Nora Baskin has been crafting semi-autobiographical fiction since the sixth grade, channeling her personal experiences into her work. Her writing primarily explores the themes and complexities of adolescence. Readers can expect authentic portrayals of navigating the challenging middle-grade years, capturing the nuanced emotions and everyday realities of this formative period with skill and empathy.
Set against the backdrop of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, two twelve-year-olds find themselves on a scientific research ship, where their unexpected partnership leads to challenges and adventures. As they navigate the complexities of their environment and personal differences, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, and the impact of human actions on the planet.
Focusing on the theme of resilience, this insightful exploration delves into the dynamics of middle school bullying through various perspectives. It highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and the value of friendship in overcoming difficult situations. The narrative, crafted by an award-winning author, offers an honest and relatable message that resonates with readers navigating similar challenges.
Jason Blake is an autistic 12-year-old living in a neurotypical world. Most days it’s just a matter of time before something goes wrong. But Jason finds a glimmer of understanding when he comes across PhoenixBird, who posts stories to the same online site as he does. Jason can be himself when he writes and he thinks that PhoenixBird — her name is Rebecca — could be his first real friend. But as desperate as Jason is to met her, he’s terrified that if they do meet, Rebecca will only see his autism and not who Jason really is. By acclaimed writer Nora Raleigh Baskin, this is the breathtaking depiction of an autistic boy’s struggles—and a story for anyone who has ever worried about fitting in.
Jason hat NL. Oder vielleicht auch PDD-NOS. Man könnte aber auch schlicht sagen: Er ist Autist. Auf jeden Fall ist er nicht neurotypisch. Neurotypische Menschen mögen es, wenn man ihnen direkt in die Augen schaut. Sie reden viel, ohne damit wirklich etwas zu sagen. Und sie legen ihr Gesicht in Falten, ohne auch nur zu ahnen, dass Jason nicht versteht, was sie von ihm wollen. Phoenixbird weiß das alles nicht. Sie tauscht mit Jason selbstverfasste Geschichten im Internet aus, dem einzigen Ort, wo Jason sich ausdrücken kann, beschreiben, was er denkt und fühlt. Eigentlich wünscht sich Jason nichts mehr, als Phoenixbird im wirklichen Leben zu begegnen. Aber zugleich weiß er, dass das nie passieren darf… Jasons Geschichte zeigt auf berührende Weise, dass nichts von dem, was wir für »normal« halten, dies wirklich ist. Und dass jeder von uns ein wenig »anders« ist.