Pitch a book: Diary of a Young Naturalist
By: Elizabeth Plamondon
Why does this book matter?
Diary of a Young Naturalist is a novel that highlights the experiences and difficulties that people with autism endure. There are many subjects that are discussed in this book and it is a great way to start a conversation. The novel is written through the lens of the author as he describes his own experiences with mental health, family, friends, bullying, and his passion for nature. This book matters because the author himself lives with Asperger’s syndrome and can educate readers on autism and appreciate those who do live with autism. McAnulty highlights that people with autism have positive outlooks on life and have a deep connection with their environments.
Impact
YA readers will be immersed in a world of a teenager who lives with autism and can be educated on the disorder. Autism is a central theme, but the novel also discusses the incredible importance of the conversation regarding mental illness and self-identity.
“...I love dandelions. They make me feel like sunshine itself, and you will always see some creature resting on an open bloom, if you have a little patience to wait. This vital source for all emerging pollinators is a blast of uplifting yellow to brighten even the greyest of days. It stands tall and proud, unlike all the others opening and swaying in the breeze. The odd one out.” – Dara McAnulty, Diary of a Young Naturalist
This quote expresses the value and freedom of being true to yourself. YA readers who are on a journey to discovering their true identities can connect with McAnulty as he describes his own experiences. This journey does not happen overnight, rather, is an experience through sunny days and storms. This passage stands out to me because when you think about your personal positive and negative experiences, the comparison to rainy days shows how storms do pass and sunny days follow.
Importance of Representation
The importance of this book also lies in the fact that the author himself lives with Asperger’s syndrome. His writing portrays autism in a positive way and represents people with autism as positive. According to Jane Yalof, it is crucial to consult those with autism when writing about experiences, promote a connection between the reader and character, and provide the character with goals and dreams that are not dependent on “overcoming” their autism (2021). If readers can see others accomplishing their goals, they will feel as though they can too. This is why positive and realistic representation is key. When authors create a character who “overcomes” their disability, it gives the impression that their disability is a barrier to their dreams. A positive representation of disability would leave the reader feeling inspired and that their disability is not a roadblock to their success.
“Dara McAnulty 'Diary of a Young Naturalist'.” YouTube, uploaded by Blackwell’s Bookshops, 15 May, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RouNh5qt0_g
Sources
“Diary of a Young Naturalist.” Goodreads. Accessed Apr 3, 2022. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48853063-diary-of-a-young-naturalist?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=v9NKaFMp12&rank=1
Yalof, Jane. “A Study of Austism in Children’s Literature.” Honors Scholar Theses. Accessed Apr 3, 2022. https://opencommons.uconn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1724&context=srhonors_theses.
Video:
“Dara McAnulty 'Diary of a Young Naturalist'.” YouTube, uploaded by Blackwell’s Bookshops, 15 May, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RouNh5qt0_g