UBC Press Of Mice and Aliens book Paperback 112 pages

The sequel to Blue Bottle Mystery, this is a science fiction novel for kids, with a difference. Ben is learning to cope with his newly diagnosed Asperger Syndrome, but when an alien crash-lands in his back yard, things really get complicated. The alien, Zeke, knows nothing about Earth's rules and norms and it is up to Ben and his friend Andy to help Zeke survive. The humorous parallels between the alien's inability to relate to humans and Ben's own idiosyncrasies highlight the difficulties Aspie kids face every day.Of Mice and Aliens is not just another kids' book. As well as being a delightful read for anyone who loves adventure, it is a valuable teaching tool that demystifies children with Asperger's, justifying their individuality as valid and interesting.

Kathy Hoopmann is a primary school teacher and children's author who lives on a small property near Brisbane in Queensland, Australia. She enjoys camping, walking on the beach, and writing on the computer for hours on end. She is married with three children, two zebra finches, a cat and dozens of wild birds that feed on her back deck. Kathy has been involved with children with Asperger Syndrome for many years, and is the author of Blue Bottle Mystery, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.