Blue Bottle Mystery
Jessica Kingsley Publications, UK 2002
- Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award, UK: Shortlisted
Why I wrote it…
Unfortunately our world tends to put people into nice neat boxes. If you are sporty, then you are popular, if you are ‘different’ then you are an outcast. As a teacher, nothing upset me more than to see bright, intelligent, funny and interesting children being bullied or ignored because they didn’t fit in with ‘acceptable’ social patterns. As people with Asperger Syndrome have problems with communication and understanding the unwritten ‘laws’ around them, they are prime targets for misunderstanding. I wanted to write a book that showed that kids who are different are amazing individuals and their input into our lives, if we let them, is unique and worthy. The mysterious blue bottle idea simply came from every kids’ (and adults’) dream that one day their wishes would come true. What would you wish for?
Awards and Recognition
2002
Of Mice and Aliens
Jessica Kingsley Publications, UK 2002
- Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award, UK: Shortlisted
Reviews
“This is described by the author, Kathy Hoopmann, as an “Asperger Adventure”. It is certainly an out-of-the-ordinary story with its hero, Ben an autistic schoolboy, who discovers a blue bottle which seems to make his wishes come true. Life in school is a problem for Ben who is always at odds with his teachers. Eventually, however, he is diagnosed as having Asperger Syndrome and his family and friends begin to understand his behaviour. Blue Bottle Mystery is an absorbing adventure story with the added advantage that it allows children with Asperger Syndrome to read about their disability. It will assist parents and teachers to obtain some insight into this condition. It is also valuable as a teaching tool to stress the individuality of all children of all abilities. The author’s love for children is apparent in her treatment of the central character and the book is highly suitable as a non-theatening bed time story. Enjoyable and absorbing, it is intended for readers in the 8-12 years age group and is printed in large easily accessible print, clearly set out in 94 pages as a paperback.”
Disability Times
“I read this book in under an hour and then immediately picked it up and read it again, much to my brother’s disappointment (“It’s my book!”) It is a story that succeeds in the challenge parents and siblings have been faced with for years – how to explain what Autism is without drowning people amidst technical terms and psychology. It contains a lot of information whilst still being an intriguing tale of a boy’s adventure that would excite any child whether they had autism or not. It was a wonderful to listen to my brothers cries of “Oh now I understand,” ” I do that,” ” Aspergers – that’s what I have.” The story highlights the problems for family and friends of Autistic children and for the children themselves and allows the reader to take up their part in the story. It provides advice and support, a good explanation of Autism and a heart-warming story. We shall have to buy another copy because both my brother and I love it too much to let the other have a read. My only criticism is that it does not make a good bed-time story as my brother would not go to sleep; he wanted to hear more of the story and tell me more about what he had read. Congratulations on a truly wonderful book. Best of luck.”