AAC and Me!

AAC and Me! is a warm, engaging, and highly accessible introduction to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for young readers. Written by speech-language pathologist Amanda Hartmann, the story follows a child named Bob through everyday experiences at home, school, and with friends, highlighting how AAC supports communication across a variety of real-life contexts.

I love how Amanda uses the book as a way to explain to readers that AAC is not just about requesting. It’s about showing your personality, telling jokes, asking fo help and much more! Hartmann thoughtfully normalizes AAC use, helping children understand that using a device or alternative method is simply another way to share ideas, feelings, and needs. This message promotes inclusion, acceptance, and respect which are key themes for classrooms and families.

The illustrations by Nanhee Ha are bright, inviting, and supportive of comprehension. They visually reinforce the narrative and help make abstract concepts about communication more concrete and relatable for young readers. The visuals also contribute to the book’s accessibility, making it appropriate for a wide range of learners, including those who benefit from visual supports.

From a clinical and educational perspective, AAC and Me! is an excellent tool for introducing AAC to peers, siblings, and educators. It opens the door for meaningful discussions about different communication methods, communicative functions, and the importance of giving all individuals a voice. The story naturally lends itself to extension activities such as identifying ways we communicate, discussing feelings, and modeling core vocabulary.

Overall, AAC and Me! is a valuable addition to any classroom, therapy space, or home library. It combines strong representation, clear messaging, and engaging storytelling to foster understanding and celebrate diverse communicators. For speech-language pathologists, especially those working in AAC, this book is both a teaching tool and a powerful advocacy resource. It’s a great addition to my AAC library!