Bibliotherapy is selecting literature – a novel or short story – that deals with a specific issue or concern and then having stakeholders read and discuss it. The idea is that the literature both defuses the situation and provides a basis for discussion. There are various degrees of bibliotherapy – from formal clinical use between a counselor and client to general classroom use with all the students and the teacher reading and discussing the selected literature.

Adam Buehrens and his mother Carol have provided us with a great little story that is a perfect candidate for classroom use, especially if any students in the classroom have Tourette Syndrome. The book is Adam and the Magic Marble (2000, 2nd Printing, Hope Press). One of the remarkable things about this little novel is that it was written when Adam was ten years old. Not only that, this is his second book! (Hi! I’m Adam – a Child’s Book About Tourette Syndrome, Hope Press)

Adam and his best friend, Chris, who also has Tourette’s, and their new friend Matt, who has cerebral palsy, are bullied by three students in their school, as it so often happens when others are different. Finally, they decide they must do something, and that’s when they find the amazing Marble. At first, the boys are not sure just where their new-found power comes from; but after accidentally turning the bullies into frogs, they realize that the power lies in the Marble. Then the exciting adventure unfolds when the frog/bullies escape with the Marble and begin to use it to harm others. Adam, Chris, and Matt realize that it’s their responsibility to chase down and recover the Marble.

Once the Marble is back in their possession, the boys find that it allows Adam and Chris to control their Tourette’s and Matt is able to walk. But, of course, there are consequences and Adam and Chris have to make some pretty serious decisions.

This little adventure/fantasy carries quite a wallop! Not only does it deal with serious issues like friendship, responsibility, and sacrifice, it provides a very clear picture the difficulties individuals with Tourette Syndrome face. The Buehrens provide “inside” information on what someone with Tourette’s deals with as he attempts to control his behavior and emotions. 

The writing is really quite mature, but at the same time you can hear Adam’s ten-year-old voice coming through. In addition, Adam’s sense of humor is evident everywhere. One can easily see that even at this age, Adam understands and has accepted his condition, and that it will not hold him back. So Adam and the Magic Marble is also a story of his remarkable courage and insight. For a quick, easy, and very fun read, you certainly can’t go wrong with Adam and the Magic Marble; but be prepared to meet some pretty impressive thematic treatments.

One footnote: At the end of the book is a very impressive list of additional books and references on Tourette Syndrome. This in, itself, is very helpful.

Happy Reading!

 

Recently retired from teaching in the Masters of Gifted Studies Program at Mississippi University for Women, Bob Seney is now Professor Emeritus. At conferences, he often presents a session titled “What’s New in Young Adult Literature.” Bob serves on the NAGC Board of Directors. Reach him at bseney@muw.edu.