How to Be Human: Diary of an Autistic Girl

Floridas sense of humor will delight and intrigue all who read this book. Its a great read for anyone learning to navigate the social maze of our society, "normal" humans as well as those who feel "alien" like Florida. Not only does this book provide fresh insight into the world of autism, it is also a valuable resource to all educators and families with children on the spectrum.

It represents eight years of growth and self-exploration. There have been many books written about autistic people, but it is unusual to have one from the perspective of the autistic child. Floridas rare intelligence and willingness to be self-critical can open up a way of thinking to people in a way that has not been done before.

With powerful words and pictures Florida Frenz chronicles her journey figuring out how to read facial expressions, how to make friends, how to juggle all the social cues that make school feel like a complicated maze. Diagnosed with autism as a two-year-old, Florida is now an articulate 15-year-old whose explorations into how kids make friends, what popularity means, how to handle peer pressure will resonate with any pre-teen. For those wondering what it's like inside an autistic child's head, Florida's book provides amazing insight and understanding. Reading how she learns how to be human makes us all feel a little less alien. A teacher guide is available on the Creston website for compassion/empathy curriculum and for modeling journal writing and print copies for major conferences.

Florida Frenz is the pen name of a high school student who kept a journal as a tool to figure out her emotions and how to read those of others. Diagnosed as retarded and autistic when she was two, Frenz worked intensively for many years with a team of autism and educational specialists. She's succeeded so well that in her new high school, she isn't identified as autistic or special needs and is even taking Advanced Placement classes.