51 pages • 1 hour read
Naoki HigashidaThe Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2007A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Reason I Jump is a 2007 nonfiction biography by Naoki Higashida, a Japanese teenager with nonspeaking autism. In it, Higashida answers questions about his condition, explaining that difficulties in verbal communication arise from a temporal "gap" between thought and expression, and explores bodily challenges and societal misunderstandings, emphasizing a deep connection between his autism and identity. Sensitive topics include the death of a child.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida provides an insightful glimpse into the mind of a non-verbal autistic teenager, receiving praise for its honesty and revealing narrative. However, some critics question the authenticity of the voice due to translation and authorship concerns. Overall, it offers valuable perspectives but faces skepticism over its true representation.
Who Should Read The Reason I Jump?
A reader who would enjoy The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida is likely interested in personal narratives that offer deep insights into the experience of autism. They may also appreciate books like The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon or Thinking in Pictures by Temple Grandin for their authentic perspectives and empathy-driven storytelling.
RecommendedReading Age
13+yearsLexile Level
1000LBook Details
Health / Medicine
Psychology
Disability
Identity: Disability
Natural World: Appearance & Reality
Society: Community
Japanese Literature
Psychology
Biography