This is a story that show a snippet of what it is like to be the autistic person. The struggles within herself to control her actions and words and the struggles of society. I liked how the words were placed giving me the feeling of her loss of control when an episode hits. It helps me look at a situation a little differently now. Also all the the things her parents did for her safety or to protect her (which I could under) we got to see the other side and what she thought of them but could not articulate her reasons. It was an interesting read as it gave me insight to this life she and her parents lead.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lisa Helmickhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLisa Helmick2023-05-04 19:12:552023-05-12 12:53:22Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Lisa Helmick
I knew before I started reading that this book would be emotional and I can say without hesitation it was that. This character has got to be one of my all time favourites. I connected with her so easily and I loved that the author chose her as the focal point of this book. It is unusual to come across a book that tackles such a prominent issue and even more rare to find one that does it so well. I think it is so important for more books like this to be written. It gives a great insight into what life with autism must be like and I applaud the author was the accurate depiction. This is a book that everyone should read.
There were things I absolutely LOVED about this book and parts that I struggled with, as a parent to an autistic child and being neurodivergent myself. I just wanted to reach through the pages in parts of this book and help Emerson and her family understand that she isn’t a broken or defective person with missing puzzle pieces, but rather an amazingly different and unique puzzle piece of a person with her own strengths that is living in a world built for NT people. I did love Emerson as a character, as well as her BFF Ryleigh, and hope the author continues to tell their stories in other books.
The Lone Star Child is the 3rd installment of The God’s Scion Series by Winnifred Tataw. This series is a great choice for lovers of YA Fantasy. The 3rd book takes us back into the intriguing world of the Acolytes and God’s. This time, Caro the Space Acolyte is missing. Rodrick and the other Acolytes have to save her before time runs out. If this is your first look into this series, be prepared for an immersive and interesting story that is very fast-paced. You will not want to put it down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Victoria McQuigghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVictoria McQuigg2023-05-03 13:10:332023-05-03 13:13:34The Lone Star Child by Winnifred Tataw-Review by Victoria McQuigg
In this book we follow Emerson as she navigates a world that wasn’t built for her. She has Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing disorder, an intellectual disability, and is functionally nonverbal. We follow Emerson through her life in this thought-provoking, heart felt book.
The Lone Star Child is the third book in The Gods’ Scion series. It had been a bit since I read the previous two books in the series, but I was easily brought back into the story. I do recommend reading the first two books before this one to get the most enjoyment. Caro, the Space Acolyte, is the last and only hope for the Ophiuchus to find freedom. This is a fast-paced story with great world-building and interesting characters. I enjoy the unique story and do not feel as if I am reading a rehash of another book. If you enjoy YA, fantasy, or action, this book (and series) will grab your attention. I enjoy Caro but also the different Gods and acolytes. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sheri Schraderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSheri Schrader2023-04-28 18:47:242023-05-03 13:02:06The Lone Star Child (The Gods’ Scion Book 3) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Sheri Schrader
The Lone Star Child is the third book in The Gods’ Scion series. I should have paid a little more attention and picked up the first two, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this adventure! I am definitely going to pick up the rest of the series to be able to immerse myself into this world even more, but I highly recommend it even just reading this as a standalone. Long imprisoned and forgotten, Ophiuchus has all but given up. When Caro, a Space Acolyte, gives Ophiuchus renewed hope at freedom, they finally see their future and begin their plan of vengeance. How else do you expect a prisoner to feel other than outraged? This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions and left me reeling. You’ll definitely enjoy this if YA Fantasy is up your alley, and possibly even if it’s not! Give it a chance as it is captivating, but start at the beginning for the best experience.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-04-28 18:03:162023-05-03 13:01:51The Lone Star Child (The Gods’ Scion Book 3) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Shannen Kern
From the moment I read the blurb to this book I knew I had to read it. I wad hooked instantly and had to know about the story..I didn’t care that it was the 3rd book in the series and having read it I can say for sure I will be going back to read the others. It surprised me it was a YA book as I didn’t get that impression from the description but it really worked. I loved finding out about this world and the characters. This us a thoroughly enjoyable story and I can’t wait to discover more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-04-28 16:16:102023-05-03 13:01:13The Lone Star Child (The Gods’ Scion Book 3) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Kerry Baker
I don’t think I even know where to start with this story. For many this will be an interesting read with many thought provoking moments but for me it spoke to me on a whole other level, a real personal one. I have a 3 year old non-verbal child and this story opened my eyes to how he may be feeling. I know he knows so many words but they just don’t want to come out like they should and I feel like I can understand this so much more now by reading this through the eyes Emerson. The way she describes the thoughts and feelings of Emerson’s parents was literally like reading some of my own thoughts. I was honestly glued to this story, it really was a very emotional and powerful read and I think is definitely a read for people who want to understand a little more about someone who is non-verbal. Thank you Molly Zenk for this book, its actually helped me more than words can say.
