Waiting for Benjamin: A Story about Autism

By Alexandra Jessup Altman and Susan Keeter

Alexander’s little brother, Benjamin, doesn’t do things the way Alexander thinks he should. He would rather stare at the wall than play with Alexander. And instead of talking, he just wiggles his fingers and rocks. Alexander knows it’s wrong, but he can’t help but feel embarrassed when one of his friends calls Benjamin a “wacko.” When Benjamin’s family learns that he has autism, they hire special teachers to teach him how to listen and talk and play. Alexander is glad—he just wants Benjamin to grow up faster. While Benjamin works with his teachers, Alexander works through his feelings of disappointment and jealousy. As time passes and each boy grows, Alexander discovers that Benjamin isn’t just his brother—he is also his friend.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Albert Whitman Company
• Release date: Feb 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9781480482890

Reviews for Waiting for Benjamin

[maryettaj · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is about two brothers which one of the brothers has autism. I read a lot of books on autism and I found that this one is my favorite. The older brother wants attention because the younger brother is been giving a lot because of his ability. Then once the younger brother started communicating a little more that is when they make a bond and become friends.

[alexiamacia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a very real and believable story. Alexander's brother, Benjamin, has autism. Alexander struggles with learning how to cope with the effects of this dissability. He struggles with extreme frusturation and also jealousy because of the special attention Benjamin receives when his teachers come over and help him learn. Over time, Alexander deals with his feelings in a more appropriate way, especially once he sees his brother growing mentally. This story shows the emotional affects autism can have on siblings. Overtime, like in this story, people begin to cope better and become more patient when dealing with a family member who has autism. It is also important for people to know that there is hope. Autism is challenging but with special instruction and attention, their can be great growth.

[lakertraw · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book talks about the relationship between two brothers, Benjamin and Alexander. Alexander does not understand why his brother, does not talk and play the way other children do. He is informed that his brother had autism and sees, learns, and responds to things differently. Alexander is upset because Benjamin receives special attention but later learns to accept his difference and learns to live with his autistic brother.

[poac2autism2services · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love this book. It is written from the perspective of Alexander telling about tells about his two-year-old brother Benjamin, who is not yet verbal and who won't play with him. Benjamin also exhibits strange behaviors. Then he is diagnosed with autism. When two teachers come to the house to help him with his language and social skills, Alexander is jealous of the extra attention his brother receives. As time passes, Benjamin begins to develop some language and is now able to play with Alexander, who is no longer embarrassed to have friends over. Realistic illustrations depict the characters and their emotions.

[lhanso1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In my opinion this is a wonderful book for children because it explains autism in a way in which they can understand. The main character's brother has autism and he does not, but both characters are very believable which is why I think this is such a wonderful story. At first, the brother without autism was hesitant to bring friends home from school because he was worried they would think he was weird. This is a very egocentric thought, and a thought children at this age would be likely to have since, according to many psychological theorists, this phase in a child's life is very self-evolved. Later in the story, he is jealous that Benjamin gets rewarded for actions he can do easily, a thought likely to go into a child's head when they do not understand how autism has made it more difficult for Benjamin to perform these tasks. The plot is also very realistic as it explains the process of Benjamin going to therapists and doctors and his progression over time. The book pushes readers to broaden their perspectives by explaining the perspective of Benjamin and why he does things such as cover his ears when there are noises or wiggle consistently. The big message of this story is that everyone travels at their own pace and in their own direction, but it is important to always celebrate the accomplishments in others.

[remy_ferrell-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Waiting for Benjamin is about two brother and one haves autism. Alexander is curious about his little brother at first, but then he gets jealous of him when he spies on him during his meetings with two healthcare workers, and they give him rewards for little things he does. The author does a good job of conveying the meaning of autism in his book to people who don't know about the disability. The only thing I did not like about the book were the illustrations, which looked messy. Other than that, the book was really good.

