Turning Cartwheels
When trying to fit in leaves you in a spin
Amy Adeney author Amy Calautti illustrator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Exisle Publishing
Published:3rd Feb '21
Currently unavailable, our supplier has not provided us a restock date
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.
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. *
- Short-listed for Forevability Literary Awards 2022 (Australia)
ISBN: 9781925820515
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
32 pages