Turning Cartwheels
When trying to fit in leaves you in a spin
Published on 1. February 2021
Book
Hardback
32 pages
978-1-925820-51-5 (ISBN)
Description
Turning Cartwheels tells the story of Emma's desperation to join queen bee Carly's Cartwheel Club, who show off their acrobatic tricks in the playground at lunchtime. Week after week Emma lines up for a try-out, only to be told by Carly that she hasn't made the cut. When Emma is finally accepted, she finds that Carly's rules and requirements take all the joy out of cartwheeling, and that being part of the gang isn't as awesome as she expected.
The book explores themes of determination, persistence and self-confidence, but has a central focus on bullying - in particular, the subtle, underhanded social bullying often experienced by primary school-aged girls. The character of Carly represents the 'frenemy' that many young girls encounter - a strong, popular girl who seems to be their friend, but whose behaviour is often actually manipulative and mean.
While girls often gravitate towards 'frenemies', preferring to stay on their good side and remain part of their social group, Turning Cartwheels introduces the idea that there are alternatives, and that children should choose their friends based on kindness, and having fun together. A sensitive and compassionate guide to finding true friendship, this story will help any young person struggling to find friends who make them feel like they belong.
The book explores themes of determination, persistence and self-confidence, but has a central focus on bullying - in particular, the subtle, underhanded social bullying often experienced by primary school-aged girls. The character of Carly represents the 'frenemy' that many young girls encounter - a strong, popular girl who seems to be their friend, but whose behaviour is often actually manipulative and mean.
While girls often gravitate towards 'frenemies', preferring to stay on their good side and remain part of their social group, Turning Cartwheels introduces the idea that there are alternatives, and that children should choose their friends based on kindness, and having fun together. A sensitive and compassionate guide to finding true friendship, this story will help any young person struggling to find friends who make them feel like they belong.
Reviews / Votes
She decides to create a Club of her own, the Can-Do Club, a place where everybody not only belongs, but also gets a voice and choices of their own. Now doesn't THAT have your heart doing cartwheels? -- Barbara * Corner on Character * Turning Cartwheels is a wonderful way of showing children alternative ways to solve problems. * Blue Wolf Reviews * Emma is desperate to join Carly's Cartwheel Club, who show off their acrobatic tricks in the playground at lunchtime. But when Emma is finally accepted, she finds that being part of the gang isn't as awesome as she expected. * Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators * A pleasantly illustrated, hard cover picture book to read with ages 6+. * School Days Magazine * This is an energetic story about choices and not staying in situations that don't work for you. * Buzz Words * A story with a warm heart, with illustrations to make you giggle, with challenge, with friends and with an important message. Be yourself. -- Louise Ellis-Barrett * Armadillo Magazine * An excellent addition to your collection and lessons about what friendship and bullying is, taking the reader into the realm of how friendships change as children get older. * The Bottom Shelf * A sweet book with colourful and animated illustration about how exhausting it can be trying to fit in and the joy of being and individual. -- Dr Tanya McDonnaugh, founder * TMC Psychology writing for Motherdom * An empowering story about finding yourself and encouraging others to do the same. * Sunday Telegraph * Turning Cartwheels is an excellent book to read to school aged children to start a discussion on how to be more inclusive of everyone despite their differences in abilities. * Educate. Empower. *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New Zealand
Publishing group
Exisle Publishing
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Kindergarten to Third Grade, Interest Age: From 5 to 9 years
Product notice
Paper over boards
Illustrations
35 color illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 254 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight
109 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-925820-51-5 (9781925820515)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Amy Adeney is a primary school teacher with a special interest in Literacy education in the early years. She writes books, hosts Storytime and runs workshops as part of her mission to inspire in children a love of books and reading. Previously, Amy has worked as a fitness instructor and in entertainment PR, as well as developing Busy Bookworms. Her two crazy children as well as her crazy life experiences provide endless inspiration for her stories, which she hopes will in turn inspire many future writers.
Amy Calautti loved to draw from a young age and often made up games based around drawing to entertain her younger brother and cousins. Amy now lives with her small tribe of humans who inspire her every day.
Amy Calautti loved to draw from a young age and often made up games based around drawing to entertain her younger brother and cousins. Amy now lives with her small tribe of humans who inspire her every day.