[srwhite-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Alexander wonders why his brother Benjamin isn't like him. Alexander learns how to live with having a brother with autism.

[epoche-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In this story, Alexander has a brother named Benjamin, who has autism. All he wanted was a little brother who would look at him and talk to him. Alexander wished he knew what his brother was looking at when he would stare off into space. Benjamin stared to get help communicating, from his teachers, who came to the house and worked with him independently. Sometimes Alexander would get jealous of the attention his brother would get. His parents explained to him that Benjamin requires a different kind of attention and that he was just as important the them as his brother. In the end, Benjamin finally communicates to Alexander and they are able to play together. I would recommend this book to any child learning about autism and how to cope with disability. Siblings already fight over attention and children with disabilities do require extra attention. It's good for kids to learn what a child with autism must learn and do to communicate with others. This book is appropriate for K-5 grade.

[jpons-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This story is told through the eyes of big brother Alexander. Alexander doesn't understand why his little brother Benjamin is different from him. Benjamin doesn't talk nor play with Alexander. One day his parents explain to Alexander that Benjamin has autism. Two teachers come to their house to help Benjamin. Alexander gets jealous of all the attention Benjamin is receiving and says he can do the work Be jamie is doing. Alexander messes up Benjamin's room. One morning Alexander is having breakfast with his family and is amazed when Benjamin starts to talk. Alexander gets Benjamin to say his name. After that Alexander is a bit more understanding of Benjamin's disability. This would be a great book to read to children to discuss how important it is to always be patient and kind.

[kryoung1-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a story about a boy named Alexander who has a younger brother with autism, named Benjamin. The story follow the journey and changes in their lives and how Benjamin's disability has affected his brother and the expectations that Alexander had. I wasn't crazy about the illustrations but thought that the book was pretty good overall. It gave a rather realistic view of the journey and differences of a boy with autism. I liked the way that Alexander accepts him the way he is in the end of the book and decides to start asking him questions rather than just always wondering what he's thinking.

[msittig-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book tells of a story about a young boy who has a brother who is autistic. This book gives children a peek into the life of an autistic brother. It shoes the many feelings a child has as they try to understand their sibling with autism. This book is wonderful in having children see and understand that autism is a difficult thing, it affects the family, but also shows that the family must be supportive and loving.

[ericarodriguez-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Is about two brothers Alexander and Benjamin. Benjamin the younger brother is diagnosed with autism and his older brother Alexander is trying to cope with the different issues that arise. Alexander wants his brother to play and talk with him, but Benjamin is content with just sitting and wiggling his fingers. When Benjamin is diagnosed with autism he is assigned two teachers to come to the house and teach him how to speak and interact. Alexander feels that he is being left out of the activities and is jealous of all the attention Benjamin is receiving. After some one on one time with his father Alexander realizes that Benjamin needs all of the special attention, so that he can one day participate in the family the same way that he does. The book ends with Benjamin beginning to talk and participate in the family and Alexander coming to terms with his brother’s differences. This book shows the dynamics that arise in a family dealing with an autistic child. The main issue in the book is the way that Alexander deals with the differences his brother exhibits and the extra help he needs. Jealousy is a big part of this because of the extra help and attention Benjamin receives. Alexander’s parents deal with this issue effectively by showing Alexander that he is still special and a part of the family. Many siblings of autistic children are jealous of the extra attention their brothers or sisters receive from family member or teachers. For that reason this book would be a great recommended read for a child who has a sibling that has just been diagnosed with autism. It shows the different characteristics involved with autism and the educational steps needed to fully integrate his/her sibling into the family.

[rosemarion · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a good picture book that allows the sibling of an autistic child to have a voice. It copes with the struggles of Alexander who has a younger autistic brother named Benjamin. Alexander is embarrassed and frustrated with Benjamin in the beginning, but he grows to accept him and love him for who he is as time passes. Waiting for Benjamin: A Story About Autism is a sweet story of acceptance!