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9781849056502

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In this graphic version of a 2001 novel, a lad with Asperger syndrome finds the world at least a little easier to navigate after he unearths a magic bottle.Naturally hoping that there is a genie inside the big blue flask they find in the shrubbery, Ben and his short friend, Andy, engage in a round of wild wishes before passing the discovery on to Ben's crabby teacher in hopes of softening her up. A few days later, Ben and his widowed dad win big in the lottery, and Andy experiences a sudden, major growth spurt that earns him a coveted spot on the school's basketball team. But what was that third wish? They can't remember, until an amusing twist leads to a resolution. Superimposed on this plotline with almost no actual contact is an infotale centered on Ben's condition that features frequent expository asides ( I feel comfortable when things are the same ) and includes experiences with his teacher's mood swings and, later, with a pair of bullies. This leads to a diagnostic tally of Asperger causes and symptoms delivered to his clueless father by a doctor-from secondhand descriptions, apparently, since she never actually meets her patient in the book. The block-lettered dialogue and narrative are legibly clear, as are the figures' actions in the simply drawn sequential panels.Two stories, both sketchy, that, while not actually at cross purposes, never really move in tandem. (Graphic fantasy. 9-11) Kirkus Reviews

Blue Bottle Mystery is not just a solid exercise in taking an already successful work and re-imagining it for a new readership but also an object lesson in how to adapt material in a way that makes full use of the exclusive storytelling potential of the comics form. We need to see far more graphic medicine aimed at a younger readership like this that never patronises its target audience but informs and elucidates through the remarkable communicative power of sequential art. -- Broken Frontier It's short and sweet, pretty fun on its own merits, but even better because it teaches about a group of kids on the autism spectrum who are often misunderstood. Rating: Pretty Darn Good. -- Newbery and Beyond If you're looking for a short, yet intriguing read - either for yourself or for kids and younger siblings - I would definitely recommend this. -- Books Biscuits and Tea This is a book that offers an explanation of aspects of Asperger's Syndrome in a fun way making it accessible to a wide range of readers, especially those (on the spectrum or not) who have a particular passion for visuals... All in all this is a perceptive, optimistic story that artfully weaves information relating to the condition throughout. It should find a place on the classroom shelves of all primary schools and in lower secondary libraries: those who read it will one hopes come away with a greater understanding of what it is to be 'an aspie'. Let's hear it for individuality and difference, and the way such characteristics can enrich the lives of us all. -- Red Reading Hub I found this graphic novel both an absorbing story and an excellent way to try to better understand people with Asperger syndrome... I like the information boxes that are interspersed with the dialogues to help the reader understand situations from the point of view of someone with Asperger syndrome. -- Juno Magazine This book is fun! I learnt a bit more about Asperger Syndrome. Would I recommend it to other kids? I sure would. I think they would understand it as well as me. -- Bobby Elley, aged 12 * Aukids * Readers will come away with a valuable understanding of Asperger's, both through the text and the very clear illustrations. -- Anne Harding * The School Librarian Journal *

Blue Bottle Mystery is not just a solid exercise in taking an already successful work and re-imagining it for a new readership but also an object lesson in how to adapt material in a way that makes full use of the exclusive storytelling potential of the comics form. We need to see far more graphic medicine aimed at a younger readership like this that never patronises its target audience but informs and elucidates through the remarkable communicative power of sequential art. * Broken Frontier * This is a book that offers an explanation of aspects of Asperger's Syndrome in a fun way making it accessible to a wide range of readers, especially those (on the spectrum or not) who have a particular passion for visuals... All in all this is a perceptive, optimistic story that artfully weaves information relating to the condition throughout. It should find a place on the classroom shelves of all primary schools and in lower secondary libraries: those who read it will one hopes come away with a greater understanding of what it is to be 'an aspie'. Let's hear it for individuality and difference, and the way such characteristics can enrich the lives of us all. * Red Reading Hub * This book is fun! I learnt a bit more about Asperger Syndrome. Would I recommend it to other kids? I sure would. I think they would understand it as well as me. -- Bobby Elley, aged 12 * Aukids * It's short and sweet, pretty fun on its own merits, but even better because it teaches about a group of kids on the autism spectrum who are often misunderstood. Rating: Pretty Darn Good. * Newbery and Beyond * If you're looking for a short, yet intriguing read - either for yourself or for kids and younger siblings - I would definitely recommend this. * Books Biscuits and Tea * I found this graphic novel both an absorbing story and an excellent way to try to better understand people with Asperger syndrome... I like the information boxes that are interspersed with the dialogues to help the reader understand situations from the point of view of someone with Asperger syndrome. * Juno Magazine * Readers will come away with a valuable understanding of Asperger's, both through the text and the very clear illustrations. -- Anne Harding * The School Librarian Journal *

Author Information

Kathy Hoopmann has written over twenty books with translations into nineteen languages. Her work sells widely in Australia, the UK, the US and the Middle East. She has won and been shortlisted for many literary awards, including the Children's Book Council of Australia Award, the ALCS Educational Award (UK), the Living Now Award (US) and has five times been awarded a Nautilus Award (US) which is granted to 'books that change the world'. Kathy is best known for her writing on neurodiversity, in fiction and non-fiction. The simplicity, charm and insight of Kathy's books have made them must-haves for children and adults worldwide.

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