When I say Flipping Forward Twisting Backward by Alma Fullerton has a classic feeling story with a little bite, I mean the story might feel a bit “old hat” in today’s themes that are a bit more mature, or “updated.” What I mean is that this book feels like something I would have read from ages (at least 8) to a (younger) 12. And when I was growing up, there were the Big Four Themes. The first was divorce, the second a friend having diabetes, the third The Big C (usually for teens and not the younger reader) and last, but certainly not least, learning issues. Alma Fullerton has created a book about learning issues that could have snuggly fit into my 1980s bookshelf, but also could fit nicely on a 2020’s shelf.
But even though this subject has been done before there is always a new generation to talk to about things such as reading difficulties. And the addition of having our narrator do gymnastics is a great way to show the determination the main character will need to overcome the hurdles she will face trying to conquer the biggest event of her life: learning to read. We do get some of the gymnastic terms, so if you are interested in the sport, there is something extra/not just the problem to keep you reading.
The black and white illustrations by Sarah Mensinga highlight important spots. They are nice, but not overly detailed or busy. They are there to break things up, but not lose the flow of the prose poetry text. This is the part that might turn some readers off, however, I really think these shorter senates and “chapters” could be a great incentive for readers who might have their own reading issues.
Though currently out, I read via an online reader copy.