Alma Fullerton couldn't read until she was in the fourth grade.
Today she works with students who have learning disabilities. She
is the author of several middle grade and young adult novels that
garnered acclaim and awards in her native Canada. Alma is also the
author/illustrator of several picture books. She is on faculty with
the Highlights Foundation for teaching novel in verse writing and
is an RA for SCBWI's Canada East region.
Sarah Mensinga has worked in the arts since 2000 and is known for
her character designs. She has contributed to a variety of films,
television shows, and apps, and her work has been featured in comic
anthologies. She is also the author/illustrator of a picture book.
Originally from Canada, Sarah now lives in Texas with her
family.
Gymnasts and fans of gymnastics
Kids who struggle with reading and/or learning with traditional
teaching methods
Athletic girls
Readers who love novels in verse
★ "Fullerton (No More Plastic) authentically and compassionately
portrays cued-white fifth grader Claire's experience with dyslexia
in this easily digestible verse novel. . . . 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."—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"An authentic portrayal of children with learning disabilities.
Readers will empathize with Claire as she struggles with feeling
'stupid' and will support her journey. The quick-moving plot comes
with a satisfying ending, and the free-verse narrative provides
plenty of helpful white space for reluctant readers."—School
Library Journal
"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. . . . A positive
representation of perseverance."—Kirkus Reviews
"An excellent choice for both beginning chapter book readers and
reluctant readers."—School Library Connection
"Young readers will be cheering for Claire from beginning to end.
Teachers and parents will have much to learn from her."--Helen
Frost, acclaimed author of Hidden, Blue Daisy, and All He Knew
"Claire is such an easy character to root for as she shares her
self-doubts so honestly and then faces them so
courageously."--Claudia Mills, author of The Lost Language
"I loved this story of determination and grit! Claire doesn't back
away from challenges in the gym, the classroom, or at home.
Instead, she'll twist, turn, tumble, spring, and spin forwards and
backwards until she finds her way through."--Christina Uss, author
of The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle
"In this compact novel in verse, you’ll root for Claire the whole
way through and (spoiler alert): she sticks the landing."--Audrey
Vernick, After the Worst Thing Happens, Water Balloon, and many
other books for young readers
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