Love for Logan
Lori DeMonia, Author
Monique Turchan, Illustrator
Halo Publishing International, Fiction, May 15, 2015
Suitable for Ages: 6 -9
Themes: Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum, Sisters, Family Relationships, Love
Opening: “I’m too excited to sit still! I finally get to put my pink butterfly costume and sparkle wings on tonight for my ballet recital. I can’t wait for everyone to see me. But, I’m worried too. What if my whole family won’t be there?”
Synopsis: Logan’s tummy is flip-flopping with excitement as she dresses for her ballet recital. Her only worry is whether her older sister Leah, who has autism and a sensory processing disorder, will be able to watch her dance. While Logan gets ready for the recital Leah reads her a story. When Logan accidentally spills a metal tin of bobby pins on the floor, Leah jumps up, covers her ears and runs from the room. Dad promises to talk with Leah to help her understand what to expect at the recital with a lot people, clapping, and bright lights. Logan leaves for the theater with the hopes that her whole family will attend.
Why I like this book:
Lori DeMonia has written a sensitive and child-friendly story about Leah learning to understand and cope with the uncertainty and complexity of having a sister with autism and a sensory processing disorder. This heartwarming story is told with such love as the family works together to find ways to be part of each others lives.
Love for Logan is a fictional story inspired by the author’s daughters. It is a lovely sequel and companion book to the DeMonia’s first book, Leah’s Voice. It is written with simplicity so that children will have fun with the story and learn more about the impact of sensory issues on a sibling’s daily life. The ending is endearing because Leah wants her entire family to attend her ballet recital. Will Logan finds the courage to attend? Monique Turchan’s illustrations are warm, expressive and lively. They compliment the story.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) covers a variety of neurological disabilities, not just one. Some children with autism have SPD. It has an impact on every day life for the child and family. Many children like Leah, find things are too noisy, too smelly, too itchy and too ouchy. It may cause children to behave in ways that are different from.
Resources: This is an excellent book for families dealing with similar issues. It is also a book that could be used in the classroom during Autism Awareness Month to discuss sensory issues with students. A lot of kids don’t like sirens, fire drills, scratchy labels, and smelly things. Encourage students talk or draw pictures about what bothers them most. This could lead to a lively discussion about similarities and help students better support someone with SPD. The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation has a wealth of resources and information.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Children's Books Heal 
This looks like an amazing book that adults could learn from as well. While many of us know families that include an autistic child, we may not understand all of the implications. Thanks of sharing!
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Yes, I agree. Autism effect each child differently.For Logan also has a sensory processing disorder, which makes her very sensitive to light, noise, smells etc. Adults who have had a brain injury or stroke, have sensory issues that are very similar.
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Interesting. I didn’t realize that.
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I’m glad you learned something new.
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It must be extremely challenging for siblings, and the responsibility they feel in protecting a sister or brother with autism, while at the same time worrying about what may go wrong in social situations. Sounds like a book we can all learn from. Wonderful review, Pat!
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It is a book that could be helpful to a family. It is especially hard for siblings, like Leah, who wants her sister to attend recital, but doesn’t want Logan to create a scene. I love how the family handles the situation.
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Such a sensitive way to share information about autism. Thanks for sharing.
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I hope this book finds its way to the families who could use some encouragement.
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Sounds like a lovely book to help people in all walks of life understand families and people with autism. Awesome review! I love your blog’s mission.
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Thank you so much. I try to share books that are helpful for families in dealing with issues like autism, cerebral palsy, cancer etc.
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This sounds lovely. I imagine that siblings of kids with autism often develop extraordinary empathetic skills. It’s wonderful that this book focuses on a sibling.
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Yes, I believe you are right. Patience must be so hard for a sibling. That’s why families sharing true stories is so helpful for others. Thank you for visiting!
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A book that will help children understand autism is important. It sounds like the subject is handled well.
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Yes, the book is very thoughtful and great for siblings.
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I love Leah’s Voice so much; how did I miss that Lori wrote another book? Thank you for showcasing this perfectly-timed title as we launch into Autism Awareness Month. I always connect with your picks!
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Yes, I loved Leah’s Voice too. This is a nice companion book. And, I always connect with you choices.
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Lots of siblings in this position can benefit from a story like this.
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Yes, it is a book siblings will benefit from.
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It’s great that there are more books like this these days to help families of kids on the spectrum. My younger son has SPD with his autism when he was young so I know what that’s like for a sibling to deal with it.
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Thank you for sharing. So you have an understanding of how hard it is for siblings.
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I sure do. I thought about writing a book for siblings of kids on the spectrum when mine were young but I had no time for it then. :}
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You can still do it! 🙂
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I’ll give it some thought. 🙂
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Great pick, Patricia. My daughter may have had a mild version, and I would have benefitted from knowing more, She had wild fits if her socks didn’t feel right on her feet!
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That’s interesting. You can have sensory issues without having autism. Did she outgrow it? I know our grandson had very sensitive feet and insisted on having them covered. He wouldn’t walk barefoot. But, he outgrew it.
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Pretty much gone, still sensitive to very loud noises though. I think we are all somewhere on a very broad spectrum. Glad for your grandson!
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We don’t get to hear this point of view in our family. My son (with Autism) is an only child. Sounds like a book everyone needs to hear.
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Yes, we need more books on autism. There were quite a few at one time and you can click on my sidebar to see the 30 books I’ve reviewed for kids and parents.
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What a great resource for helping kids understand a different perspective(voice), one that usually isn’t heard. Thank you for highlighting this book!
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I’m pleased you enjoyed the book. Yes, it is important to hear from the siblings.
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A great choice for review, it sounds informative and the illustrations look lovely.
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Glad you enjoyed Love for Logan. It’s important to share books from the siblings POV.
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This looks like the sort of book that would really open some conversations between children. Even if to just remind kids that some folks are more sensitive to noise (or messes) than others.
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Yes, it is a great discussion book. And, every child has something that bothers them — police sirens, itchy labels etc.
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A great review about a very sensitive topic. It is wonderful when we get an insight into how people deal with such issues. This brought to mind when after my husband was recovering from head injury many years ago he found light or sunlight an issue and would hold a towel or something over his head cowering away. He eventually out grew it.
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Yes, I know exactly what you mean. Light sensitivity, sounds and smells are often difficult for people who have had a head injury. Ian and I can both relate to sensory issues.
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This is a nice book that sums up SPD fairly well in the context of a story. My sister has SPD, and she interacts with the world in a different way from us “normal” people. This book would help siblings understand SPD better. (The reason I focus on SPD in this comment is because, personally, I believe that this book was more about Leah’s SPD instead of her autism)
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Yes, I thought of you and your sister when I reviewed this book. It is focused on Leah’s sensory processing disorder. Leah also has autism. I think it is interesting that many children and adults have sensory issues, that may not completely fall under SPD. Many outgrow. This would be a fun book for your sister review and comment on her blog. Her POV would be interesting.
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Really lovely book 🙂
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I am glad you enjoyed the book! I’ve reviewed a many books for kids on the autism spectrum and with sensory issues. Thanks for visiting.
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