Diary of a Social Detective: Real-Life Tales of Mystery, Intrigue and Interpersonal Adventure

DIARY OF A SOCIAL DETECTIVE is a wonderful and unique book. It will make a great addition to any social skills program striving to teach social cognition to youth on the autism spectrum. In particular, the social mysteries presented in the book, and the systematic process provided to solve them, show great promise in our efforts to effectively teach perspective taking, social problem solving and knowledge of social rules. I am looking forward to adding it to our 'intervention tool chest' at the Social Skills Research Center. --Scott Bellini, Ph.D., HSPP, director, Social Skills Research Center, research and clinical director, Indiana Resource Center for Autism; author of award-winning BUILDING SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

This witty, captivating set of social mystery cases is interactive and full of interesting and helpful information. Readers can try to solve the cases right along with Johnny, the clever social detective. Written for youth, this book is a great tool for any child who struggles to relate with peers. --Judith Coucouvanis, MA, PMHCNS-BC, University of Michigan; author of Super Skills

Engaging! Charming! Funny! Wise! Just 'naughty' enough for all kids to become hooked on Johnny the Strange turned Johnny the Smooth. A must-read for children with social struggles. While enjoying a good story, children learn how to reflect upon themselves as they observe others; how to read body language and social cues; how to deal with bullies and loudmouths. Most important, kids are taught to take responsibility for their impact on others. --Terry Marks-Tarlow, Ph.D., author of PSYCHE'S VEIL

JEFFREY E. JESSUM, Ph.D., has spent the past 15 years working with children and families in hospitals, mental health facilities, schools, private practice and the community, with a primary emphasis on social skills training and education. As a major element of his work with children, he has created a library of stories. Many of these stories communicate important social and emotional lessons in a way that is entertaining to children and their parents, while other stories were created purely for enjoyment. The inspiration for Diary of a Social Detective came from his years of running social skills groups for kids of all ages, and all the stories within the book are based on very real and common struggles that children face.