To be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the series by Tricia Copeland. I recommend reading the first two books first. This book is just as good as the others and I was able to jump right in even though it’s been awhile since reading the previous book. If you enjoy reading about fae and strong female main characters, then absolutely pick up this series.
To be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
To Be a Fae Legend (Realm Chronicles Book 3) by Tricia Copeland
4 Stars
The saga continues. After Titania ended the locusts in the last book, she was hoping for some relaxation and family time but the evil still lurks out there. Her mother has prophesied that three will come, and they came. Each is worse than the last. On top of fighting evil, she must choose between one of her suiters. Will she even survive to be able to choose? Being a monarch is not easy but she will always do what is right for her kingdom even if it doesn’t coincide with her heart.
This is part three in this series. I recommend that you read them in order. Although only seventeen, Titania is smart as a whip and thinks outside the box. I like this about her. Unfortunately most Fae will condemn her for it along with being young and female. Most of the time she must resort to secrets. I like this series and enjoyed this book although I found it a little long, it dragged at times. I thought this was the last book in the series and then it ended with sort of a cliffhanger. I was a little frustrated because now I have to wait ( trying to be patient) for the next one to come out.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
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To be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in the Realms Chronicles. I highly recommend you read the books in order so that you get the complete story and character progression. Through the 3 books we have watched Titania grow and mature in the the amazing Queen she is now.
The author’s world building is great and you really feel like you are physically in that world and it’s such a magical place.
This is a story about good vs evil and when an old prophecy points to Titania being the person meant to rid the Fae world of the evil that is there. But what will be the cost of Titania fulfilling this prophecy?
This is a fast paced story of magic, challenges and a race against time as Titania tries to beat the evil before it can triumph. As well as this she is also protecting her people and helping the witches, it is a lot of pressure on one person.
Add to this the need everyone is putting upon her to find a suitor, but does she really need one? Or does she even want one?
This is one story that is fast paced and will keep the reader hooked. If you love stories about magic, and a young female who overcomes challenges then this is definately a read for you.
To be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
To Be A Fae Legend is the third book in the Realm Chronicles by Tricia Copeland. This an awesome urban fantasy adventure, with Fae, magic, action, danger, good vs evil, superb world building, mystery, challenges, tension, prophecy, high stakes, agendas, secrets, interesting characters, and plenty of dramatic developments.
After everything that has happened, the weight of responsibility rests heavily on Titania’s shoulders, as an age-old prophecy points to her as the one who holds the power to do what needs to be done to eradicate the evil forces that threaten the Fae, but at what cost? Titania finds herself in a race against time in order to save the world and ensure evil doesn’t triumph. With challenges aplenty- Titania is in for one heck of an adventure- which ensures a gripping read.
This book continues the adventure we started back in book one, so I highly recommend that you read the first two books before starting on this one- as the other books contain character details/introductions, intriguing storyline developments, and other important information that you should have on board in order to fully appreciate this third instalment.
As I have said before, I am really hoping that the author has plenty more planned for the Realm Chronicles, as I am well and truly hooked!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Tricia Copeland!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
To be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve started and restarted this review so many times. This has easily become one of my favorite series. Titania is such an amazing character. After the death of her brothers and her fathers health declining she had to take the throne of her kingdom. She quickly had to grow up and adapt to the life of doing what’s best for Aubren even if it’s not the hats best for her. She discover she has powers that she cannot tell anyone about. She must protect the Fae from threats that could destroy everything.
This particular story focuses on Titania picking a suitor, meanwhile protecting Aubren from a series of attacks that her mother predicted. These attacks are linked to upper earth and she must help them in order to help her people.
This story was such a page turner and I was completely shocked with the ending. Titania is easily one of the most impressive characters I’ve ever read about. The sacrifices she makes for her people, the growth, and the intellect she uses is outstanding. I also love her cousins. They are super supportive. I hope we get more about them. I also hope Titania is able to reconnect with those she cares about, and maybe one day her mother will come out of her state.
Please if you haven’t read this series go to book one and start there. You won’t be disappointed.
