About
Destined to become an instant classic, this heartwarming story features:
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An autistic boy with an inspiring dream to make children happy
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A silly rescue dog sidekick proudly wearing his cone
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A magical party bus that brings surprise, joy, and laughter
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A special message about the power of compassion, love, and inclusion that can be shared with anyone, no matter how different they might feel
Justin is a 10-year-old boy with autism who dreams about making children happy - especially those who worry that no one will come to their birthday parties. One night, after drifting off to sleep, he has a very special dream about a magical party bus that can help make his vision come true! With the help of his beloved sidekick, Party Dog, Justin sets off on what will soon become a wonderful adventure. This heartwarming and special story captures the spirit of love and inclusion for children who are unique, neurodiverse, or who just feel different. Whether you're a parent sharing this book with your children, or an educator interested in teaching students about the power of empathy and inclusion, Justin and the Party Bus brings a special kind of magic for everyone!
Our Story...
Once upon a time, there was a boy named Justin. And he really did have a heart full of dreams. Justin's greatest love has always been to bring joy and happiness to everyone. With his passion for performing arts, he has always made that dream come true whenever possible. For a senior class project, Justin shared his vision to create a special party bus for kids who worried that no one would come to their birthday parties.
While the world is changing with greater awareness and acceptance, pathways forward in adulthood for people with autism and other neurodivergent challenges are not always available. Searching for what was next after high school and a community college performing arts certificate, Justin needed a meaningful path forward - one that would allow him to engage in his beloved activities, continue to develop his abilities, and also provide the necessary support for his success. Enter AVA...
With a mission to "empower neurodivergent adults in the voiceover industry, redefine the creative community, and inspire positive change in the way society perceives and embraces neurodiversity," an incredible collaboration was born. Upon learning of Justin's vision for a special party bus, Robin Brooke (AVA co-founder and Justin's coach) immediately got to work, realizing she could bring this dream to life through AVA by creating a magical story with a bright, colorful world filled with music and fun. While working on Justin and the Party Bus, Justin learned to connect remotely to Robin's sound booth and studio from across the country. Through this inspiring, creative project, he gained confidence and skill as a voice actor.
Justin and the Party Bus is the first book in a 3-part planned series. Since the sky is the limit with a magical party bus, AVA, and a microphone, Justin's collaboration with Robin and AVA for 'Volume 2: The Holiday Adventure' is already underway! Stay tuned for the party ... the best is yet to come!
Meet the Authors
Robin Brooke is an accomplished stage actress, voiceover talent, and instructor. She is a long-time member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA. With over 20 years in the VO industry as both a performer and instructor, she can be heard on video games, animation, commercials, and as an English dubbing talent on Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Warner Bros projects. She is also the co-founder and program director of the award-winning non-profit organization, AVA – Neurodivergent Voice Actors.
Justin Chang is a young adult on the autism spectrum who also has ADHD and epilepsy. With his bright, creative spirit and the right support, Justin participated all four years in his high school show choir, being voted most inspirational by his peers. He also won most improved, most outstanding, and special artist for the year. After graduating high school, Justin went on to earn a musical theater performing arts certificate in community college, create a photography book, sell his art, co-host autism events, and join Neurodivergent Voice Actors where he collaborated to create this special story.
Dr. Gail Singer-Chang retired from medical education after 20 years to support her son Justin in creating an engaging life. While at Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, she served as the Founding Chair of the Department of Social Medicine & Healthcare Leadership and Assistant Dean for Inter-Disciplinary Professional Education. She founded FACE: Faculty for Autism Collaboration and Education, a working group of faculty, staff, administrators, and students dedicated to improving the lives of those with ASD. She holds a doctorate degree in clinical psychology, 2 master’s degrees, a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and a school counseling credential. As a parent, educator, and advocate, she sits on multiple non-profit advisory boards and currently serves as the chair of the board of directors for Neurodivergent Voice Actors.
Testimonials
Dr. Joqueta Handy - Five Stars! Justin’s Joy Jumps Right Off the Page
I had the privilege of knowing and working with Justin from the time he was six years old until he was eighteen, so reading
Justin and the Party Bus was especially meaningful to me. Even as a little boy, Justin had an extraordinary ability to light up
a room. He was almost always smiling, full of energy, and somehow knew exactly how to get everyone’s attention and invite
them into the fun. His vivacious, bubbly personality was contagious. When Justin was around, you knew something fun was
probably about to happen. That is what I love most about this book. It feels like Justin. His joy, playfulness, enthusiasm, and wonderful ability to bring people together have found their way onto these pages. There is something especially beautiful about seeing qualities that were so evident in him as a child now becoming part of a story that other children and families can enjoy together. I have watched Justin grow from that joyful six-year-old into the remarkable young man he is today, and seeing his name on the cover of this book made me smile. What a wonderful full circle moment. Keep bringing the party, Justin. The world needs your kind of joy.
5.0 Stars...WOW 10/10!! Such a sweet and meaningful story!! Thaniya S.
I absolutely loved listening to “Justin and the Party Bus.” There was so much heart behind the story. Knowing that it grew out of Justin’s own dream to make sure kids feel celebrated made it especially meaningful. I also loved hearing Justin bring the story to life himself. The music and sound effects made the audiobook so fun and engaging, but it was the message that stayed with me afterward. I really appreciated seeing an autistic character at the center of a story where he is creative, joyful, and focused on making a difference for others. It’s such a sweet reminder of how much it can mean to make someone feel included and like they belong. I finished it smiling, and I can see this being a really special listen for kids, parents, and educators… everyone really!
Five very happy stars♥️ - All aboard!
5 out of 5 stars - Money well spent!
The story was wonderful! The illustration was colorful and awesome! This is a great story written by a talented young man who happen to be in the spectrum! Kudos to his efforts.
Available Now!
HEAR the Party Bus roar to life and come join the fun! Justin and the Party Bus is available as a delightful AUDIOBOOK with music and amazing sound effects on audible.com: Justin and the Party Bus Audiobook by Robin Brooke, Justin Chang, Gail Singer Chang PsyD
READ ALONG to the audiobook with beautiful and colorful illustrations of all the kids having fun! Justin and the Party Bus is also available as an eBook on Amazon Kindle: Amazon.com: Justin and the Party Bus: A Story of Happiness, Inclusion, and Love eBook : Brooke, Robin, Chang, Justin, Singer Chang PsyD, Gail, Colas, Cathi: Kindle Store
Coming Soon!...
Justin and the Party Bus 2:
The Holiday Adventure!
Get in Touch!
Justin and the Party Bus was produced by AVA Studios.
Contact neurodivergentvoicceactors.org to find out how to become involved in their projects!