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Little Red, the Detective (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Nina Maes

Loved it! The imagination behind how to capture our little ones. Great story and pictures so vivid. I am a big fan of this author and will recommend to any and all. Love reading these to my niece and other little ones that I interact with.

Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved it! The imagination behind how to capture our little ones. Great story and pictures so vivid. I am a big fan of this author and will recommend to any and all. Love reading these to my niece and other little ones that I interact with.

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How to Make a Flying Carpet ( Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Caralee Loonat

How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor #2)How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read a few books by this author and I really highly recommend them as they are great way for kids to read and learn. This author is brilliant at combining science and other subjects into a form that kids will not only enjoy but learn by as well. I really like how the author is able to engage the reader and bring the skills form. This is such a great educational tool and I just wish my children were young enough. I cannot stress enough how great this author’s style and prose is.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Nakyshia Leger

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a mom of more than one kiddo with autism (their choice to be addressed person first), I am thankful for this book. I have a son that is limited verbally like Emerson and also self-harms. Though they are not the same person, it was beautiful to see inside her mind. This book shows exactly what I have been trying to help others understand for quite some time; just because words are not there verbally doesn’t mean that person can’t or doesn’t want to communicate!

This is a journey of navigating through life, family, friendships, treatments and education. Though no two people are the same, this is enlightening to the struggles that can be faced to simply live life day to day. My heart went through so many emotions reading this story, I felt each and every situation with Emerson. I am so thankful for the sharing of her story.

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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Nakyshia Leger

How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor #2)How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an excellent read for young scientists that love trying new “experiments”! My son wanted to try every example given in the story of how magnets work. Luckily I had some on hand for him to play and explore with. We didn’t get to try ALL the examples, but he had a blast with hands-on learning to accompany this engaging and informational story! As always, the illustrations bring the story to life! There is even a short science lesson included at the end. So excited for another fabulous educational and fun read!

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Bobbi Wagner

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this young adult story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoy her writing skills as well as her attention to details that made the story realistic. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. A story about a middle school girl who has autism. Her parents are in a fight to get services in an environment that has very few. This is a story that hits to the heart for me. My daughter has many of these traits. This is a story that will hit home with a lot of parents. It is an engaging story that I read in one sitting and one you don’t want to miss. It is emotional in parts which added to the story. I found this book easy to read and I highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner

Little Red, the Detective (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed this author’s children’s books from the first one I picked up. They are creative, engaging and the children love reading them. This is a story about Red and how a wolf gives her a purple flower that she tries to figure out what it is. She is a great character that you will enjoy for sure. The pictures are interactive and keep your children asking questions. This is a really great children’s book that I highly recommend.

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Review by @bjwagner

Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Jamie Burns

“My words disappeared when I was fifteen months only.” Emerson was a happy child who went from counting to not being able to string words together to communicate what she desires to say. Emerson Was diagnosed with functional nonverbal autism on top of a sensory processing disorder. The book, Non-Verbal give the reader first hand insight about Emerson and her family’s lives. It is really amazing to read this book from the perspective of Emerson Because you know exactly what she is struggling with throughout the book. This book is well written and is impactful. This book would be great to pose discussions with teenagers and young adults about people who are different and how their world looks. Non-Verbal gives everyone a glimpse into Emerson‘s life and is based on a true story, I only hope that going forward that there are many more books like this one.

White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Jennifer Crain

White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Susan Meissner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the story overall…. the beginning and ending are fast-paced and excellently written; the middle drags a little. Loved the characters- I grew to love all of them. For tackling tough subjects (death, marital issues), the story was heart wrenching at times.

I enjoyed the format of the story (current times then flash backs to the incident with Curtis), and felt all the minor characters were needed to keep the story flowing. I would read a sequel to this book if one was written.

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Tausha Treadway

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk. This book was a eye opening, emotional, amazing read. Its about a young girl named Emerson who at the super young age of 15 months lost all ability to speak. She was also diagnosed with Autism at the same time. On top of Autism she was also diagnosed with having sensory issues and a intellectual disability. When a child has a disability it effects everyone in that child’s life and this book documents that. This story takes us on the journey of Emerson as she functions in her own way in this crazy world. It has to be so hard to be talked about and understanding what they are saying but not being able to respond. Emerson is very lucky in the fact that her parents are strong advocates for her and will fight until their last day for her. This book opened my eyes to the hard road that children with disabilities have along with their families. I cried several times thru this read. It is written so wonderfully to make you actually feel what this child and parents are going thru.

