Every week or so, my ten-year-old daughter asks me, “Mama, can you tell me again about some famous people who were dyslexic?”
It’s hard…feeling the “different” kid in a big family. It’s hard watching your younger siblings excel at things you’re struggling with. Even when you have so many things you’re brilliant at. Even when you have daily reminders that everyone is different in one way or another, because that’s part of the beauty of God’s plan for human nature. So hearing about people who were different in the same way you are can be a big comfort. Hans Christian Anderson, Agatha Christie, Bobby Flay, Avi, Patricia Polacco... The list of famous people whose brains were wired like my daughter’s is not a short one. But I’m still excited when I discover another name to add to the list, and today that name is Taylor Tyng, author of Clara Poole and the Long Way Round. If Roald Dahl and Jules Verne got together and collaborated on a book, it would look a lot like Clara Poole and the Long Way Round. Quirky characters and madcap situations; exciting round-the-world adventures; little pockets of unexpected pathos that make you tear up despite yourself... It’s hard to imagine a kid who wouldn’t enjoy reading a story like this one. I can’t wait to share it with my own kids (I didn’t have a chance just yet, but I will report back in the comments with their thoughts). But first I’m going to share with my daughter this little snippet from Taylor’s website: “I want children with dyslexia to express themselves without worrying about the words. It's not spelling that makes you intelligent — it's your ideas. Don't hide behind it. Don't feel ashamed. Know that you are one of millions who, like you, see the world differently. That difference in perspective can be a huge asset to you and everyone around you... I am dyslexic. I am also a righter... well, you get the point, and that's all that matters.” (Here’s the source, and the whole page is amazing.) Speaking of tearing up despite oneself...man. Ok, enough from me. Here’s the publisher’s description of Clara Poole: Mr. Lemoncello meets the Amazing Race in this quirky high-octane middle grade around-the-world adventure. When an unintended flight over Michigan in her class science project—a lawn chair held aloft by balloons—brings her instant celebrity, Clara Poole is invited to be the spokesperson for a round-the-world hot air balloon race. But when her overprotective father, still mourning the death of his wife, refuses, in a moment of brash defiance, Clara forges his signature and runs away to Paris to take her place in the skies. If only she’d read the fine print first. Partnered with a veteran aeronaut who wants nothing to do with her, Clara faces down ten treacherous stages in a race around the world—capturing flags in the perilous mountains of Tibet; being a guest of honor at a maybe-wedding in the Saharan desert; flying through rings of fire in Hong Kong—all while learning the ropes alongside a colorful cast of international competitors. But there are more dangers than those planned as part of the contest. Someone is trying to sabotage the competition. And surviving this race means Clara must come to terms with the tragedy that set her rashly escaping to the skies in the first place, and accepting that forgiving herself isn’t a process she has to undertake alone. Gorgeous prose and winning characters combine in this quirky, often-hilarious, sometimes heart-breaking, and thoroughly captivating middle grade adventure series starter from an incredible new talent. To find more Marvelous Middle Grade Monday recommendations, be sure to check out Always in the Middle!
14 Comments
1/22/2024 05:23:30 am
This sounds like a fun adventure story. I'm glad you're finding stories that your daughter can relate to. It's important for kids to see themselves in what they read and their world.
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1/22/2024 06:48:59 am
You had me at your description of this being like a Roald Dahl and Jules Verne collaboration. Actually, you probably had me before that. I think I was looking at this book last year. It looks really familiar. In any case, I'm definitely going to look it up. Thanks for sharing your review!
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Valinora Troy
1/22/2024 09:28:57 am
This sounds such an imaginative, fun, exciting and moving story, I must see if I can get hold of a copy. I also love the author's quote about having a different perspective can be an asset. It's hard for kids to feel different and how great to have books and stories to help them. Thanks for sharing!
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1/22/2024 10:23:55 am
This sounds delightful! Can't wait to read it - because: adventure, disobeying dad... and getting into trouble that is a natural consequence of tying balloons to your chair (and truly, who among us has not contemplated doing that?)
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Carol Baldwin
1/22/2024 03:15:19 pm
I'm going to get this book for my granddaughter. It sounds like so much fun! Thanks for your review.
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1/23/2024 05:06:06 pm
I love books that celebrate differences in learning. I've worked a lot with visual-spatial kids who see the world in pictures rather than words. This would be and excellent read for them or anyone else who feels left alone in learning's slow lane. Thanks for featuring the book on this week's MMGM.
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1/24/2024 07:40:54 pm
This is quite a premise. Maybe a little far-fetched, but fun. I'll keep it in mind. Thanks for your review.
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Ashley Jason
4/9/2024 12:46:36 am
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4/12/2024 07:49:59 pm
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alex jackson
4/14/2024 08:26:38 pm
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alex jackson
4/19/2024 12:38:44 pm
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About meHi! I'm Faith. I blog about books and creativity, family and faith. Welcome! Archives
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