Mockingbird, by Kathryn Erskine

It would be very hard for any fifth grader to deal with the death of a beloved older brother in a school shooting. But for Caitlin, the narrator of Mockingbird, it is even harder, because Caitlin has Asperger's Syndrome. Her brother, Devon, was her friend and guide in dealing with the world, and since The Day Our Life Fell Apart, she has to learn to deal with things on her own. This sweet book, told from her point of view, traces her life as she and her father try to cope with their grief. Caitlin counts on books to help her understand the world, and when she looks up the word Closure, she knows that is what she and her father, and the community, need. But finding it will not be easy. By using empathy and finesse, however, Caitlin achieves her goals. Although this book deals with a sad topic, it has humorous moments, and Caitlin is an appealing character, who provides real insight into the thoughts and viewpoints of someone with Asperger's. 2010.
M. Adams