FICTION

The Boy Who Loves to Lick the Wind

by Fiona Carswell (text) & illus. by Yu Rong
Reycraft. May 2024. 32p. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781478889601.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2-4–Two boys go to the beach with their mothers. One of the boys has dark hair. One of the boys has fair hair. The fair-haired boy is neurodivergent; the dark-haired boy is neurotypical. During their beach trip, the fair-haired boy’s mother explains how her son communicates differently, often nonverbally. Sometimes he gets upset by loud noises or sand in his food. And he loves to stick his tongue out and “taste” the wind. The dark-haired boy enjoys playing with his new friend. When they return to school, the dark-haired boy shares the joys of their beach trip, and all their friends try to lick the wind. Pen and ink artwork is colorful and expressive. The ocean, depicted with watercolor, is especially striking. Back matter includes information about autism.
VERDICT A solid choice with its message of empathy as well as how to interact with their neurodivergent peers.
Reviewed by Chance Lee Joyner , Jun 21, 2024

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