(image from www.amazon.com)
Lears, Laurie. Waiting for Mr. Goose.
Laurie Lears also begins her story with an author’s note. The page explains how children with AD/HD struggle with waiting. However, she also notes that children with AD/HD are “innovative, creative thinkers”. Instead of focusing on the negatives, Lears says she is writing this story to show the strengths of this particular child with AD/HD.
The story is about a boy named Stephen. He struggles with sitting still and paying attention, something the adults in his life always seem to notice. Due to the attention of his inability to sit still, Stephen feels like he cannot do anything right. One day in the park, Stephen notices a goose limping by the pond. The goose’s limp is caused by a metal trap, which is stuck around its leg. Immediately Stephen devises several plans to try and free the goose’s leg. He surprises everyone, including himself, because he keeps trying patiently until he finally catches Mr. Goose.
This book should be included in the classroom because it talks to insiders and outsiders alike. From an insider perspective, Stephen’s feelings are relatable to other children with AD/HD. In the first couple pages of the book, Stephen expresses his frustration with his behavior, saying he “felt as if he couldn’t do anything right” (1). Children with AD/HD are often judged by their peers and marginalized in the classroom. Therefore, Stephen is immediately identifiable. Children who do not have AD/HD can also feel for Stephen. Nobody likes to get in trouble, so they will connect with Stephen in that way. Although the story deals with some frustrations of the condition, Lears also makes sure to include strengths of an individual with AD/HD. This is important for both insiders and outsiders. Insiders get a chance to see their strengths highlighted. The story shows Stephen’s motivation to do something, and other children with AD/HD see that it is possible for them to strive for goals as well. Children without AD/HD will ignore Stephen’s condition at this point in the story and see Stephen as one of them. Thus, Stephen’s AD/HD will become an unimportant detail. They will focus in on the “person first”.
In closing, “Waiting for Mr. Goose” is a positive story about a boy with AD/HD. His disability, however, is not the main focus of the story. This is helpful for both those with or without AD/HD. Insiders see Stephen as someone on their side while outsiders see Stephen as just another boy. Both views still make out Stephen to be a smart boy, and therefore make his AD/HD less of an issue. Lears does a good job writing a story about a disability without making the disability the main focus.
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