Flipping Forward Twisting Backward

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

A high-energy novel in verse starring a fifth grader who is almost as devoted to competitive gymnastics as she is to hiding her poor reading skills. What happens when Claire’s secret starts unraveling?

Claire is by far the best gymnast on her team, and she’s well on her way to qualifying for the state championships. The gym is where Claire shines. But at school, she’s known as a troublemaker. She seems to spend more time in the office than in class—which is fine with her since it enables her to hide the fact that she can’t read. She has never been able to make sense of the wobbling jumble of letters on a page. No one except her BFF knows. 

But when a sympathetic principal wonders if Claire is acting out because she’s dyslexic, her mother balks. She’s afraid Claire will be labeled “stupid” and refuses testing. Claire has always assumed she’s dumb; she never imagined her reading problem could have a solution. Is she strong enough to take on both her reading challenges and her mother’s denial? Is it worth jeopardizing her spot in qualifiers? 

Told in clear and poignant verse and featuring black and white illustrations, Claire’s struggle with something that seems to come easily to everyone else will resonate with readers and have them cheering her on.

About the Author

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.  

Author Residence: Midland, Ontario, Canada

Author Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

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.  

Illustrator Residence:Texas

Illustrator Hometown:Canada

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