Reviews and Comments

Ilana Estelle's Cerebral Palsy : A Story Finding the Calm After the Storm is a book that both educated and moved me pretty much from the first page. I hadn't honestly known how I would feel when I began to read it, or how it would affect me but I was left in awe of Ilana. The book blends the medical information and Ilana's story perfectly and I liked how it was done in small amounts so it's not information overload as you go. Whilst obviously the focus is on Cerebral Palsy, there are elements to her recollections that will resonate with others living with disabilities. That relateability makes so much of a difference to know that a stranger can get the frustration, the exhaustion and the relief to know what is going on with your body when you've had to fight for answers.

This kind of book could be heavy and hard to read, be too much reliant on technical terminology but Ilana Estelle has assured that you can pick this up and learn about a person and their conditions. Whether you have Cerebral Palsy or various other conditions mentioned within the book or are simply curious about the condition, you are able to understand the illness though Estelle's eyes, the frustration of waiting so very long to have the correct answer given. I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult it must have been to spend so long being told you have one thing but knowing even subconsciously that it was wrong.

I was left in awe of Ilana Estelle, of the child she had been facing barrier after barrier in her life as she tried to progress through school and felt anger that there hadn't been enough support for her to succeed. I can't help but wonder just how different things could have been if just one person had acknowledged that it wasn't laziness etcetera holding her back and making work difficult. Sadly, something we still see occurring today in schools decades later.

Whilst the problems Ilana suffered with for so long were the initial reason for the blog that was the precursor to this incredible book? I am so glad that something negative first and foremost became a source of good for her, but has also become a resource and sense of belonging for those who follow and gain something from it and I truly believe the same will be said about Cerebral Palsy : A Story Finding the Calm After the Storm.

I'm so glad I got to read this... I felt a plethora of emotion and came away truly affected.

The Whisperling is a wonderful book for children who love ghosts and things that go bump in the night.

In a world after there's been witch hunts and persecution of Whisperlings, people who can speak and see the dead? There is finally less hate and distrust towards those like Peggy Devona who even from childhood had an affinity for speaking to those who had passed. Or so it seems but distrust runs deep in those who cling to the old beliefs that Whisperlings are evil and bring harm to others..

To some, Peggy Devona is in league with the Devil which leads to something that is good, and could potentially help many, being hidden away so that Peggy feels safe.

I loved the feel of this book, that you came immersed in the fictional Victorian world where ghosts are real and around us all, but it's not too much for the middle grade readers who love the aspect of magic in all its wondrous glory. The Witchling is spooky, both with the world building and the events that unfold all around Peggy and her quirky companions.

I also liked that there is a focus on how powerful Peggy is not just because of her being a Witchling but because of her sheer determination to do the right thing for her friend. Her conviction that being who she is, and her pride in it may not always be vocalised but it's there in her actions and I think this will come through to the children who read and hopefully help them to stand up for their friends and be proud to be who they are.

The Witchling will have you on the edge of your seat, with ghosts, murder, mystery... wonderfully diverse characters who are charlatans but have a heart of gold when they do séances to protect the good from harm and prevent the greedy from breaking the vows of the dead.

There's a very well written element of how the women within the book take on the patriarchal nature of society and whilst children may not be aware of it on conscious level? It is always a worthwhile part of a book when people can break the restraints placed on them by societies ideals and rules. In the Witchling this is subtle in some respects as we have two characters Oti and Celeste who embrace the more masculine aspects of clothing over traditional Victorian attire and I loved the descriptions of how they look and their wonderful personalities. They are fun and vivacious and are fierce in their protection of Peggy when she needs them, the fun buy fierce Aunt figures if you will.

The Witchling's plot twists and turns as you go, and I was hooked from page one and I have a feeling both children and their parents if it's read at bedtime? Will be too. There are surprises aplenty and you will be left wanting more as the story unfolds bit by bit, but I offer some caution and not a spoiler; do make sure you have a box of tissues ready because there maybe tears before bedtime!

I didn't want it to end, and I would love more from The Witchling world of ghosts, spookiness and downright evil from the living.

I Love You Just The Way You Are by Riley Rian is a story of acceptance, teenage dreams and love. There's more than that though because this love story isn't just of girl meets boy but also something that is often forgotten; a love of one's self. Teenagers often focus so much on everything around them, and forget themselves and that leads to a sense of loss and disconnect.

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Thank you to Brynne Tannehill and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for me copy of this book.

As a nonbinary parent of two trans children, I find it imperative that there are books out there for parents who may not even know what it is to be lgbtqia never mind transgender.

It is important to point out that the book covers potentially triggering topic matters but as difficult as it is, they are there as a means of education. I would feel wrong not mentioning it however, and I shall list them at the end of the review so it is your choice whether you check them or not rather being mid-review.

When you're questioning 'What to Do?' Brynne Tannehill has successfully combined a lot of the answers and given it in a manner that isn't too overwhelming as often your mind is already running at a mile a minute I imagine. Providing a question that is commonly asked, the reader is provided with several answers from parents who have already faced the beginning of this journey and bring their own life experiences into play - this gives you the opportunity to see what might be your best approach for the problem you're facing.

My only issue was it is focused on America as far as I could comprehend as I hadn't encountered some of the situations these parents have. If I am correct, and you aren't within America, this book is still excellent but you may need further information relevant to your location.
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Trigger Topics: Deadnaming, Transphobia,
Misgendering, Bullying.. Non-Affirmation and other potential topics but these stood out to me the most.

The ABCs of Consent by Krstaelynne Sanders Diggs is an interesting book and I fully agree that the concept of consent has to start earlier than it does.

The illustrations are beautiful with vibrant colours and designs that gain and hold your attention which given this is primarily a picture book? Is a necessity.

I had high hopes for this book when I began, as I know often there is a dosconnect with the way people have been taught, and what children need. For example, often the older generation expect young children to hug them - say a grandparent who visits once a year; who is visiting and a child who rarely sees them. To the child; the adult is pretty much a stranger and doesn't want to do what is expected.

That child should be respected and a book such as this, will help open conversations as to why expectations and reality can differ and that an adult isn't always right.

I can see The ABCs of Consent is going to be often a tool for conversation in schools and homes - because a child's voice is often not heard or respected.

I will also say that I found myself so sad that the implication behind some of the rhymes because of the age this is designed for.

My problem with the book and why it's not getting five stars is it feels a little rushed and some of the rhymes don't flow well to me.

For example: