The Flight of a Dove

By Alexandra Day

An inspiring story about an autistic child Betsy is a child trapped inside her own body. Her autism keeps her isolated and alone, a world apart from even her mother. After hearing about a school for children with developmental disabilities, Betsy's mother enrolls her with high hopes. But once there, Betsy cries uncontrollably and refuses all attempts to comfort her. She sits with her eyes shut tight and her fists clenched. The head teacher believes that animals sometimes help children overcome problems, so she tries to engage Betsy with the many pets in residence at the school. Betsy shows no interest in any of them -- until the day one special bird manages to catch her attention. The Flight of a Dove is a moving story graced with evocative illustrations by the author, who works in hospitals with her own therapy dog.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374399522
• ISBN13: 9780374399528
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.5" x 0.5" x 6.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Soars!

When Betsy, then 3 is first enrolled in school, she is autistic and nonverbal. Betsy's mother said that Betsy developed and spoke within normal limits until she was a year old. Betsy's behavior fits the classic profile of Infantile Autism. She "self-stims" by rocking, squinting and engaging in other singular motor activities; she does not speak nor interact with anybody. School personnel tell the girl's mother that they can make no promises and will do what they can to help Betsy adopt more socially appropriate behaviors and self help skills. Brownie, a male beagle mix and a dove are the ones who catch Betsy's attention. She is first captivated by the dove and by watching this free bird, she begins exploring her surroundings and interacting in small increments. She initially ignored Brownie, but he was determined to get her to play with him. In time, she befriends the lovable hound. The only thing I didn't like in this book was when the author described autism as "a cold gray autistic world." Not necessarily. That neurotypical misperception cost this book one star. For a person with autism, the world is not necessarily bleak. Autism is a neurobiological condition that impedes communication and social skills to varying degrees, based upon the individual. By the book's end, Betsy finds her way of soaring. To the author's credit, Betsy is not miraculously cured.