From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up-Landau presents a look at this neurological disorder whose sufferers are prone to sudden and involuntary movements or sounds. The text makes it clear that while the cause is not known, there are medications that can help control the symptoms. In addition to the tics most commonly associated with the syndrome, many people are also afflicted with obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit, or learning disabilities. The writing is clear and well organized, and the author includes a list of books, organizations, and Internet resources for further information. The quotes from people with TS and their families are particularly touching, making the text that much more approachable. An excellent overview of a misunderstood condition.Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NYCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 6^-12. Using an unadorned style and easily understandable language, Landau looks at both the scientific and the social aspects of Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition marked by uncontrollable verbalization and involuntary tics. She presents information on cause and treatment, how the condition affects home and school life, and the ways some individuals have managed to achieve in spite of the condition. In addition to accounts about such well-known athletes as basketball player Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf and baseball star Jim Eisenreich, she includes profiles of a surgeon, an actor, a writer, and a musician whose careers have thrived. Notes lead readers to the secondary sources Landau used for her research--mostly articles from popular magazines and transcripts from TV shows. Lists of print and online sources and a state-by-state guide of helpful organizations are appended. Randy Meyer

Card catalog description
Describes the causes, symptoms, and treatment of Tourette Syndrome and explains the challenges faced by people with the disorder.

ANNOTATION

Describes the causes, symptoms, and treatment of Tourette Syndrome and explains the challenges faced by people with the disorder.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Describes the causes, symptoms, and treatment of Tourette Syndrome and explains the challenges faced by people with the disorder.

FROM THE CRITICS

VOYA - Kevin S. Beach

This title is part of the Venture Books young adult/children's series that, among other things, examines the causes and treatments of common medical disabilities. The author, a former newspaper reporter and librarian, presents a clear and organized text. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects over 100,000 Americans. (It is estimated that close to half a million Americans exhibit some mild symptoms.) The book examines the disorder's commonly related problems, drug treatments, and recent advances in research. Case studies of children and their families coping with the accompanying tics and impulses, and particularly with the teasing that comes from schoolmates, provide real life examples of people dealing with daily living. A few successful athletes, performers, and historical figures are highlighted to demonstrate that the affliction does not prevent people from developing great skills or talents. (It is suggested that Mozart exhibited many classic symptoms.) Many photos accompany the text. The list of sources reveals recent newspaper and magazine articles, television specials, and books, most from 1997. A directory of resources includes Internet Web sites and addresses for a variety of state and national organizations. An adequate index is also included. The attractive format and accessible reading level make this an effective guide for a young person facing the symptoms, a student needing report information, or an adult needing a concise overview. Having a child who has been diagnosed with TS, I recommend this book to help fight the ignorance and prejudice surrounding those with afflictions. Index. Illus. Photos. Biblio. Source Notes. VOYA Codes: 4Q 2P M J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses, For the YA with a special interest in the subject, Middle School-defined as grades 6 to 8, Junior High-defined as grades 7 to 9 and Senior High-defined as grades 10 to 12).

School Library Journal