Praise for The Reinvention of Edison Thomas
From Library Media Connection:
"Move over, Joey Pigza! Here comes another exceptional spokesman for people with learning disabilities. . . Because Eddy is such an endearing character who clearly explains his thinking and actions, this book deserves a place on every elementary and middle school shelf. It should be read not only by kids who go to school with an Eddy, but by teachers who teach an Eddy. Because Eddy has allowed us to understand the way he sees the world, readers will have more compassion for people with Asperger's Syndrome. Highly Recommended." Starred review
From Kirkus Reviews:
"...The author has a particularly engaging way of tracking Eddie's thought processes as he struggles to wrest order from a seemingly chaotic world, constructs through trial and error an ingenious homemade device for controlling traffic at a dangerous intersection and interacts sans real comprehension with peers and others. By the end readers will understand why Justin and Terry find Eddie worth knowing, but the way the central characters talk and think about science creates another theme that's just as strong and satisfying."
From Publishers Weekly:
"...A perceptive look at a complicated mind, the novel is steeped in the world of science (binomial nomenclature appears throughout), and the quirky humor and authentic characters should have wide appeal."
From Booklist:
"The story’s main plot . . .is fun to follow, but this novel’s real strength is Eddy’s gradual understanding of true friendship. . . As an added bonus, the text includes related scientific facts, from “The Random Access Memory of Edison Thomas,” which will intrigue budding scientists."
From Children's Literature:
"Throughout the story, readers get an inside look at Eddy's quirks and eccentricities, as well as a glimpse at how such kids are still more than capable of being a valued part of a school's social milieu. Highly appropriate for middle school readers, there is much in the story that can be discussed and evaluated, including bullying and befriending those who are different."
From The Horn Book Guide:
"Sprinkled with science facts . . . the narrative will have readers cheering for the misfit kid."
From Catholic Library World:
"Eddy is brilliant, likes to solve problems, and has a quirky sense of humor. Students ages ten and up will be able to identify with and enjoy the characters and situations in Drayton Middle School. They will also learn many scientific facts from the “Random Access Memory of Edison Thomas” notes scattered throughout the book."
From GeekDad (wired.com)
"The author. . . lets her love of science shine through Eddy."
Judy Endow, MSW, Autism Consultant:
"The Reinvention of Edison Thomas accurately portrays one way in which Asperger Syndrome can play out in an individual, in this case in a middle schooler as he navigates the social environment that is the fabric of his life. Without ever naming or even alluding to Eddy's diagnosis, Houtman weaves the story of a unique young man struggling with and outsmarting the challenges his differences visit upon him while at the same time using the blessings of who he is to challenge the status quo, to develop some true friendships and to ultimately become comfortable enough in his own skin to begin making his mark in the world in his own unique way. The reader learns first hand a truth that those of us living with autism have long known - that autism (or indeed, any diagnostic labels) does not define our humanity...only the characteristics of our differences. A compelling read for middle schoolers and all who share their lives in various capacities with a middle school student."