Why Johnny Doesn't Flap: NT is OK!

by Clay Morton, Gail Morton, Alex Merry (Illustrator)

Overview

Johnny is different. He is never exactly on time, he can't seem to stick to a routine and he often speaks in cryptic idioms. Johnny is neurotypical, but that's OK.

A picture book with a difference, Why Johnny Doesn't Flap turns the tables on common depictions of neurological difference by drolly revealing how people who are not on the autistic spectrum are perceived by those who are. The autistic narrator's bafflement at his neurotypical friend's quirks shows that 'normal' is simply a matter of perspective.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781849057219
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	10/21/2015
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.43(w) x 8.43(h) x 0.31(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Clay Morton is Associate Professor of English and Director of the Honors Program at Middle Georgia State University. Gail Morton (MLIS) is a Public Services Librarian at Mercer University. Clay and Gail research issues of neurodiversity, particularly in relation to higher education. They are parents to a child with autism and are both advocates for the neurodiversity movement.

Table of Contents

Why Johnny Doesn't Flap. Note for parents.

Editorial Reviews

09/21/2015
An unnamed boy with autism describes his friend Johnny’s unusual and sometimes perplexing behaviors: “Mom says it is because he is NT, or neurotypical. He doesn’t have autism, so his brain works differently from mine, but that’s ok.” Johnny doesn’t arrive precisely on time to visit, makes direct eye contact, “doesn’t have a topic he knows everything about, like World War II or dinosaurs or forklifts,” and “always wants to play with other kids.” Merry’s artwork is somewhat rudimentary (the boys’ facial expressions scarcely change, even when the narrator is having a “meltdown,” and there isn’t much variation in the staging of the images). But the authors’ subversion of expectations through the narration is effective and thought-provoking, and may well lead neurotypical readers to reconsider their own behaviors and judgments. Ages 5–9. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

The young narrator of this charming book helps readers understand why a neurotypical peer's behavior can be so confusing. Fun illustrations support the text, providing extra opportunities for discussion exploring the differences between NT and ASD behaviors, and that's more than OK. That's super duper!

Liane Holliday Willey

A delightful departure from the norm, Why Johnny Doesn't Flap flips the script and models empathy, acceptance, and compassion for that oddest of neurologies, the neurotypical. This irreverent subversion is a breath of fresh air, and reminds us that there's not a right way to have a brain, and that 'normal' is in the eye of the beholder. We're better off with a dose of the Mortons' wry perspective.

Julia Bascom

This is a wonderful wheeze! Johnny is neuro-typical, while the story teller is autistic. We see Johnny from his point of view, and to him, Johnny is a cause of bafflement... However, our narrator says his mum explains that everyone is different, and just because Johnny is different doesn't mean they can't be good friends. Which they are... The funny and clever thing about this approach is that the narrator seems to feel slightly superior to Johnny, and it is interesting and possibly unique in a picture book to show how autistic people look at those of us who don't share their outlook. A brilliant and highly original book with lovely warm illustrations.

healthybooks.org.uk - Healthy Books

12/01/2015
K-Gr 3—Books about disability are often told from the point of view of those without disabilities. By turning this traditional framing and structure on its head, the authors emphasize that differences can be subjective. The narrator, who has autism, matter-of-factly outlines the ways that his friend Johnny, who is neurotypical (NT), seems strange. For instance, Johnny looks right into people's eyes when talking to them and doesn't have meltdowns when faced with a change in schedule. Ultimately, the main character appreciates that being different isn't wrong, which helps him connect with his pal. The typed-style text and realistic, muted illustrations initially seem flat. However, considering the audience—those with autism who are learning about the behaviors of neurotypically developing peers—the design makes sense. The visuals paint the world as the protagonist sees it and are realistic in execution. The book has a minor flaw: the abbreviation of NT in the subtitle could be confusing. VERDICT It will take extra work for librarians to get this offering in the hands of the right readers, but its unique perspective and important message make it a worthwhile purchase.—Renee Grassi, Glen Ellyn Public Library, Glen Ellyn, IL

School Library Journal