Houtman, a freelance from Madison, Wis., has written a novel for children that puts the reader inside the mind of a boy with an autism spectrum disorder as he navigates his way through the drama of middle school life. The plot broaches topics such as school bullies, classmates with sensory processing disorders, acceptance, and understanding. Houtman hopes that after reading this book, children will better understand the "odd" child on the block who covers his ears when the fire drill sounds, becomes upset when the schedule is changed, and takes jokes literally.