All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism

by Shaina Rudolph, Danielle Royer, Jennifer Zivoin (Illustrator)

"Nobody gets me, Mama!"

In All My Stripes, Zane the zebra feels different from the rest of his classmates. He worries that all they notice about him is his "autism stripe." With the help of his Mama, Zane comes to appreciate all his stripes — the unique strengths that make him who he is!

Includes a Reading Guide with additional background information about autism spectrum disorders and a Note to Parents and Caregivers with tips for finding support.

Foreword by Alison Singer, President, Autism Science Foundation.

Genres: Picture Books, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Childrens, Disability, Animals, Fiction, Parenting

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 9, 2015

About the author

Shaina Rudolph is a children's book author. Her books include, All My Stripes and Brilliant Bea. She has been an educator for 15 years. She's originally from New Jersey and has lived in Los Angeles for many years.

Reviews

[A Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book overall is trying to send a very positive message about loving yourself and accepting autism as a part of yourself . In comparison to other books about autism that exist, this is probably one of the best. However, I hated that ABA therapy was the first thing listed under the "get your child enrolled in treatment" in the "notes to parents and caregivers" section because ABA is generally frowned upon by autistic self-advocates and is about changing the child's behaviors instead of accepting them as they are. I was also disappointed that the book did not recommend any groups led by autistic people, such as Autistic Self Advocacy Network, as a resource. During the actual story, I liked that the author clearly put a lot of thought into depicting Zane as an autistic child! However, Zane's "pilot stripe" and "honesty stripe" are parts of Zane being autistic and it bothers me that the book seemed to separate these positive attributes from his autism stripe. I also wish the title had been "a story for children on the autism spectrum" as this is the middle ground between person-first language and identity-first language. I would love to see a new addition to this book that was rewritten with help from autistic self-advocates :)

[Roya · Rating 4 out of 5]

چقدر خوبه که کتاب کودکی برای آگاهی کودکان و والدین درباره اوتیسم داریم و ترجمه شده.
به نظرم باید برای همه‌ی بچه‌ها خونده بشه تا نسبت به تفاوت‌ها آگاه بشن و بتونن "خطوط اوتیسم" دوست‌هاشون رو درک کنن. اینجوری کودکان مبتلا به اوتیسم آسیب کمتری می‌بینن.

[Danni Green · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute idea, but most autistic children I know would find this heavily-metaphor-based book more annoying than affirming. It didn't seem to really be for an autistic reader at all.

[Payam Ebrahimi · Rating 1 out of 5]

افتضاح!
سخنرانی پرشور مادر چه تفاوتی در فرزند ایجاد میکنه که ناگهان عاشق خودش میشه؟
این عاشق خود شدن باعث میشه فردا که بچه می‌ره مدرسه و دوباره با همون موقعیت‌ها روبرو‌ میشه مشکلات غیب شن؟
تا کی قراره مشکلات اساسی رو با یک سخنرانی انگیزشی حل‌وفصل کنیم؟

و در آخر اینکه چه اصراریه در داستان انقدر واضح به کلمه‌ی اوتیسم اشاره بشه؟

[H. Givens · Rating 2 out of 5]

All of the good stripes the mom points out are still associated with the little zebra's autism. It's presented as "they're all seeing the one autism stripe but I'm seeing all these other parts of you," when actually it's implying that all the things the mom likes are "despite" him being autistic. The metaphor doesn't hold up -- they're ALL autism stripes, not just one that's separate from him as a person.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book so bad. The illustrations are beautiful and there is what seems to be an overall positive message. Zane feels good about himself by the end of the book. The issue I have with this book are the ways that you make Zane better is to contrast his bright red (bad) autism stripe with his other "stripes". As if he could be separated from his disability. I would have liked to see his mom explain to him that autism is a part of what makes him and all of his stripes unique. I would have liked to see floortime therapy promoted in the notes to parents as opposed to ABA which is always listed first in the end of the book (a therapy that has been documented to cause PTSD in autistics).

[F.R.B. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yet another book about autism so clearly written by neurotypicals for neurotypicals.

The quote before the story from Russel Simmons about anyone “out there dealing with autism” wa a perfect foreshadowing.

