Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Fullerton (No More Plastic) authentically and compassionately portrays cued-white fifth grader Claire's experience with dyslexia in this easily digestible verse novel. Claire excels at gymnastics and can pick up a routine faster than anyone in her gym. But at school, her difficulty reading ("Letters/ float, blur/ backward/ forward/ upside down/ all mixed up"), coupled with her classmates' jeers, causes self-doubt. When vice principal Mr. McKay suggests she may have a learning disability, Claire is eager to undergo evaluation; her mother, however, who believes Claire just isn't trying hard enough, refuses to get her tested. With help from her gymnastics teammates, older sister, best friend, and Mr. McKay, Claire is empowered to advocate for herself and what she needs to succeed. Printed in a typeface formatted for those with reading challenges, Fullerton's flowing verse adeptly captures what dyslexia is like for Claire alongside her frustration around convincing her mother that she's trying hard but needs assistance. This insightful story carries a strong message for teachers, caregivers, and children alike, and Mensinga's emotive illustrations provide depth throughout. Ages 8--12. Agent: Deborah Warren, East West Literary Agency. (July)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3--7--Fifth grader Claire excels in flips and twists, a talented gymnast destined to "make it/ all the way to the state championships." She's also one of 12 Claires at school, but the vice principal always knows that she's the one waiting to see him. Her teacher, Mrs. Rose, sees "Claire can/ cause a stir at times/ [but] she has a very kind heart." As exasperating as their relationship is, Mrs. Rose is Claire's unlikely champion who recognizes the reasons for Claire's unruly behavior and learning frustrations. Fullerton's author bio (not included in the audio, alas) reveals her own dyslexia and the teacher who helped. Her latest verse novel (and first to go aural!) is crisply narrated by Walker, whose perfect enunciation boosts every lyrical word. VERDICT Libraries, take note: audiobooks get a specific shoutout from Claire, more reason to enable other readers like her.
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
When letters on pages flip around faster than her tumbling routines, a young girl tries to perfect a tricky skill in this verse novel. Claire excels at gymnastics and plans to compete at the state championship soon. But she struggles with reading and writing skills and feels that a fifth grader like her should be able to do what her 5-year-old cousins easily can. She gets by with a stellar memory, her best friend, Emma Lea, writing out her homework, and good improvisation skills. Still, Claire's teacher chastises her for both her schoolwork and her frustrated outbursts in class. Her divorced parents can't help much, what with her dad living across the country and her mom refusing to believe Claire could have a learning disability. Thankfully, a supportive vice principal, Emma Lea, her team, and Claire's older sister all make an effort to help Claire push through her learning disability, which she desperately wants. The resolution feels a tad rushed, but it's an uplifting one nevertheless. Designed with accessibility in mind (the typeface is meant to be easily decoded), the text stresses that learning disabilities are in no way a bad thing. Fullerton offers readers a glimpse into what it's like to try to read with difficulties. Based on the occasional illustrations, Claire and her family are light-skinned, while Emma Lea is dark-skinned. A positive representation of perseverance. (Fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