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Shannen Kern

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect as this was my first book by this author, but I was blown away. This was a very emotional yet incredibly relatable read as I also have ASD. Molly Zenk perfectly illustrates life in middle school which already includes emotions, cliques, and confusion, but added to the mix of navigating life as a non-verbal teenager. It is heartbreaking to think of people around you speaking near you but never even trying to engage with you because of the differences. The amount of challenges Emerson and her parents face can feel insurmountable, but they are all determined to succeed no matter what. I highly recommend picking this up as it is so well written and will have you feel nearly every emotion throughout Emerson’s story. I believe it would be especially helpful to you if you know someone with ASD as it helps you see the world through their eyes a little bit. This was such a magnificent read and will not soon forget it.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Christine Baranek

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Non-Verbal
By: Molly Zenk

This is such an important book. It is definitely recommended for middle grades, but frankly I recommend it for everyone. As an educator, I believe that this book definitely gives insight into a section of the population that many people do not understand.
This book focuses on Emerson and her family. Emerson is diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and all her words disappeared when she was 15 months old. This book shows many of the ups and downs that she experienced from this point forward. Emerson navigated being nonverbal in a verbal world as well as she can and this book is definitely heart wrenching. I found myself cheering and crying throughout the book. Emerson definitely faced her struggles during a period when many young adults struggle.
I definitely recommend this book. I think it definitely is a great read and one that will have you looking at the world around you a little differently.

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Jennifer Gordon

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a wonderfully engaging read and although an emotional one it is also inspirational, and I was captivated from start to finish. The storyline focuses on teenager Emerson, who is severely autistic and who’s words disappeared when she was just fifteen months old. However, this does not mean that she has no voice. Throughout the story we learn about how she deals with her life and the challenges that her autism causes from her own point of view. It’s soon obvious that she’s a very independent and strong teenager. Along with friendships which she does not find easy, sadly Emerson is also bullied and her obvious frustrations turn to self injurious behaviour.
She also has to deal with over protective and stressed out parents who also cause her to become frustrated. The story also shows how much her parents have to deal with having a severely autistic daughter, who also suffers from mental and emotional instabilities. It’s not just day to day living which is difficult, but her parents have to fight just to get their daughter the appropriate support and treatment that she needs in both the health and education systems, both of which are lacking in options for intensive needs teens. I was definitely taken on am emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this book, however the issues are dealt with sensitively and honestly and there are lighthearted moments as well.

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Non-Verbal is inspired by a true story and tells the life of severely autistic Emerson Rayne from her point of view. Emerson lost her ability to talk at the tender age of fifteen months old. Now, at the age of fourteen, Emerson is trying to navigate the difficult world of middle school. Middle school is tough enough as she deals with bullies, friendships, and the stress of being a teenager but for Emerson she must also deal with over protective stressed out parents and stressed-out teachers. She tries to remain good Emerson so she does not stress everyone out but finds that sometimes bad Emerson cannot help but lose control. Sometimes she cannot fight the urge to run away or eat the things that she knows that she should not eat. Sometimes the bugs crawl on her skin and she cannot stop scratching. Sometimes she feels like her body is on fire and she tries to make it stop. Having a daily routine usually helps to keep Emerson grounded and from having outbursts but sometimes the sensory overload from the bright lights and loud noises at school set her off. Now for some reason she is having outbursts that lead her to self-harm and she seems mentally and emotionally unstable. It is up to Emerson’s parents to try to keep her safe and find her the help and support she needs in both the health and education systems.

This was an absolutely beautiful and moving story that tells the point of view of someone who has ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder, an intellectual disability, and a sensory processing disorder. We see firsthand from her point of view life through Emerson’s eyes and although she is unable to speak, she has a voice and wants to be heard. We see the struggles and challenges she faces everyday as she fights the urge to do things like run, run, run. How she so desperately wants to be good so she does not worry those around her but cannot control how she reacts to certain stimuli in her environment. Bullies, loud noises, bright lights, and straying from her routine all set Emerson off and she is unable to stop from reacting. Good Emerson turns to bad Emerson, and she is saddened that she has worried those that love her and care for her. Emerson’s parents do everything they can to protect her, get her the help she needs, and show her that they love her. It was easy to empathize with Emerson and her parents with the struggles they all faced. A touching story that really gave insight on the dynamics surrounding those that have ASD and the daily struggles and challenges they face. A poignant, thought provoking and heartfelt read.

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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by La Toya Lewis

White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson is a heartbreaking story of Julie; a mom that has done her best to give her family the perfect life that she did not have. After Julie has one moment of weakness, her world falls apart. This was such a beautifully written story. I was able to relate to Julie so completely and my heart broke for her as she was enduring the events of the book. All the characters are very believable and it was very moving to see how they also endured their struggles. A very good story!