This book is billed as educational for neurotypicals; parents, and teachers and it is a great piece in how not to talk about or interact with someone with autism.

Autism is not a stripe and never can be a stripe. Autistic people are not animals and should not be likened to animals. Autistic people are not hopelessly inept at dealing with allistic people and are not destined to rely on their parents for their self-esteem. Autistic people can be confident and social and perform well in school.

This book makes a lot of assumptions because the people who wrote it aren’t autistic and don’t understand autism.

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kid started asking questions, so I brought home everything I could track down at the library. This was one of the best ones, though he didn't fully get the metaphor... yet?

[Kristen Sutera-Dumoulin · Rating 4 out of 5]

All My Stripes is a story about a Zebra who feels sad because he feels like all the other kids notice is his autism stripe. Zane the zebra shares about his day with his Mom illustrating how he feels different. By the end of the story, Zane’s Mom has shown him that he has many different stripes, and each one makes him who he is.

This text emphasizes a population who is frequently excluded from the world of children’s literature, thus eliminating the single story. This text is written from Zane’s perspective, and points out struggles that many children with autism deal with such as difficulty interacting with other children and sensitivity to touch and sound. This text is a mirror for children with autism and a window for children without autism. This can be used as a tool for both teachers and parents. For those children that this text serves as a window, they can learn empathy. They may have a child with autism in their class and have wondered why they have seen certain reactions. This text opens a discussion to discuss what things make each person unique, and how to better understand others. This text affirms diversity in society and takes the stance of inclusion. While this text does a great job of promoting inclusion and acceptance, there can be some controversy and different positions that can be taken on the resources provided at the end as the intervention of ABA therapy can be controversial for people with autism.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done picture book about a young zebra, Zane, who wonders why he reacts to things differently than his peers. His mom explains that he has autism but that is just ONE of his many stripes that celebrate who he is. This was a pleasure to read with my second grader on the spectrum. We had such fun talking about all of HIS stripes that make him special. Most importantly, the look on his face after we read and discussed his stripes told me everything I needed to know. Message was received - he is one au-some kid just like Zane!

[Sabrina Barrientos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating:5/5
Awards:Gold Medal, Mom's Choice Awards
Genre:Fiction, Children’s literature, Challenges/Issues
Audience: ages 7+
Summary: Zane is feeling insecure and tells his mom that the kids at school only see him as someone who has autism. His mother then comforts him by telling him about all his other wonderful qualities he has.
Specific Genre prompts:
-In this story the main character, Zane, has autism. Zane struggles with his identity and thinks that people only describe him as someone who has autism.
- I would not narrow it down to a specific group of kids. I believe all kids and maybe even adults should read this book. It teaches kids who do have autism that there is more to them than having autism. It also teaches kids who don’t have autism to be more patient with people who do and realize just because they have a disability it does not make them less of a human.

[Steph Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a zebra called Zane who has autism and feels different from everyone else. This book explains some of the struggles children like him may have and shows a way a parent or caregiver can help that person and get them to love who they are again. This book made me feel happy aswell as sad as I read Zanes story. What I love about the book is not only the illustrations but also Zanes journey.

Inside the book there is a reading guide with additional information for parents or caregivers about autism, providing little tips and support that they can use to help their child with autism.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

All my stripes tells the story and daily struggles of a small zebra with autism. It such an important book which tackles many prejudices and assumptions!

There should be more books like this one - showing that the world is colourful and we are all unique!

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book until a part where the fire alarm goes off and the class LEAVES Zane screaming and he isn't found until the firefighters come. I'm just not down with possibly scaring a child with that.

[R_Kaveh · Rating 2 out of 5]

نام ترجمه فارسی: زِین، گور خر راه راه
با شخصیت اصلیِ کودک مبتلا به اتیسمی که نمود بیماری در ظاهر و رفتارش باعث انزوا در جمع هم سن و سال‌هایش می‌شد
من به نسبت باقی کتاب‌هایی که برای کودکان با نیازها و بیماری‌های خاص نوشته شده از نظر داستان و حل مسئله خیلی کتاب مفیدی ندیدمش.

