Kimberly M Boyd

Ursula Unger, Obviously Kimberly M Boyd

Ursula Unger arrives late to her first day of school, kicks off her shoes and runs out to recess, leaving her teacher and classmates in stunned confusion. So begins first grade, and Ursula's introduction to the routines and conventions of elementary school. While Ursula learns to adjust, wear shoes, and wait until recess time, her teacher and classmates adjust as well, and discover the genius of atypical thinking in the process.

Ursula Unger, Obviously introduces readers to the exhausting and brilliant mind of a young girl with high-functioning autism. Geared toward a 9-12 year-old audience, this story will remind young readers of the quirky and indecipherable children they have met, and delight them with insight. Teachers will recognize the frustrations of Mrs. B as she tries to teach the "unteachable" child and marvel at her creativity. Parents will relate to the bewilderment of Ursula's mom and dad, faced with the demands of Ursula's stubborn curiosity. From the dinosaur fossils to historical dramatizations, all readers will celebrate Ursula's inexhaustible pursuit of her own truth.

This book is a labor of love after 20 years of working with the special needs population. It reflects the author's fascination and admiration of students who see the world differently, and grab hold with unusual vigor.