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Candice Estes

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was an amazing read from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down, and had to know if things would get better for Emerson. Emerson Rayne is a middle school girl who is Autistic and mostly non-verbal. She can speak sometimes, usually short one or two word answers, and very infrequently. When she was a toddler, she could speak perfectly fine, until she was around fifteen months old, and then her words left her. Emerson wants to be like the neurotypical girls she sees sometimes at school, but the sensory overload that comes from being in a school with bright lights, loud noises and mean kids, sometimes makes Emerson’s days more difficult. Emerson wants to be a good girl, but sometimes she finds it too difficult to fight the urges to run away, to eat things she shouldn’t, and possibly worst of all the feeling of bugs crawling on her that she knows is not on the outside, as well as the feeling of fire that is also not on the outside but leads her to harming herself in an effort to make the pain stop. Sometimes her attempts to get the feelings to go away cause her to hurt those around her, like her best friend Ryleigh or even her teachers. As her behavior problems at school continue to escalate, her parents try everything they know how to try and so does the school, until the finally are forced to put her back into what she calls the hospital school, an inpatient treatment for children experiencing behavior crisis. Between a new treatment plan, and a new school targeted at helping ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) kids, Emerson and her family hope things will get better. As a part of two ASD kids, as well as a SpEd parapro for a middle school child, I found this book to be very authentic and helpful. I quickly got attached to Emerson, while also being able to empathize with her parents as well as with her teachers/parapros. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know a little more about what it’s like to be in any of these positions.

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Kerry Carr

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really emotional and inspiring read for me. This story is based on a true events which make what you read even more of an emotional read.
In this story we follow Emerson Rayne. When she was 15 months old she lost the ability to use her words and she went from a “normal” functioning child to a child diagnosed as being part of the Autistic spectrum.
What follows is an insight into Emersons life and how her disabilities impact her daily life in ways we don’t even think about. I love Emerson’s character she is a determined young woman who just wants what every girl her age does, to fit in and have friends. However these are hard things for her and you can feel her anger and frustrations as she tries to find her way.
We also see how Emerson’s disabilities impact those around her including her parents and it was hard to read how her parents struggled to get the help and support Emerson needs to be able to have a normal life.

This story really hit home for me as I had an aunty who couldn’t communicate and suffered with different physical and mental disabilities. It has made me realise just how hard things could be for her and it helped me to understand why she used to get frustrated when we couldn’t understand what she wanted to say.

This is a very moving story which gives you a insight into what it is like to live as Emerson does and how hard she tries to navigate and fit in. No matter how hard she never gives up.

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Anantha Rusum

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the most meaningful books which I have read in the past few years. This is written in a perspective from a non verbal autistic teen, Emerson, who is labelled to have autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, Intellectual disability and also non verbal.
It demands a compassionate look into her daily life, her routine and the struggle her parents go through to support her and get her fair share of education. Our heart breaks as we read through her journey, how stressed she is when people around her talk as if she does not understand. Her stress and the pressure her parents go through to help her is so realistic.
I have seen Autism in close quarters , and I can relate to each and everything the author conveys through this book. Hats off for asserting the significance of inclusion of neuro-diversified kids in our education system . Molly zenk, take a bow . Keep writing. We are here to support you and stand up for Autism.

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Tanya Wall, April 2023

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a GREAT story that gives you insight into the life of a young girl with autism. I liked that it gave perspective from both the parent/outside view and the thoughts of Emerson. It is easy to make judgements based on behavior, but we forget to think about the frustrations of a person with Autism. The author did a nice job of telling Emerson’s story.

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Michelle Collier

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As the mother of several teenagers, I know the struggles they have everyday. In this book you see those teen struggles from the point of view of Emerson, who has autism and is non-verbal. I have seen non-verbal individuals and had no understanding of what they were going through. This book I feel gave me a glimpse of the complexities that are going on in a person’s mind even if they can not express it to the world.

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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Bobbi Wagner

How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor #2)How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up to read to children. Her books have meaning behind the plot as well as an educational aspect to it. This book is no different. It is a fun story that is easy and creative to read. The illustrations are interactive and will leave the children talking about them throughout the story. This is a story about Alex and what she does with a broken magnetic. This is a great book for any child and one you don’t want them to miss. I highly recommend this book and looking at others by this author as well.

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Review by @bjwagner

Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Julie Johnson

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a beautifully written book about the life of Emerson and her parents. Emerson lost her words at 15 months of age when diagnosed as having autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This book chronicles the challenges and victories that she has, along with those around her.

This book had me experiencing a variety of emotions at any given time. As a parent of a young adult with ASD, I could recognize many of these factors that Emerson is going through. It’s difficult to understand ASD at all but for those experiencing it, it’s scary.

I hope and pray that this book can be used to inspire others who are on this journey to never give up on themselves or their loved ones. This ultimately is a story of triumph but shows the scars (literal and figurative) earned along the way.

This book is recommended for young adults with ASD and I agree but would also recommend it for parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, teachers, and friends of anyone with ASD.

