STRONG, ATHLETIC GIRL MAIN CHARACTER: Claire is a dedicated gymnast. She practices hard, takes the bumps and bruises, and knows when she’s performing her best. She’s a proud athlete.

HIGHLY RELATABLE CONFLICT: Struggling in the classroom is a common issue, and readers will quickly identify with Claire. Her experience will resonate with many.

VERSE FORMAT IS IDEAL FOR STRUGGLING READERS: The author specifically chose the verse format to appeal to readers who need extra support. The spare, direct language of her poetry packs plenty of emotion into few words, while plenty of white space offers the chance to rest break.

#OWNVOICES STORY: The author couldn’t read until the fourth grade. She now works with students with learning disabilities in addition to writing.

BLACK AND WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS: Key moments in the story are illustrated, reinforcing their emotional force and adding to the visual appeal.

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 is the author and illustrator of the picture book, The Box, and has worked on films including “The Ant Bully” and “Escape from Planet Earth,” as well as the TV show, “The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron.” Sarah has also contributed stories to the Flight comic anthologies. Born in Canada, Sarah now lives in Texas with her family. Find more of her work at sarahmensinga.com.


 

Author Residence: Midland, Ontario, Canada

Author Hometown: Ottowa, Ontario, Canada

Sarah Mensinga is the author and illustrator of the picture book, The Box, and has worked on films including "The Ant Bully" and "Escape from Planet Earth," as well as the TV show, "The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron." Sarah has also contributed stories to the Flight comic anthologies. Born in Canada, Sarah now lives in Texas with her family. Find more of her work at sarahmensinga.com.


 

Illustrator Residence: Grapevine, Texas

Illustrator Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

★ "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