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Children’s Autism Author to Receive
Distinguished Barbara Jordan Media Award

Austin, Texas (March 16, 2006)-  First time author, Marvie Ellis, is the honored recipient of the 2005, Barbara Jordan Media Award (special contribution by an individual) for her children’s book, Tacos Anyone? An Autism Story Book Two/ ¿Alquien Quiere Tacos? Una Historia de Autismo Libro Dos. The highly prestigious Barbara Jordan Media Awards are presented annually to outstanding communicators for accurate and progressive portrayals of people with disabilities.  Published in July 2005 by Speech Kids Texas Press, Inc. (Round Rock, TX) and illustrated by Jenny Loehr, Tacos Anyone? / ¿Alquien Quiere Tacos? has received acclaimed reviews from many experts in the field of children’s disabilities.  This book has already been nominated for the 2006 Dolly Gray Children’s Developmental Disabilities Literature Award along with Ellis’ first autism book, Keisha’s Doors: An Autism Story Book One/ Las Puertas de Keisha:  Una Historia de Autismo Libro Uno.  The award ceremony, sponsored by the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, will be held in Dallas on April 27, 2006.  April also celebrates the 35th Anniversary of National Autism Awareness Month.
Tacos Anyone?/ ¿Alquien Quiere Tacos?  is a story about a four year old boy with autism and his older brother.  The therapist teaches the older brother how to play with his younger brother, making sibling time fun again.  The story is written in English and Spanish on the same page as the illustrations, depicting multiculturally diverse characters.  Appropriate for pre-k thru 5th grade, Ellis’ books are highly recommended for elementary schools and public libraries.
There are very few book awards that recognize authors who increase public understanding and awareness about the difficulties and potentials of children with autism spectrum disorders.  Congratulations, Marvie Ellis, on this well acknowledged award! Books are available on Amazon.com and on the publisher’s website:  http://www.speechkidstexaspress.com.
About the Author:  Marvie Ellis owns a private pediatric speech-language and occupational therapy practice (Speech Kids, P.C.-Round Rock, TX) and is an educational consultant with universities, Head Starts, and school systems nationally.  She also performs readings of her books at elementary schools (call publisher for more information).  With both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in communication, she is eminently qualified to discuss communication issues in young children.  Ellis’ books help educators, parents and siblings of children with disabilities to understand the dynamics of various communication delays.
Keisha’s Doors:  An Autism Story Book One/ Las Puertas de Keisha:  Una Historia de Autismo Libro Uno ISBN 1-933319-00-3 hardcover price $16.95

Tacos Anyone?  An Autism Story Book Two/ ¿Alquien Quiere Tacos? Una Historia de Autismo Libro Dos   ISBN 1-933319-02-X hardcover price $16.95

Contact:
Marvie Ellis, Author/ Autism Expert
 (512) 426-0163
marvieslp@speechkidstexaspress.com
Blog site http://www.kidsautismbooks.blogspot.com