Disability/Differences for PreK Through 6th - Henry, Like Always by Jenn Bailey

Henry, Like Always by Jenn Bailey

Springfield-Greene County Library's (SGCL) catalog places this item in the Early Readers genre.

Target audience is children ages six to nine, in addition to patrons searching for topics relating to autism spectrum disorders in children, how such individuals interact with others their age, and how they develop friendships.

Henry, Like Always personifies an issue that will increase increase as society grows: the number of individuals registering on the autism spectrum, and depicts Henry, who is autistic, and has become accustomed to his routine - which deviates to include activities he dislikes. Henry demonstrates the challenges encountered by afflicted individuals, those they interact with, while providing guidance and insight for others. This book provides powerful examples of how autistic individuals navigate challenges during their daily lives.

I chose this book for my job involves interacting with a vast array of individuals, including an increasing number of autistic children and adults. In response, resources such as this book will become increasingly paramount, and understanding how autistic individuals express emotions, interact with others, and navigate challenges will create and solidify relationships with library staff.

For this book, I will be evaluating tone, point of view, and illustrations.

Jenn Bailey wonderfully links subject with audience while concurrently respecting both elements. Displaying what the main character, Henry, encounters and feels, Bailey's respect for all who the intended audience(s), is well-documented. From interactions between Henry and Mrs. Tanaka, his teacher, and with classmates, the tone of each scenario is conveyed in a manner understandable by children within the target range, and relateable to other individuals whom are impacted.

Henry's point of view is not only crucial to the plot, but also in establishing connections with readers. Readers observe Henry accostimed to his routine in his orderly world. Changes are synchronized with challenges, forcing Henry to deploy mechanisms to successfully cope - shutting-down to navigate challenges: does not eat his snack, nor plays on the swing at recess (Bailey, 23). By presenting these challenges from a child's perspective, readers connect and empathize what autistic children experience.

Henry, Like Always is illustrated by Mika Song and creates settings applicable to Henry while relaying to readers who he really is as a person. The use of soft-toned hues of light blue against a white backdrop induces calm, while black denoting hair and text on various boards (i.e., classroom identifier, Big Calendar) provides character development (Bailey, 2023). As part of character development, Henry demonstrates how he navigates challenges: showing a quiet card (Bailey, 2023) when he needs quiet time, while concurrently describing to others what might is happening so they might understand, and empathize.

I can immediately think of several displays that this book would be ideal suited, in addition to colleagues and patrons for it encompasses a multitude of needs, and is relatable to children.

Bailey, J., & Song, M. (2023). Henry, like always. Chronicle Books LLC.

Knoth, M. V. (2023). Henry, Like Always book cover image. Review of Henry, like Always. The Horn Book. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.hbook.com/story/review-of-henry-like-always-mar23.