Juan Has the Jitters

An interactive children’s book about inclusion, diversity, and the power of math to help one boy with autism thrive amongst his peers.

Juan claps his hands to get his Jitters out. They make his tummy swoosh and swirl. They happen when there are too many people, too much noise, or too many changes to his day. Juan doesn’t like surprises!

Tomorrow there is an athletic event planned at school, which makes Juan very nervous. But his teacher has the perfect solution! Math–Juan’s favorite subject! Counting, sorting, and matching help Juan to calm his Jitters. They focus his mind and keep him engaged. By making math part of the day’s athletic games, and by appointing Juan the official judge, he can have fun and feel included. The class is calling it the Mathletic Games!

Juan Has the Jitters is an interactive children’s story about how one boy manages his autism. It is a lesson in the power of inclusion, as the class takes steps to normalize Juan’s special qualities. Colorfully illustrated, this book invites young readers to help Juan as he counts, matches, and sorts both people and objects from the games. Parents of children 4 to 8 years-old can use this book to help teach kids about diversity and the beauty in what makes every one of us unique. Teachers will find the book meets Common Core standard and nurtures multiple domains of scholastic development.