This story has action and drama all in this fast paced read! I did not read the first 2 books in the series but still felt connected to the characters. The cover of this book caught my attention and the story was definitely intriguing. I really enjoyed reading about Caro and their story. The author created a very unique world for readers. This was a concept I have not read before and I really enjoyed it. I will definitely be going back and reading the first 2 books and looking for more from this author. This was an enjoyable YA fantasy read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarla2023-04-28 13:18:192023-04-28 13:51:52The Lone Star Child (The Gods’ Scion Book 3) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Carla Clemmons
I absolutely loved the third book, and can’t believe I went to book 2, but that still didn’t stop me from understanding what was going on. The characters are very well developed and written that it makes you feel like you are with them every step of the way and know them on a personal level. The worlds are so well written out that its almost like you can reach out and touch everything. The betrayals, conflicts, secrets, action, mystery, intensity of a world trying to be destroyed, while two brothers fight to try and stop it all. this book had so many twists and turns it kept me wanting more and on my toes. This made for an amazing all around read. this was a real page tuner, and I couldn’t stop reading it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2023-04-28 09:17:402023-04-28 13:50:36Descendants of Time and Death (The Gods’ Scion Book 2) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Jennifer Reimer
The Lone Star Child was a great book. The book had my attention from the very first page. In my opinion, it was a fast paced book. This isn’t my typical kind of genre to read, but surprisingly I really enjoyed it. The world building and characters was great. I love this authors writing style and look forward to reading more books!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissa Finkhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa Fink2023-04-28 05:50:142023-04-28 14:00:24The Lone Star Child (The Gods’ Scion Book 3) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Melissa Fink
The Lone Star Child is the third book in The Gods’ Scion Series and continues the story from the first two books. If you have not read the first books you may feel a bit lost while reading this one. This book is fast paced and full of action, drama, suspense, betrayal, and the desire for revenge.
Caro is a space acolyte and disciple to the goddess that rules the universe who finds that her position prevents her from having friendships. She finds her position a lonely one and feels detached from those around her. When Caro is kidnapped, it sets off a series of events in which secrets are revealed. The other acolytes do not know where she is or who has her. What secrets are preventing the acolytes from finding Caro? Who can be trusted?
Caro is with an enemy who has been plotting against those that discarded them as outcasts a millenia ago. Ophiuchus was imprisoned after wanting to share their gift with the world and for the past millenia have plotted revenge against those that imprisoned them and tossed them away like they were worthless. With the help of one space acolyte, they may get their revenge as well as their freedom and the Gods will not see it coming. With Caro’s help their freedom may become a reality and they will crush all those that mistreated them in the past. The Gods called them monsters, so they will become monsters as those that imprisoned them feel their wrath.
This book is a fantasy adventure with gods, royalty, magic, family ties, loss, heartache, and the strong desire for revenge against those that betrayed you. The storyline is compelling, the characters are wonderful, and the scenes are described so vividly that you get drawn into the story alongside the characters. The underlying issues of love, hate, family ties, revenge and betrayal lead the reader on an intense rollercoaster ride of emotions. You can feel the hurt, the anger, the sadness, and the hatred along with the characters and want them to all find peace and happiness within their lives.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-04-27 21:02:582023-04-28 13:55:20The Lone Star Child (The Gods’ Scion Book 3) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
The Lone Star Child by Winnifred Tataw is a great young adult fantasy book. It has a unique story.
Ophiuchus was cursed to imprisonment in space for wanting to share their gifts with the world. For millennia, they have been alone and forgotten. But Caro, the Space Acolyte, is their new chance at freedom. They’ve had a long time to think about what they’ll do once they’re freed. Which, with Caro’s help, will soon become a reality. Finally, they will be able to crush all those who ever forsake them in the past. But this time around, it will be different. This time they won’t show any mercy. Every person that ever abandoned them will feel their wrath. The Gods called them monsters. Well now, they’ve got one.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings passion into your life. I couldn’t put the book down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shadel Ayerbehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShadel Ayerbe2023-04-26 20:12:142023-04-28 13:35:52The Lone Star Child (The Gods’ Scion Book 3) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Shadel Ayerbe
The Lone Star Child The Gods’ Scion Series Book 3 By: Winnifred Tataw Review by: Susan Ratchford 4 Stars
On a whim I picked up this book first without reading the prior 2. The cover art and font were so whimsical and interesting I needed to read it! That being said I effortlessly fell into Caro’s story and Tataw’s world. It was so fun and entertaining to read, even if I didn’t get all the details! I loved the first person tone. It really brought the story to life! I instantly felt the infinite beauty of space and I loved her inclusion of gods! I can’t wait to start this wonderful journey from the beginning with Child Of Tempus, her first novel in this fascinating series! I highly recommend you join me in experiencing Caro and Milky’s story in all its glory! Happy reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Susan Ratchfordhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSusan Ratchford2023-04-25 21:06:022023-04-28 13:11:58The Lone Star Child (The Gods’ Scion Book 3) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Susan Ratchford
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!
” 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…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-04-23 21:07:002023-04-28 12:46:25The Vassal of Magic (The Virus of Beauty Book #3) by C.B. Lyall – Review by Angela Hayes
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Haller-Dorishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Haller-Doris2023-04-23 20:01:272023-04-28 12:45:24The Vassal of Magic (The Virus of Beauty Book 3) by C.B. Lyall – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris
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.
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.
“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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jamie Burnshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJamie Burns2023-04-22 21:52:432023-04-28 12:30:13Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Jamie Burns
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.
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.
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.
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2023-04-22 17:01:512023-04-28 12:28:30Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Jennifer Gordon
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-04-22 16:11:172023-04-28 12:27:58Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Candice Esteshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCandice Estes2023-04-22 13:01:492023-04-28 12:36:07Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Candice Estes
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.
The Lone Star Child (The Gods’ Scion Book 3) by Winnifred Tataw. This is such a good fantasy, science fiction book. I highly recommend reading the first 2 books so that you aren’t lost. Its a story full of star hopping, action, family, greed. After a millennia the monsters are on full attack and Caro is missing. They have no clue as to where she has gone. Caro is known for getting herself into trouble all the time but this time feels different. Will the acolyates and zodiack find Caro in time. Will the families remain intact after this debacle or will they be forever changed. Read this fast paced, young adult adventure, you won’t be disappointed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2023-04-22 11:36:402023-04-28 12:35:17The Lone Star Child (The Gods’ Scion Book 3) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Tausha Treadway
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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