Tennessee Next Chapter Book Clubs

Some time ago, I wrote about the Next Chapter Book Clubs. 

These book clubs are for  older adolescents/young adults with autism, down syndrome or other developmental challenges. 

I was excited to see that there is now a book

club in Nashville (age 17 and up) and I asked the coordinator of the Middle Tennessee book clubs which books the club members enjoyed:

“One of our book clubs just finished Devin and the Greedy Ferret by Leo Kennedy!  Some of the other books that have been big hits are Mr. Poppers Penguin's, Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz and Treasure Island-anything with a movie that can be watched at the end is very popular!

The group that read Devin and the Greedy Ferret enjoyed it and were very impressed with who the author was-one of the participants had had a children's book self-published several years ago so she particularly thought it was pretty cool!”

There is a Nashville Next Chapter Book Club that meets each Tuesday night at the Starbucks Café in Target on White Bridge Road. If you’re interested in joining or starting a book club in the Middle Tennessee area, contact the Arc of Williamson County.

Leo Kennedy, a parishioner at St. Henry Church, works on a new book. He recently published his first book, “Devin and the Greedy Ferret.” Photo by Andy Telli

Talent Tuesday - Leo B. Kennedy

Leo B. Kennedy has a unique voice among children’s book authors.  Parents have written about the travails of raising a child with autism, adults have written memoirs about their personal experiences on the spectrum, and recent novels have been written from the supposed perspective of a person with autism.  But where are the children’s fiction books written by a person who actually has autism?

Devin and the Greedy Ferret is the first of its kind.  Leo writes a fast-paced, compelling story with characters that are quirky but credible. Their sometimes absurd reasoning and outspoken motivations will entertain and resonate with middle grade readers, whether they have autism or not. 

“I wanted characters that were daring, courageous, and funny,” says the author.  “I also required that none of them walk on four legs.” 

The Story:  Devin and his friends think it will be cool to kidnap the school mascot, but when they try to hide from the police, a run-in with Frederick Ferret causes new problems.  Now only Devin can save his friends from . . .    

to find out more about Devin and his friends, click here

Leo was diagnosed with autism at the age of two.  With the support of inspiring teachers and community members who recognized his strengths and potential, he is reaching well beyond the dismal future forecast by naysayers encountered along the way.

If you’re in Nashville, come to the launch party! 

Sign up at the website to get on the mailing list 

for updates and party information.

(Many thanks to the Kennedys for writing today's post. Go Leo!

-Spectrum Mom)