Masterpiece is an inclusive story featuring Samuel, a boy on the autism spectrum who sees the world differently than his peers. When Samuel's teacher asks his class to create a piece of art, it quickly becomes apparent that his beautiful way of looking at the world makes him a true masterpiece! Throughout the story, the other students in his class learn lessons of empathy, understanding and acceptance.
A lovely picture book that has as its protagonist a boy on the autistic spectrum. Readers meet Samuel who is obsessed with the color blue.
Mrs. Anderson gives the class an assignment to draw a picture of themselves enjoying a day outside with their family. Each of the children share. All the drawings display a plethora of colors except for Samuel's which portrays every shade of blue. When the children make fun of this, she proudly displays the drawing as a masterpiece showing lots of shades of blue.
The illustrator shows Samuel wearing headphones, an accommodation frequently allowed for autistic children with sensory needs but rarely shown in books. I would have loved to have this book in my classroom library when teaching an integrated class combining special needs children with those in the general population. It encourages children to have empathy for those with special needs and helps them to understand there is strength in our uniqueness.
I am so happy to find a book like this. My son is on the spectrum. He knows he is different from his peers. He is such an intelligent boy and is wise beyond his years which makes him stand out next to his peers in class. He uses headphones as well. Something I really felt this year of school is how much I wish other kids would be educated to include kids who are different from themselves in play. Great Job Alexandra!
I almost cried, we loved this book SO MUCH! The author beautifully displays the story in the world of a boy who sees things just a bit differently...exactly what we need in this world. The teacher supports the boy, and the class is amazed by the brilliant boys masterpiece. Let's all try to get out of our own worlds, and jump into others every now and then. A wonderful lesson for children and parents alike! 5 stars! Highly recommend.
This book is wonderful giving youngsters a little bit of understanding about a boy on the autism spectrum. The book is encouraging children to be confident in who they are just as the main character in the story is. He creates his own art very different from the other children simply using his favourite colour of blue but in so many different shades. A story worth checking out. Happy Reading Book Lovers 📚📖
Masterpiece" is a beautiful and touching book! The theme of inclusion and compassion is so important. Especially when it comes to understanding and accepting differences. The book portrays a character with autism expressing himself through the color blue. Showcasing his unique perspective and creativity. Sharing such stories with my students and children at home can foster empathy and understanding. While also celebrating diversity.
Masterpiece is a heartwarming and inclusive story that beautifully portrays the journey of a nonverbal child on the autism spectrum. As an educator I found a profound connection with Masterpiece, and I wholeheartedly commend Alexandra for skilfully portraying such a crucial topic with immense beauty and sensitivity. I will definitely recommend a read aloud especially for elementary teachers. Rashda
This book gave me chills. The author captured how beautiful having a mind considered “different” can be! I loved it! Gorgeous illustrations and told this much needed story in a way that so many kids will be able to empathize with and relate to! Perfect addition to ANY library!
Masterpiece is a heartfelt and beautifully illustrated story about Samuel, a child on the autism spectrum who expresses himself uniquely through his love of the color blue. This inclusive book gently teaches empathy, acceptance, and celebrates neurodiversity. Perfect for families and classrooms, it offers an authentic and warm perspective that encourages understanding and inclusion.
Having a neurodiverse child myself, I am always thrilled to find books that raise awareness and promote understanding and acceptance. A lovely book with an important message. Highly recommended.
What a beautiful story of inclusion!! Simply written yet a powerful message of inclusion and to educate youngsters on autistic children. The drawings are powerful and I am looking forward to more books from this author!!!
How much story can you put onto just a few pages that share space between text and images? A lot, it appears. We are different, we all matter. The message is beautiful, the images wonderfully drawn.
As a mom to a little boy with autism this book warms my heart! It reminds me so much of my son with the colors red and green. The story shows there's beauty in being different. Absolutely loved reading this book with my kiddos!
Great book to share with young children to encourage, celebrate, and understand inclusion and differences in our world. Recommend. Beautiful illustrations. Well done!
Alexandra Hoffman really delivers in her book Masterpiece. It’s an amazing look into school life of a young boy on the spectrum. While this book is written for children, this is an amazing book for all ages to understand difference can make us stronger together. 💙
I love this story. It’s simple but extremely profound, touching on a number of important themes: neurodiversity, acceptance, creativity in its myriad definitions just to name a few. The art work is also spectacular!
Everyone dances to a different drummer, or, in this case, sees the world in different colors, and that is more than okay – it`s beautiful! Samuel knows this and doesn`t let his love for the color blue be swayed. Follow along with him on his odyssey to create a true masterpiece.
I downloaded this today, because it was free, and as soon as I finish this review I’m going to purchase a physical copy.
I love how this book showcases how an autistic child’s mind works. You see blue, but they see all of the magical shades of blue. The author makes the book fun and engaging, while the illustrations are bright and simple.
With charming illustrations, this book takes you on a journey of a child that loves the color blue, who teaches his class that anything can be a masterpiece.
While wearing his earphones in a classroom, Samuel chooses to draw his picture of playing with his family with all shades of blue. Cookie-cutter illustrations.
I really enjoyed this heartwarming story! At first, I wasn’t sure how the teacher would react to the child’s artwork that was different from everyone else’s! But luckily she was able to appreciate the masterpiece. She might also be a fan of Picasso’s blue period ;)