Books published by publisher ACER Press

Receiving a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome can be a frightening, confusing, and overwhelming experience for both parents and children. In fact, many people still believe it may be better not to name or 'label' the syndrome in the hope that their child will settle down and learn to adapt. However, making sense and meaning of our experiences, similarities, and differences is a core and universal human need. When, despite our best efforts, we still can't understand why parts of our lives are not working, the resulting confusion, frustration, and distress can be traumatic for any person. Making Sense of Asperger's: A Story for Children grew out of just such an experience for one seven-year-old boy. This extremely bright child was frequently in serious trouble at school but couldn't understand why. His mother was struggling with her attempts to explain that he had been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, so she asked her son's psychologist, author Debra Engle, for guidance in explaining this in a positive way. This book is the end result of this mother's request for help. Elaborating on a previously developed analogy of Asperger's syndrome with a computer's operating system, this workbook, with its simple text and entertaining illustrations, offers an explanation of Asperger's as one possibility within the range of differences between all people. In a world where most people come equipped with a standard operating system, it explains in a validating and fun way exactly what an Asperger's syndrome operating system is, how it works, the compatibility issues which can arise, and, most importantly, how to live with one, with system crashes and all.

Hallelujah is the remarkable story of one of the greatest events in musical history, the creation of George Frederic Handel's masterpiece, Messiah. Composed in just twenty-four days, Handel's "Grand Oratorio which rendered him immortal" was birthed in the darkest and most desperate hours of his life. His health was failing. Critics ridiculed him. Creditors hounded him. Enemies perscuted him. Pride had nearly destroyed him. Yet, out of Handel's night emerged the dawn of Messiah.Anyone who has thrilled at hearing the Hallelujah Chorus will feel "profound attachment" to Handel's story of hope and redemption as timeless ans poignant as the music itself.

Philosophy Park is a beginner's guide to philosophy, which introduces young readers to the ideas of some of the world's most famous philosophers, both ancient and modern. The book includes notes on each philosopher and a story based on what they had to say about a key philosophical issue or problem. Yet, Philosophy Park doesn't just set out their ideas. It engages the reader in the thought of the philosophers, and it makes ideas - often regarded as difficult for adults - come alive for children. While there are many popular books on philosophy for adults and a handful for children, Philosophy Park - presented in a story book format - is the first to directly explore the thought of famous philosophers for the 10-12 age group. [Philosophy Park is also available as an accompanying teacher resource book (ISBN 978 1 74286 192 0) that provides educators with a practical guide for using the book in the classroom, as well as carefully constructed topic questions, activities, and exercises with which to extend student thinking and discussion. The resource book will be particularly welcomed by teachers who are beginning to grapple with the renewed emphasis being placed on critical and creative thinking in curriculum.]