[Marieke · Rating 2 out of 5]

over het algemeen geen negatief verhaal maar de onderliggende boodschap is...dubbel. elke negatieve ervaring van Zane wordt toegeschreven aan zijn autisme en hoe andere mensen hiermee omgaan, terwijl al zijn positieve eigenschappen zogezegd losstaan van zijn autisme (terwijl zaken als eerlijkheid of een sterk rechtvaardigheidsgevoel prototypisch een autisme-ding zijn). in de reader's guide is er wel de implicatie dat de "positieve strepen" deel zijn van Zane's autisme, maar binnen de beeldspraak van het verhaal zelf is dit helemaal niet de boodschap die overkomt. in de note to parents and caregivers miste ik ook ergens het feit dat peer education en psycho-educatie heel belangrijk zijn. de meerderheid van de negatieve ervaringen die Zane heeft, kunnen sterk verminderd worden als zijn klasgenoten en leerkracht beter op de hoogte zijn van de kenmerken van autisme (vb. klasgenoten die hem uitlachen omdat hij de vingerverf niet wil aanraken is meer een probleem van onbegrip dan een probleem van Zane zijn sensorische overgevoeligheid, zeker omdat hij de zeer efficiente coping strategie van "een verfborstel gebruiken" al aanwendt).

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane the Zebra is different from his classmates. All they can see is his autism stripe, but Zane's Mama knows that all his stripes make him who he is. His kindness stripe, his sense of direction, his honesty stripe... If any one was missing, he wouldn't be him!

After Zane tells his Mama all about his bad day at school, she helps him remember how to love himself for all his stripes, and reminds him that he is more than his autism stripe.

Through the day, we see Zane struggle with sensory processing (hoof-painting), socialising and entering a conversation, reacting to the sudden loud blaring of the fire alarm, and trying to understand his teacher's metaphorical language. These are all things that suggest autism, and may help readers recognise these things in themselves or others. There are many notes and suggestions for parents from the authors, and this book alone could lead to a rich conversation about autism and other neurodivergent ways of being.

[Emmaleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the overall message of this book and the artwork but it didnt click with me or my son

[Nohemí González · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute and precise, the book knows how to explained young children autism

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, reaffirming story aimed at helping younger "kids on the spectrum" feel better about themselves, along the overused-but-still-true lines of "everyone is unique and special in their own way." Gift from my niece in Taipei (a special ed teacher noted here in an "as recommended by" blurb); and while bringing nothing really new to the genre, it gets an extra star simply because I could actually read the darned thing — or at least the story portion, (thanks to its using the "ㄅㄆㄇㄈ" phonetic symbols, which are still popular in Taiwan, if nowhere else). Unfortunately, I couldn't read ANY of the more academic introduction and "notes to parents” mentioned in other reviews, which almost certainly made this more than just another cute children’s book.

[Bethany Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism is about a little zebra named Zane. Zane has autism and is having a hard time at school because his classmates do not understand him. Zane confides in his mother and his mother lets him know that he is perfect just the way he is because his characteristics make him who he is. I think this book is a great resource for children with autism, their parents/families, and the whole classroom. I would use this book in my classroom to teach children that everyone is different and we should all treat each other kindly. I would recommend this book to teachers, children, and families.

[Aneesa]

Zane feels like the other kids don't 'get' him. He wants to participate, but paint is just too messy. He wants to talk with his classmates about shared interests, but he doesn't know how to join in. He asks, "How come all anyone sees is my autism stripe?" His mother tells him all that SHE notices about him, and he feels better about himself.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character is Zane, a zebra. He feels very different from the other zebras because of his autism stripe. But his mother brings out what's good about every stripe on him, for each stripe represents some special trait. This book would be nice to read to an autistic child so that s/he learns to accept and appreciate the good traits within him/herself. It can also be read by other children in a class for them to understand and appreciate another child who is autistic.

[Katie]

Rationale:
I chose to select All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism by Shaina Rudolph because it is an age appropriate story that reflects the social, linguistic, and cultural contexts where my students live or in someway can relate to. This story will provide opportunities for students to view a different perspective other than their own. Cultural diverse books promote appreciation of new ideas and experiences (Adam & Harper, 2016). My role as a teacher is to assist students in finding and appreciating commonalities among people rather than looking at the differences. Reading All My Stripes will provide the opportunity to teach my students that yes the zebra he has an autism stripe, but he also has stripes indicating his honesty, curiosity, kindness, and more.

