A fun but thought-provoking children’s story. Sibling rivalry between brothers Casper and Billy that children and adults alike will relate to. (Andrew Bell Book Tour Reviewer)
I would like to make the point that I have no knowledge of Asperger’s Syndrome and must review this book on a purely generic basis. A nicely written short story for young readers of primary school age using prose and dialogue that will appeal. I did find some of the ‘showing off’ by the lead character a little off-putting ie Billy drawing a poster and labelling himself a ‘hero’, but understand the author’s progressive message. However, a little modesty from the main protagonist, especially when appealing to a wider reading audience rather than specifically for those suffering with Asperger’s Syndrome, would be recommended. I did also wonder at the ‘saving the cat’ section and the potential of the wrong message being given. Although the author made it clear that Billy looked for traffic, it was still obvious that a car was approaching as he runs into the road to pick up the cat. A reinforced message of safety to children would address this concern. (Deborah Barwick Book Tour Reviewer)
Julie has created a likeable main character in Billy, who I wanted to root for throughout the story. The plot is easy to follow and features elements that I believe will appeal to all children rather than just those with Asperger’s Syndrome. It provides valuable lessons around the subjects of being true to yourself, showing kindness to others and focusing on what we can do in life, rather than the difficulties we may face. (Michelle Marshall Book Tour Reviewer)
Ten-year-old Billy has Asperger’s. He can’t communicate with other people or participate properly in his class at school. However, when his older brother, Casper, issues Billy a competition on who can get the most awards in a week at school, things begin to change in a big way! Of course, Billy accepts the challenge, but what is he good at?This was a well-paced and well thought out story. It was relatable throughout. Even though ‘Billy and the Sparkling Socks’ focuses on Asperger’s, kids with any other kind of disability can relate to this book. You can feel Billy’s disappointment, joys, and his triumphant win over Casper! Although it had a few spelling errors in it, it didn’t detract from the story at all. (Deb Hockenberry Book Tour Reviewer)
A warming and uplifting concept is the basis for Billy and the Sparkling Socks, a book with potential to help those children who see themselves as just a little bit different. With the author basing the story on her own childhood experience with Asperger’s, the story is delivered through the eyes of an autistic child. Although unique and imaginative (a little boy who’s magical socks help him find what he’s really good at), the language within the pages is quite simple and repetitive meaning it’s not the most engaging of tales. I also found myself quite confused in places with the story often jumping from one idea to another, and leaving questions unanswered. Therefore, although the novel was quite fast in pace, it was a bit chaotic and certain elements of the story weren’t given enough depth leading to a lack of clarity for the reader. The main protagonist, Billy, is definitely someone you want to root for. He clearly lacks confidence and yet displays nothing but kindness to those around him who taunt him, presenting an interesting dynamic to the book as the relationships between the characters change over the course of the story. There is clear consistency in the character’s actions but the reasons for them are implied rather than directly conveyed which means young readers will probably find it difficult to understand why certain people act towards Billy in the ways they do. In places the dialogue is quite simple and often not really reflective of how people would speak informally in every day situations. Similar to the language, I found the dialogue again quite repetitive although it did mean in places that the message of the story was reinforced. Furthermore, it did also showcase how Billy’s interactions with others improved across the book. With excellent editing throughout, the story is easy for emerging readers to enjoy independently. (Josephine Park Book Tour Reviewer)
The Rainbow School: Billy and the Sparkling Socks also shows a glimpse of what it can be like to live life on the Autism Spectrum. The main character comes alive in a way that helps you to feel his struggle and leads you to root for him to succeed. The author does a good job of building the reader’s understanding of what it can be like for someone to have an autism spectrum disorder – the thought patterns, the behaviours, the hypersensitivities, the struggle with social situations, the communication difficulties – along with some accommodations others may need to make when interacting with them. Overall it was a well written, thought provoking story that entertained the reader as it provided valuable insights into the mind of autism. (Tania Marshall Book Tour Reviewer)
Billy and the Sparkling Socks is a lovely introduction to the Rainbow School Books series. The book is written in such a way for children with Aspergers to relate to, and throughout the book there are a number of well delivered positive messages. However there are also some scenarios, that whilst I understand what the author was attempting to betray, could potentially give the wrong message but the author can easily address this by adding a reinforced statement perhaps at the end of Billy’s tale, particularly around road safety and bullying. I did enjoy the story overall, and the characters are relatable and the dialogue relevant. Having no personal knowledge of Aspergers I wasn’t sure if the formatting in the book was deliberate for readers or something had gone askew in the printing of the book and so I have not taken into this account, as with that in mind, I did not allow it to detract from the story being told. (Kirsty McKay Book Tour Reviewer)
Overall we award 3.5 stars.