Jimmy's Magical Red Hoodie is a sensitively written picture book to help young children see what autism can look like in severely nonverbal autistic children or adults of any age. Through a variety of simple, yet funny circumstances that Jimmy, the main character, faces, it will help children better understand that autistic classmates or family members think and react differently, but they can also achieve their own unique goals in life. They will learn that autism may cause a person to behave in ways that are very odd to them, but that autism is not bad or something to be afraid of nor to ever bully anyone over, but to accept each and every individual as special. Through the magically funny ways that the story turns difficult situations into positive ones, this book will also encourage children and parents to be open to discuss how to focus on the best in any person who might be different.
Written by the mother of the real Jimmy pictured here with severe autism, but who always loves to wear his red hoodie and is loved unconditionally by many, the book takes place in the real town of his heritage and is based on a true story with real behaviors and words by Jimmy yet made into fiction to promote excitement in reading books and interaction among young children, parents, teachers, and family members.
