationship with the words that goes beyond simple recognition of basic meaning.

Discount Opportunity: If you order Autism & Reading Comprehension directly from Future Horizons, you can use the code INTERRUPTED to receive 15% off and free shipping in the continental US.

Note: I received a review copy of this book for free, but all opinions are my own. I am an affiliate of Future Horizons and receive a small amount of compensation for any sales made using the promotional code provided. You can use the code INTERRUPTED when ordering books or other materials – or even conference registrations – to receive 15% off plus free shipping in the continental US.