Duck Days

Lauren is a third grader with autism who loves her routine. When her class plans a field trip to a local mountain, Lauren is terrified of the sensory overload from the bus and the physical challenge of the hike. With the help of her aide and a supportive friend, she learns to navigate the day using her 'Duck Days' strategy: staying calm and letting worries slide off her back like water off a duck. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly with neurodivergence and sensory processing disorder. The approach is secular and highly realistic. There is no 'cure' for Lauren's autism; instead, the resolution is a hopeful validation of her coping mechanisms and her right to participate in her own way. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with high anxiety and a sense of dread. It builds slowly as the trip approaches, maintaining a gentle but honest tone. It concludes on a high note of quiet triumph and increased self-confidence. IDEAL READER: An 8-year-old who feels 'different' from their peers, or a child who experience significant anxiety when their daily schedule changes. It is perfect for a student who uses sensory tools or needs a predictable environment. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might reach for this after seeing their child have a meltdown over a change in plans, or hearing their child say, 'I can't do what the other kids do.' PARENT PREP: This book can be read cold. It is helpful if parents are familiar with basic sensory processing concepts to help explain Lauren's reactions to the noise on the bus. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger children will focus on the excitement of the field trip and Lauren's friendship, while older readers will better appreciate the internal monologue regarding her anxiety and the specific ways she advocates for her needs. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many books that treat autism as a 'problem' to be solved by others, Duck Days centers Lauren's internal voice, giving her full agency in her emotional growth.

This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.