Click here for links to more reviews and interviews.
Praise for The Reinvention of Edison Thomas
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.
Judy Endow, MSW
Autism Consultant
http://www.asperger.net
http://www.makinglemonadestore.com
From Kirkus:
"...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."