Reflection:
I made a text to self connection with this story. Working with children who have autism is an amazing experience. It is really easy at first to notice all the “differences” when comparing children with autism to typical children. The turning point for me was when I built those relationships with the children. Looking past all those easy to notice “differences” and seeing them through their warm hearts, curiosity, and many talents.

Questions:
1. Remembering
Who were the main characters?

2. Understanding
What happened at the beginning, middle, and end of the story?

3. Applying
Using what you know about Zane’s struggles in school, how should have his classmates treated him?

4. Analyzing
How would you compare All My Stripes to our classroom?

5. Evaluating
What did you like best?

6. Creating
Create a new ending to the story.

Adam, H., Harper, L. (2016). Assessing and selecting culturally diverse literature for the classroom. Practical Literacy, 21(2).

[KJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read picture book about autism to increase awareness, understanding, empathy, and self esteem. Zane is a young zebra who feels like all anyone ever sees is his autism stripe. It's red and right smack in the middle of his forehead. After a bad day at school when finger paint is too weird to touch and a fire alarm makes him scream, his loving mother dries his tears and knows the perfect thing to say. "When I look at you, I see many different stripes. If one of them were missing, you wouldn't be the same." Honesty, caring, curiosity and more, Zane learns to love all of his stripes because they make him who he is.

Colorful illustrations by Jennifer Zivoin include so many wonderful details. No two zebras have the same kind of stripes. One zebra has swirly stripes, one has thick-and-thin stripes, one has pointed stripes, and Zane has stripes that are always in groups of prime numbers. Check out his tail - there are always 7 black stripes! Even the pages without pictures include geometrical backgrounds of different kinds of stripes.

Parents and caregivers will find a discussion guide, notes, and further resources about autism spectrum disorder. Children will find a story they will want to hear over and over again. Love your stripes! And don't forget to look for the little yellow bird. He's not on every page, but he's on lots of them!

[Laura Barone · Rating 5 out of 5]

All My Stripes is about a zebra named Zane who has autism! This is such a WOW book for me because I would love for all my students who have autism to read it, as well as all the rest who do not have autism. This disability is not just something that brings a lot of challenges to life, it also delivers many unique characteristics that children with autism should understand about themselves. Zane’s mom in the story does a wonderful job about pointing out all of Zane’s stripes and what they stand for in her eyes. That is a really cool metaphor, which is a perfect way to teach the literacy device. This book is great for students who need to learn about respecting differences in their peers, and also self-respect for students who have been diagnosed. Autism can be a world of awesome if we learn to embrace it!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

I wanted to like this book, however, I don’t think that the message will be affirming to children with autism. I think that the “autism stripe” has the possibility of adding to a child’s fear that others will perceive them as strange, not simply unique as the message intends. Autistic kids often interpret words and ideas quite literally.

If you have read this book to a child with autism, or even a neuro-typical child, please comment and let me know how the child interpreted the message. 🙂 For now, I will not be reading it to any of my grandchildren, especially the one with ASD.

I liked that there was information at the end of the book for parents and other interested people. I categorized it as a reference book.

The illustrations were cute.

[Jemeecia Trice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this book numerous times and I love it more and more every time I read it. The book is about a autistic child going to school and worrying that his classmates will make fun of him. He wants the children to see him and not just his autistic stripes, his mom helps him know & understand that no matter what he is beautiful and that helps him appreciate his self and his stripes more. All children are unique and special in their own way and this book helps other children and parents deal with some troubles they may have.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous art (nevermind the animals wearing clothes; I'll overlook it this time), extensive and helpful notes, and a great story. The only imperfection imo is that this child is very 'mildly' neuro-diverse... a lot of children with 'an autism stripe' can't be so loving and expressive with their mom and it'd break my heart to see a reader blame themself for not getting affection from their autistic child.

[Jasmine]

Kindly written but you can kinda tell that this person is either not autistic themselves, or they've got a lot of baggage about it. Dividing the character's "Honesty stripe" (good) as something different from their "autism stripe" (implied to be bad or at least just to be endured), and advocating ABA in the "notes for caregivers at the back"? Yikes.

It's sweet and has a good message about all the aspects that make up a person, but also, yikes.