To be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The first book in this series is the first book that really got me hooked on reading about the fae worlds. I loved learning about the worlds, the rules and laws, the description of the fae, and the magical elements. This is the third book in the series and it did not disappoint! It starts out in an amazing kingdom that is described in amazing detail – the ocean, the castles, the decor in the homes, and more. Titania is the main character and the first queen of her kingdom, this makes it difficult for her to work with the other kings who do not believe in her ability to rule. She is 17 and her father is accepting meetings so that she can start courting. By the end of the first main event, she has four princes that she has accepted and will begin courting. She is taking a rest and enjoys time with her family, but she is also worrying about the human realm and danger of the omen of three evils. Titania meets with Hunter and his group in the human realm and one of them made a comment about her name sounding like titanium, I had not made that connection and had been reading it incorrectly. This book was fast paced and full of adventure. It kept me up reading late and I truly enjoyed this entire series!
To be a Fae Queen by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Titania is crowned Queen by her father at a young age, and there is fae that do not believe she is fit to rule Aubren. Competing in challenges, she proves she deserves to lead her people. Not only does she have the role of a Queen, but she is a teenager dealing with the loss of her brothers, falling for a boy. There is a lot of world-building, and at times, it was slow for me, but I recommend sticking with it because this story is excellent.
To be a Fae Guardian by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed the first book in this series, but book two… Queen Titania has been tried for treason, and now her every move is followed by guards. Reading about Titania’s internal debate on following the rules or doing whatever it takes to save her people was intriguing and incredible. WOW.
To be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tricia did an excellent job bringing Titania and the rest of the Fae in Middle Earth to life. With each book in this series, her characters continued to grow and develop. This third book is my favorite, and I can not wait to see where the next book takes the Fae.
To be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoy this series. To Be a Fae Legend did not disappoint. I’m still disappointed with certain characters but the book itself was really good. The author leads us on a continued journey for our Fae Queen. A journey that felt like it was coming to an end, however you’re left with a cliffhanger. Extremely frustrating but it leaves you wanting more.
Queen Titania has been tasked with not only finding a suitor, protecting and fighting for her people, as well as helping the witches to keep Sonia at bay. Running herself ragged in these tasks. Other Fae kingdoms are talking. They assume she’s ill, when that is not the case. Projecting one’s soul is exhausting, but nobody knows about that. Very few actually know she’s helping the witches with a task. However when creatures that haven’t been seen in over 200 years start venturing into her lands she needs to protect her people.
Will she defeat these creatures?
Will she succeed in helping the witches?
Will she choose a suitor based on love or alliance?
This series is wonderful, and it’s definitely a series. You could try to read it as a standalone but you’ll have more questions that could’ve been answered with books 1 & 2. A series definitely worth starting and if you already have, Guess What? Book 3 is out!
To be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thought this was really well done. The story takes place in the Fae realm, Middle Earth. Queen Titana is doing her duty to her kingdom by entertaining a potential marriage. There is a bunch of characters that peak your interest and the way the author taps into the emotions that Titania is feeling really adds to the story. I don’t want to give too much away because there is so much richness to the story that the reader needs to experience it for themselves. I was riveted to the story and it definitely kept me guessing in a very good way.
To be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the series and it is just as good as the previous ones. I picked this one up as though I had just finished the second and was excited to see how the story would continue to develop. This book is just as well written as the first two, and I would highly recommend reading them in order. I love how we get the see the character development progress through all the books. Each book is exciting to read and has a really strong plot. This book definitely adds to the series as a whole. I would highly recommend this series to any fan of the genre.
