Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

Goodreads Summary:
In Caitlin's world, everything is black or white. Things are good or bad. Anything in between is confusing. That's the stuff Caitlin's older brother, Devon, has always explained. But now Devon's dead and Dad is no help at all. Caitlin wants to get over it, but as an eleven-year-old girl with Asperger's, she doesn't know how. When she reads the definition of closure, she realizes that is what she needs. In her search for it, Caitlin discovers that not everything is black and white—the world is full of colors—messy and beautiful.
Kathryn Erskine has written a must-read gem, one of the most moving novels of the year.

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This book dealt with the struggles for a child with Asperger's.  Asperger's is on the Autism spectrum, but doesn't quite have the same effects as Autism.  Caitlin is a highly intelligent individual.  She was able to read at an 8th grade level in Kindergarten.  She is a very logical thinker and takes each statement literally.  She doesn't understand sarcasm and has difficulty making friends due to her lack of ability to show empathy.  Caitlin is dealing with the loss of her older brother, Devon, who was always on her side and helped her understand social situations.  Caitlin realizes that what she needs is closure, and is working hard to determine what that is.  Throughout this story Caitlin is developing emotionally.  She is beginning to understand empathy and making friends.  Caitlin is a character you can fall in love with and truly feel for.  This books helps you understand Asperger's a little better, and what people who have it go through on a day-to-day basis.  


This was a great novel and I'm grateful for the opportunity to read it.  I am beginning to understand Autism a little better and how children react in social situations.  I think if the world had a better understanding of Autism and Asperger's we would be better people for it.  I enjoyed reading the book written from Caitlin's perspective.  It made me empathize with her and gave me a look inside of her mind.