NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Huntington author and autism advocate Mary Calhoun Brown was honored Nov. 7 at the Nashville Book Festival for her soon-to-be-released work of historical fiction "There Are No Words."

The novel, which won runner-up in the Teenage/Young Adult category, is only available through Brown's Web site, www.MaryCalhounBrown.com. It will be made available at www.amazon.com after Feb. 1, 2010.

"There Are No Words" is an historical fiction piece in which the main character is a 12-year-old nonverbal autistic girl. One night she is swept through a painting into the past where she must rescue her new-found friends from the worst train wreck in U.S. history. Ultimately, she is faced with the decision whether to stay in 1918 where she can speak, or return to her own life without words.

The book was written as a way to help educators meet state content standards and objectives while giving students values and education that may lead to a reduction in the incidences of bullying in schools.

Teachers who use the book can get a free curriculum guide from Brown, with requests taken at her Web site.

"My goal with 'There Are No Words' is to demystify these hidden disabilities, like autism (and) Asperger's Syndrome ... to create the possibility of friendships for children who would otherwise grow up without them," Brown said.

She will sell and autograph books from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14, at New Baptist Church, 610 28th St. in Huntington. Another sale and autograph session is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at Pullman Square.