To be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites. This is the third book in this series which I highly suggest reading the previous two books to help your enhancement of this series and this author. It is always great to see where the characters have been before. This is a young adult fantasy story that is full of magic, creative characters and an adventure you won’t soon forget. This is a fast paced, well written story that is hard to put down. The characters add so much to the entertainment value of the story. They pulled me into their world with ease and kept me there until the end. I enjoyed watching the growth of this story as well as the growth of the characters. They kept me coming back for more, they had me wanting to know more. I really enjoyed the adventure this story took me on. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Review by @bjwagner
To be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Queen Titania is a strong female character that I have enjoyed watching develope through this series. This book has been quite interesting to read. She’s coming into her own and trying to stand on her own while others are trying to force marriage on her. Challenges, magic and more abound in this book. Old faces make appearances. I enjoyed this story and traveling through the realms and kingdoms with the Queen and her family. The story is both fascinating and quite entertaining. You can’t help but be pulled into the story right from the start. You will want to begin with book 1 of the series. I found myself sitting on the edge-of-my-seat as I was reading because the adventures are daring and such that one can only imagine. I am a fan of the author’s writing. She leaves you wanting more. I will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this story.
To be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I cannot get enough of this book series! This author has created a masterpiece that is the Fae Realm. From the Realm itself to the Fae that reside in it, I want to live there myself. I also love the strength of the Fae women in this novel. They are an inspiration, even to humans. Titiana in particular is one of the strongest individuals I have ever had the privilege to read about.
I want to meet this author so we can sit and discuss the Fae Realm over dinner. I truly cannot get enough of these stories. I never want them to end. These books will definitely be something I read to my children and that I read myself over and over again. If you are interested in strong characters, incredible plots, and detail that places you directly into the story then this series is for you. Definitely go back and read the first two in the series. You will not regret it!
Review by @aware
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To be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
To be a Fae Legend is another epic novel by Tricia Copeland. It is a paranormal fantasy, Young Adult story and is book 3 of 3 in the Realm Chronicles series. Her writing style takes you to a vividly magical world that is easy to get lost in. I highly recommend that you start with book one and work your way through as they follow on from each other.
Tricia has created a world where there are faeries, monsters and a host of characters and creatures that live in the deep dark. This story has everything you need to keep you enthralled with action and danger, lies and deceit, loss and pain, drama and mystery and so much more. You get lost amongst the adventure, the helplessness, and evil lurking in a world that is in a battle of good versus evil, fae lore and legends.
I have said it before and I will say it again Tricia’s world building is only limited by your imagination and takes you to the most magical of places and the bowels of the world.
Could Titania be the prophesied one? She has a kingdom to rule, a husband to find, and a gift to harness and oh on top of all that she has to save her world from the dark evil that resides Lower Earth. No pressure.
If you love paranormal fantasy tales then this is for you. I am looking forward to what comes next from Tricia.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Hidden deep in fae lore lies a legend. It holds that there will be One granted the power to end all evil. Titania has come to realize she may be the prophesied One.
An omen of three evils and being wooed by a pack of hungry suitors are only a few of Queen Titania’s stresses. Everything is piling up, and she’s determined to rise to each challenge.
She must harness the gifts bestowed upon her, but time is ticking away, and the best she can manage are a few sparks. Now, there’s a race against time as she’s tasked with choosing a husband while trying to save the world from certain doom.
To Be a Fae Legend, the third book of the Realm Chronicles series, is a treacherous journey into Lower Earth. Enter if you dare risk confrontation with nightmare-ish beasts and dark spirits of the deep.
If you like valiant heroines, you’ll love Tricia Copeland’s electrifying fantasy.
Download To Be a Fae Legend to spiral into a magical world today!
Tricia Copeland believes in finding magic. She thinks magic infuses every aspect of our lives, whether it is the magic of falling in love, discovering a new passion, a beautiful sunset, or a book that transports us to another world. An avid runner and Georgia native, Tricia now lives with her family and four-legged friends in Colorado. Find all her titles from contemporary romance and fantasy, to dystopian fiction at www.triciacopeland.com.
NonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a standalone novel. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how I was going to like it but this book was so impactful!
The story is about Emerson, a teenager with a slew of labels as though they define her. She is labeled as having autism spectrum disorder as well as being non-verbal. This book takes you through Emerson’s story. She knows what she’d like to say but the words are lost. Yet she has to deal with people talking about her like she’s not there and doesn’t understand. She watches her parents struggle while also trying to protect her and give her some semblance of independence. While also realizing that while she’s been given the tools to cope sometimes her reaction is outside of her control.