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Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amelia Stansell

Pulling TogetherPulling Together by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great book. The little kids I watch loved it. Grandma makes a poncho with 3 head holes. At first her granddaughter thought she made a mistake. Throughout the book she learned that everyone must pull together. It was a great kids book.

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Angela Hayes

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

 

 

4.5 Stars

 

Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk is a moving Young Adult fiction book that is inspired by a true story. This story delves into the life of Emerson Rayne who has a more severe form of Autism which impacts on every facet of her being.
I really felt for Emerson, and her family as they struggled through their journey. All the challenges they faced not only in their day-to-day lives, but also is trying to get the support and treatment for her special needs.
This story highlights some of the challenges and difficulties a severely autistic person, and their families, experience. There are some heart-breaking and scary moments, lots of emotion, and some more inspiring and hopeful parts- all wrapped up in a well-written and thought-provoking story.
Well worth the read!

Thank you, Molly Zenk!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Jenni Bishop

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars
Non-Verbal is a Young Adult story based on a true story. Apparently, it is recommended for teenagers 10 – 18 years. This young woman was labelled as having an autism spectrum disorder, having sensory processing disorder, and an intellectual disability as well as being functionally non-verbal. That is a lot of labels.
It is a moving and captivating story about Emerson who is severely autistic and unable to verbalise in words, but she does have a voice. It is a story told by her that will make your heart ache. We see how she navigates her world and what it is like to be present but talked about like she doesn’t understand. We watch as her stressed and over protective parents fight not only with her to keep her safe but for her and to get her the support and treatment she needs.
I have a grandson who is low on the Asperger’s spectrum and has auditory processing disorder and I know the struggles we faced in getting the help he needed.
It is easy to feel for these people that evoke such strong emotions.
With friendships, bullies, Emerson’s self-harm behaviours, and mental and emotional issues we truly see how life is for this vulnerable young woman and people like her.
Non-Verbal is a thought-provoking and moving story.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Fink

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2ZTWEZALL8BGC/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor #2)How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have read a few books Lois Wickstrom and all of them I have enjoyed. What I loved most about this book is it teaches children to use their imagination. The book includes some science about magnets. I read this book to my 9 year old daughter and she really enjoyed it as well. The details and world building was good. If you are wanting to teach your children to use their imagination, I think this would be a great book to read to them.

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https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/362875011

Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Melissa Fink

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1TKTSWTV9ER0H/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I chose to read this book because we think my daughter has a higher functioning Autism and can’t get her tested for it for another year. I love how the story tells about the daily struggles Emerson goes through being a teenager who has non verbal Autism. I felt like the book was relatable because I have a friend who’s son is non verbal with Autism. If you don’t know much about Autism, I feel like this book can teach you a lot about it. The details was great. I have no complaints at all who this story was written. I think it was written beautifully!

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Daree Blake

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a glimpse into what it is like for Emerson to live with Autism. It is a very unique perspective to see things through her eyes and ears. I have a sister who is non-verbal and we have always wondered about what she understands and what she doesn’t. This book will challenge how we speak to and think about those who don’t have words to express what they are feeling inside.

Reviewed by @daree222
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Little Red, the Detective (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Little Red, the Detective is similar to Red Riding Hood in some ways, but with a little twist. Red (real name Maureen) got her nickname because her grandmother knitted her a sweater that she wore all the time and it happened to be red. Her grandmother called her to come over for a new sweater but asked her to pick her some flowers to make tea along her way. Packing her plant book to help her look for the flowers, cookies for grandma that she and her mom made, and her flinger print kit she sets off to grandma’s house. While looking for the flowers, a wolf comes along and helps her find some purple flowers that smell like vanilla. She stops to look them up in her book and the wolf runs ahead to grandma’s house. The wolf then eats grandma and Red has to use her detective skills to see if Grandma is really Grandma. I don’t want to give it all away, but it’s a super cute book and take on an old classic tale. I thought that my 8 year old would love this book, but I think that younger kids would enjoy it as well. You could easily read this to a 5 year old. This author is great at adding in some “learning” into her books, which I LOVE! For example, in this book you learn a little about finger prints. Check this book out, but also her other ones too! I have a few of them now, and my daughter’s and I love them all so far!!

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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tonya Merritt

How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor #2)How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom teaches the way magnets work and what ways you can use them. This is a fun story that caters to the youth and teaches them how to use their imagination and scientific uses for magnets. A book that could be used in a science class to help children better understand magnets and is fun enough for them to actually listen.

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Tonya Merritt

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is an amazing insight of what it’s like being nonverbal and a teenager. There are many issues that present themselves in the teenage years but what if you can’t voice them and tell someone how everything feels. I really enjoyed reading this book and seeing how Emerson’s mind works and how she deals with it day to day. A great read to help you understand what it is like to be nonverbal.

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