Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

Mockingbird Book Trailer

When it comes to Caitlin Smith, most people don't "Get" her. She is a 5th grader with Asperger's Syndrome (the highest functioning form of Autism). She has regular visits with a school counselor and even a second recess time, so that she might be able to "Deal" with her condition. The only person that really understands her, is her older brother Devon. However, Devon died during a school shooting. This... is where the book starts.

Caitlin is left with her grieving father, since her mother had died several years before. Her father can not function after the death of his son. He slams the door to Devon's room shut and tries to pretend that nothing is wrong. But, in his attempt to ignore his son's death, he tends to overlook Caitlin. He was used to Devon taking care of her.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Brook, the school counselor, is working with Caitlin on trying to build relationships. Mrs. Brook is now the only person that addresses Caitlin's aspergers. The counselor believes that Caitlin has the potential to overcome some of the social boundries that stand between her and having a friend. Caitlin, however, is not sure that she really needs someone to talk with. She thinks that the other students are too loud or messy or colorful. In the midst of her search for a friend, Caitlin discovers something that she and her father desperately need. She sets out to find a way to help her father and, ultimately, herself find this elusive thing called: Closure.

Mockingbird is a fascinating book. It brings several, major social issues into the lime-light. First, it discusses Asperger's Syndrome. The story is told from Caitlin's view in a first person format. Normally, I'm not a big fan of first person Point of View (P.O.V.); it's always driven me a little crazy. However, I thought that Erskine did an amazing job at crafting the grammar and language to fit that of a person with Asperger's. It was so insightful as to why people with Asperger's (and other forms of Autism) act in certain ways. Second, it discusses closure and how some people grieve in different ways. There are some people that shut down and there are others that put up a good front, but, in the end, they are all still suffering.

Also, the characters are funny. Several hilarious conversations center around miscommunications, where Caitlin's literal interpretation causes her to miss the point. One of the most interesting characters, besides Caitlin, is Michael. He is one of those amiable characters that you just can't help but like. I want to mention that there are one or two points where I thought that Erskine went a little overboard with the actions that Caitlin describes. They were pivitol to the book, but they might make you wince.