This book is really powerful. I think everyone could benefit from reading it. It definitely gives you a first hand perspective of what it might be like to deal with and cope with the labels individuals on the spectrum have to deal with. This is a very well written book and I highly recommend anyone read this!
The Vassal of Magic by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
” Wilf’s pulse blocked all other sounds, and his mouth felt drier the closer he moved toward the crystal. He held his hand over it.
“What are you waiting for?” Ermentrude knocked his elbow.
He swallowed and let his hand touch the crystal’s solid, cool surface. He turned his head to look at the others.
“Press harder,” Ermentrude said.
Wilf spread his fingers and thrust down on the crystal. A ripple ran over its surface clouding the scene inside. The tips of his fingers plunged below the surface. He yelped and withdrew his hand.
“Bat’s blood! Get on with it.” Ermentrude squeezed his hand.
He let out the breath he’d been holding and spread his hand over the crystal’s surface once more. Again, his fingers sank through the surface, but this time he refused to pull them back. There was a viscous-like feeling in his fingers, hand,
and wrist. His arm was being sucked in. He imagined being dragged under by quicksand or the black mud of some marshland. He looked over his shoulder at Ermentrude. Her eyes were wide, focused on his arm and the crystal. Every part of Wilf screamed to back away, his mind yelling at him to withdraw his arm as his entire arm was pulled into the crystal. His neck and head were going to be next. What would stop him from drowning if he went in any further? He tried to pull out, but it was too late. He screamed just before his body was sucked into the crystal’s depths…. ”
The Vassal of Magic is the third instalment in The Virus of Beauty series by C.B. Lyall. It continues the adventure we began back in book one, so I highly recommend reading the first two books before starting on this one, as knowing what has happened in the previous books will definitely enrich your reading experience of this book, and the series as a whole.
This fabulous YA urban fantasy series has such a unique, original, and intriguing storyline and wonderful, quirky characters who really make this story come to life. I can see it making a great TV series too, as there is plenty here to love. Woven with lots of action, adventure, magic, witches, wizards, drama, danger, mystery, suspense, tension, friendship, family, politics, and agendas- this story really grabs the imagination.
We follow on from the previous two books and Wilf is still grappling with his feelings towards magic. He really just wants to be ‘normal’ and free- but he can’t even manage to utilize the full potential of his magical powers, so he’s feeling stuck. Then there’s the overwhelming sense of responsibility that’s really weighing heavily in his shoulders. Doubts and fear are definitely holding him back. What happens when he discovers a piece of shattered Mages Crystal- you really should read all the intriguing developments for yourself, because Wilf is about to be challenged like never before and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Adventure awaits…..
Again, Ms. Lyall’s wonderful world-building and attention to detail created a fully immersive reading experience that held me rapt right from the get-go. I have enjoyed this series immensely, and without giving away any spoilers, with the way this ended it made me hope that there might be many more magical adventures for Wilf (& Co) to come…
If you love a richly woven YA fantasy with superb world-building, engrossing storylines, plenty of originality, action, adventure, emotion, and wonderful quirky characters- then this is definitely the book/series for you.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, C.B. Lyall!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Vassal of Magic by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was so excited to get to finish this amazing series! The journey that Wilf has traveled, mostly against his will, is thrilling and will keep you turning until the final page. The author did a great job of creating realistic characters and relationships within a fantasy novel about magic. This is definitely a series you want to start at the beginning with, and you definitely won’t be disappointed when you get to this conclusion. This is an action packed adventure series full of magic, love, friendships, and family. Seeing Wilf grow into the strong person he becomes, as well as the rest of the characters as they learn to work together to save magic. I absolutely adored this series and I highly recommend it.
NonVerbal 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.
NonVerbal 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.
Review by @bjwagner
“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.
NonVerbal 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.
NonVerbal 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
NonVerbal 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.
NonVerbal 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.
NonVerbal 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.
NonVerbal 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.
NonVerbal 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.
