Getting to Know Andrew


Young Adult - Coming of Age
131 Pages
Reviewed on 07/07/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Getting to Know Andrew by Barbara N. Clark, PhD, is an insightful story that offers readers a unique glimpse into the life of Andrew, a neurodivergent teenager navigating the challenges and triumphs of adolescence. The story is told through Andrew’s perspective, allowing readers to experience his thoughts, emotions, and interactions with the world around him. This approach cultivates empathy and understanding for individuals on the autism spectrum. Andrew’s relationship with his service dog, Fiona, is central to the story and beautifully illustrates the bond between humans and animals. Fiona is a source of comfort and stability for Andrew, helping him manage sensory overload and navigate social situations. Their connection is a touching reminder of the importance of support systems in the lives of neurodivergent individuals.

Barbara N. Clark balances Andrew’s internal struggles with his external achievements, such as his growing interest in rocket engines and his aspirations to become an aerospace engineer. His fascination with science and space is a metaphor for his desire to explore and understand the world, despite the challenges he faces. The narrative also highlights Andrew’s growth, from learning to manage his sensitivities to developing meaningful relationships, particularly with his classmate Isabella. Clark’s writing is engaging, making complex topics like autism spectrum disorder understood to a broad audience. The epilogue provides a satisfying conclusion, showing Andrew as a successful adult who has embraced his passions and found his place in the world. Getting to Know Andrew is an excellent read for young adults, educators, and anyone seeking to learn more about neurodiversity. Through Andrew’s journey, readers are reminded that every individual has unique strengths and the potential to thrive when given the right support and opportunities. Getting to Know Andrew should be in every elementary classroom and school library.

Pikasho Deka

Barbara N. Clark's Getting to Know Andrew is a coming-of-age story that follows the adventures of a thirteen-year-old boy on the autism spectrum. Andrew doesn't like loud noises. Although he is still in eighth grade, Andrew aspires to become an astronaut one day. His loyal service dog, Fiona, a golden retriever, accompanies him everywhere, even at school. Sometimes, Andrew tends to daydream about being an astronaut in class, and Fiona ends up nudging him to come back to reality. He is friends with Isabella, a classmate with a golden retriever named Cloud. Andrew and Fiona also help their new classmate Christina, who fell down some stairs. Meanwhile, he sees a portal in his room from which rockets launch. Andrew gets a big boost when his dad takes him to NASA.

Getting to Know Andrew is a beautiful story about a neurodivergent boy who navigates middle school, home life, and friendships while chasing his lifelong dream. Author Barbara N. Clark draws on her own experiences working with neurodivergent people to provide an excellent perspective on people with autism with her portrayal of Andrew. It was fascinating to see how people like Andrew think and view the world around them. I loved the relationship dynamics between Andrew and his parents. Andrew making a cake for his mother on her birthday was one of my favorite scenes from the book. I also enjoyed his bond with Fiona and his friendship with Isabella. The ending definitely brightened my day, and I think it will make others smile too. All in all, it's an absorbing coming-of-age tale.

Stacie Haas

In Getting to Know Andrew by Barbara N Clark, PhD, Andrew is a thirteen-year-old boy navigating the challenges of middle school the same way as other normal kids his age. At school, Andrew encounters ignorance and bullying, annoying and loud classes, and new friendships, including a budding relationship with a girl who could become his girlfriend. But Andrew is not a normal kid. He’s on the Autism Spectrum and relies on his service dog, Fiona, to journey through life. Fiona not only helps him, she’s also his best friend. She accompanies Andrew everywhere, even on the dazzling journeys his mind takes into space via rocket launches from his bedroom.

Getting to Know Andrew is an interesting and intimate look inside the mind of a teen with autism. The way Andrew’s brain works makes perfect sense to him; his challenge comes from figuring out how best to manage the noise, clutter, and social norms of interacting with other people in his life. He has loving parents, who are an immense help to him and whom he appreciates, despite not always knowing how to communicate it to them. The most endearing part of the story is Andrew’s relationship with Fiona. It’s sweet, and the importance of service dogs and the incredible way they care for their humans is both loving and impressive. The narrative also gives you a brief look into the world of aerospace from Andrew’s perspective. Barbara N Clark provides a useful and informative look into the world of autism and offers a gentle and poignant reminder to embrace empathy as we encounter others and to appreciate each other's beautiful gifts.