I Can't Stop

 

Title:  I Can't Stop

Author: Holly L. Niner

Illustrator: Meryl Treatner

Age: K-9 

 The main character is a boy who exhibits changing tics. His parents are annoyed until they take him to the doctor who explains more about Tourette syndrome (TS). Children make fun of him, even his friends initially. But when the teacher and the friend find out that he cannot control his behavior, they are more understanding. It is realistic that unfortunately some children still make fun of him. While I think the book approached this topic in somewhat of a cheesy manner, I know there aren't many books out there on this topic and I didn't think it was bad. I also think it might help some kids have the courage to tell others about their condition. The illustrations are a little cookie-cutter looking, but they correlate well with the events in the story. So even though this texts reads a little like an "after school special," it is a decent place to start with bringing awareness and hopefully more sensitivity to the topic.

Also, there is a note for parents and teachers at the beginning that is written by an Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology and Medical and Molecular Genetics at the beginning of the book, which provides a little more background for parents and teachers to have some talking points for the children to whom they are reading.