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...Through Summa-Chadwick’s words, Trevor feels like a real person rather than a lesson or diagnosis. The emotional toll of bullying and feeling misunderstood comes across clearly. Adding to that is his relationship with his father, which is especially frustrating. But it’s those moments of heartache that make it easy to cheer for Trevor. While there is a focus on his tough experiences, the author celebrates his strengths even more. His gift for mathematics, his creativity, and his growing connection to music become powerful reminders that every child has something valuable to offer. The illustrations are a nice addition throughout the book. They will help younger readers connect with the story. The epilogue stands out as one of this read’s most rewarding chapters. It adds helpful background and context. By the end, Trevor the Noteable G.O.A.T. becomes less about autism and more about how differences can become strengths. This book is highly recommended for middle-grade readers, families, and educators. It's also a good fit for anyone looking for an uplifting and encouraging read..
...The book shows the things that make Trevor different but highlights his strengths that helped boost him up as he grows into himself. Trevor the Noteable GOAT is a great story, and it's a wonderful resource for families of children with autism and also their neurotypical peers.
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Trevor the Noteable GOAT is an inspiring story about courage, individuality, and perseverance. The middle school years are a challenging time for all youngsters, especially children with autism. However, Trevor discovers his love for music, which allows him new and amazing experiences, friendships, and opportunities for personal growth. I promise you that Trevor the Notable GOAT will leave you smiling!
I am a parent of an adult on the autism spectrum and co-chair of AASCEND. I found the story hopeful and heartfelt. I cared about Trevor and was on his side from page one. Trevor's special abilities in math and his introduction to music therapy and dedicated music therapists changed his life for the better. The book also highlights the power of friends. Over time, Trevor developed the circle of support-parents, friends, teachers- most of us need to succeed. You have written an important book.
As a parent of a child with profound autism, this story resonated deeply with me. Trevor’s journey—from painful isolation to discovering his remarkable gifts in the wonderful worlds of both math and music—beautifully reflects the hope we hold for our own children to find their “thing” and be truly seen. This book is a heartfelt reminder that acceptance and friendship often blossom when a child’s strengths are finally recognized and celebrated.
Trevor the Noteable GOAT is a book that is so needed right now. It is not just a book for those of us who have ever felt different for some reason, although Trevor’s story is that. It is also a book for all of us who benefit from seeing the power of generous adults and openhearted peers to change lives. It beautifully illustrates how the arts—in Trevor’s case, music—make us more human.
The power of music to heal and positively change lives takes center stage in this extraordinary and engaging story of Trevor the Noteable GOAT. The captivating narrative is revealed from a perspective supported by a vast knowledge of music and neurodivergence. We all cheer as Trevor builds friendships and gains confidence through music.
As both the mother of an adult son with autism and someone who has spent more than 30 years working alongside individuals with autism and their families, I found Trevor the Notable G.O.A.T. to be a heartfelt reminder of the joys, challenges, and lessons that accompany the autism journey.
One of the messages that resonated with me most was the importance of talking openly with children about their autism diagnosis. Too often, parents struggle with how or when to have these conversations. The book reinforces that a diagnosis should never be something a child feels shame or "less than." When shared with honesty, love, and acceptance, it becomes a tool for self-understanding rather than a label. As both a parent and a professional, I have seen firsthand how empowering that can be.
I also appreciated the book's thoughtful acknowledgment that only a small percentage of people with autism possess extraordinary gifts. This offers a realistic perspective about the complex spectrum of autism.
Another aspect I found especially relatable was the portrayal of parents who are not always on the same page. In my experience, families often process a diagnosis differently. Those differences don't reflect a lack of love—they reflect the reality that every parent grieves, hopes, learns, and grows in their own way. In our journey toward acceptance, my husband and I processed various stages in our own time.
Finally, I was particularly touched by the discussion of music and its therapeutic power. Music has an incredible ability to reach people in ways that words sometimes cannot. It can calm anxiety, build confidence, create connection, and unlock expression. When that gift is paired with a skilled therapist or educator who truly understands the individual, the results can be nothing short of remarkable. Those moments often feel magical because they reveal abilities and connections that might otherwise remain hidden.
As both a mother and a professional, I know there is no single roadmap for raising or supporting an autistic child. Every journey is different, but they all benefit from understanding, patience, hope, and unconditional love. Trevor the Notable G.O.A.T. offers those qualities throughout its pages and provides encouragement for parents, educators, and professionals alike. It is a thoughtful contribution to the growing conversation about autism—one that reminds us that every individual has value, every family has a story, and every step forward deserves to be celebrated.
There is a great freedom that autistic people can experience when kind people help them to make progress out of isolation. As an autistic person who is a musician, I’m so thrilled to see Trevor take flight using music with the help of kind and understanding friends. In this book parents, teachers, and classmates are reminded that they can help trapped songbirds fly. Trevor found the strength to overcome, and many others can too with the right support.
The reality of life for a child on the spectrum can be a struggle. As Trevor learned in school, classmates can be cruel, and he longs for friends above all else. The author has captured the lessons learned over decades of experience, in a chapter book that’s easily accessible to a middle grade audience but will also be of interest to parents, teachers and caregivers. Trevor’s experience provides tools to help with self-confidence, reduce anxiety, and encourage a love of music.
Music, as Trevor discovers, allows us all to experience our own emotions, at different times and in different ways. As physicians, we know that music can help us navigate to safer harbors where we can be seen, respected and valued--not only for who we can be, but for who we are. Trevor the Noteable GOAT should always be within arm's length for every parent, teacher and child. It serves as a great read, a great lesson and a great inspiration. Trevor's story leaves us wanting more.
As an occupational therapist who enjoys guiding young people through meaningful sensory-based learning experiences, I often use music in my therapeutic environment. I have found that music can help young people who have neurological differences as they search for and find their personal best. In Trevor the Noteable GOAT, it is wonderful to see how music helps Trevor find healing and joy as he shares his talent with others.
This book is a valuable resource for educators, therapists, and families looking to foster inclusion, resilience, and creativity in children, especially those with autism or other developmental differences. The story emphasizes Trevor’s abilities—math, music, creativity—rather than focusing on deficits, aligning with best practices in behavioral supports. Behavior analysts can use this book to support behavioral skill developments, such as coping strategies, using music as self-regulation tools, and goal-directed behaviors. Trevor's journey demonstrates how setting and achieving goals can be motivating and rewarding. Behavior analysts can also use the structured musical engagement to support emotional regulation and social skills. Especially positive is that Trevor’s autism is portrayed not as a limitation but as part of what makes him exceptional, promoting neurodiversity awareness.
A round of applause for Trevor the Noteable GOAT! The story demonstrates a graceful and comprehensive knowledge of the amazing benefits of music, while also showing great kindness and passion for our friends on the spectrum.