We all have our handicaps, those skills that plagued us in childhood that we still run and hide from because they’re ingrained in our histories as negative events. A lot of these fears originate in school as we find ourselves being made fun of for the things we can’t do, as if everyone else can do everything right.
Author Anne van Gessel knows this feeling well having grown up with dyslexia. However, rather than run from the challenges that this diagnosis brings, she has embraced them by becoming a children’s author with her picture book, Cruz Finds His Way. Below is my review of van Gessel’s book along with an interview with the author.
Cruz Finds His Way plot summary
Cruz Finds His Way is about a young crow who lives in New York City, a large city full of signs and landmarks. One day, his father tells him it is time to leave his nest and fly away on his own and see if he can make it back.
The problem is, Cruz can’t read the signs that will direct him home. The letters are incoherent lines and squiggles. Cruz panics, afraid that he will never get home. But some friends that he meets along the way show him that he can if he does things his way. With renewed confidence, Cruz uses his instincts and uses landmarks rather than standard signs to return to his family.
The characters
Cruz is a very uncertain and confused character who is growing up in a world that he doesn’t understand. It’s not until others point out a different and easier way of functioning that he grows the confidence needed to overcome his obstacles. It doesn’t help that other birds tease and taunt him which makes it harder for him to believe in himself.
The few other characters featured in the story act as Cruz’s support system. His father is the first to believe in him and trusts that he will make it home himself. A cute pigeon and squirrel also encounter Cruz, and even though they don’t know him, they encourage him to keep going.
The conflict
The story’s conflict is one that will be familiar to some and sympathetic to others. Reading is crucial to Cruz’s survival, just as it is to ours. And when you can’t do something as important as reading, it can be frustrating, scary, and feel hopeless. His self-doubt is further amplified by fellow crows who taunt and tease him about his inability to read.
Cruz finds himself completely lost as he flies around town, and he ends up scared and alone until he receives encouraging words from the squirrel and pigeon. Their new perspective helps him to work through his problem using other strengths. When he thinks outside the box, his world makes more sense, and he gets the results he both wants and needs.
The illustrations
Cruz Finds His Way is beautifully illustrated by Toshin Rao. Rao’s drawings are bright and colorful, sometimes filling the page with giant images of Cruz to represent his anxiety and confusion. Other times, he’s drawn small in order to look intimidated and scared.
In the background are busy, colorful landscapes featuring different parts of New York City. The signage is intentionally written wrong in order to signify how they look to Cruz, as if they are written in another language. The drawings are inky yet clear and cartoonish, making them eye catching to young readers, and the expressions on Cruz’s face help to tell the story and convey the rollercoaster of emotions that he experiences throughout his journey.
My recommendation
I recommend Cruz Finds His Way to all new readers, whether they’re good at reading or not. The author has inserted additional pages at the end of the book with the definitions of the more difficult vocabulary words in the book, though it’s nothing too advanced for an early reader. It also features discussion topics and tips for parents and teachers who are trying to help a dyslexic reader overcome their challenges.
I did spot several punctuation errors throughout the book, but the sentences are simple and clear. And the blend of such a sympathetic animal character, the cityscapes of New York, and the uplifting story about overcoming obstacles makes this not only a fun but important read.
My rating
An interview with Anne van Gessel
How did you come up with a crow as your main character to tell a story about dyslexia?
I think crows are misunderstood. They are magnificent intelligent birds that are very adaptable. In the same way someone with dyslexia may be misunderstood, who has the potential to be magnificent, when given the right environment and support. Oftentimes, someone with dyslexia is very adaptable, molding themselves to the rest of the world.
What is a valuable resource or tip that you can provide for young readers who are struggling to learn how to read?
Reading doesn’t come naturally like speaking does. Notice how babies will copy sounds and words from the people around them? However, we don’t usually see babies writing naturally; that is typically taught in school and not as intuitive. Be kind to yourself and at the same time, have the courage to keep trying and ask for help when you need it. J
What advice do you have about conquering your fears?
If you’re alive, you will have fears! Fears are normal and part of life. However, what will you allow to speak louder–your dreams or your fears? If your fear is overwhelming, take your focus on that next step, no matter how small the step is, just continue to step forward. Before you know it, you’ll be right at your goal, too busy with all the steps to engage with fear.
How can kids deal with the bullying that comes from peers who tease them about their learning challenges?
This can be challenging as words can be very hurtful! Having self-confidence is very helpful in situations like this. A child will be able to speak more confidently from a place of self-confidence, that everyone is different, and each person has their own strengths and weaknesses. This would likely come from a stable home with emotional intelligent guardians.
If a bullying situation escalates and the child feels unsafe, it’s important to seek for help immediately, to talk to a trusted adult for emotional support.
What makes Cruz’s dad so confident in his son that he allows him to leave the nest on his own? Do you think he questions his decision when Cruz doesn’t come home right away?
Cruz’s dad has no doubt Cruz will make it back home because of what he knows about his son. Cruz has determination, courage, curiosity, openness and sense of adventure. I don’t think Cruz’ dad questions his decision due to his wisdom. He knows it may take some time, but with a little encouragement, support and kindness, Cruz will make his way back.
What’s your relationship with New York City?
New York is an iconic location. I wanted a location that most people have heard of and be able to focus more on what’s being told in the story.
Cruz uses his instincts to find his way home. How can we as humans develop our own personal instincts to maneuver better through the world?
I used the word “instinct” in the book given the association with animals and their instincts. However, it’s meant to be interchanged with the word “intuition” when you translate it to humans.
I think the way to build intuition is to take a few deep breaths, get your mind quiet, and listen to what wisdom we are holding from within. We are much wiser than we give ourselves credit for! We are often running at full speed in this very hectic chaotic world we live in, trying to move as fast as possible. We forget that sometimes we need to slow down to be able to move further in life.
How closely did you work with Toshin Rao on the illustrations?
I was part of the illustrations every step of the way, from conception to the design on paper. He really brought my vision to life and did an incredible job!
Do you have a favorite page or line from the book?
“I did it! I did it!”
His dad met him with open arms.
“Yes, you did, son! I knew you’d find your way! My Cruz is making his own way in the world.”
What’s next for you?
I’m working on a teaching memoir about my journey with dyslexia. It’ll be a practical easy read for adults. Hopefully the book will save them the first 30 years of my life experiencing self-doubt and fear of not being good enough!
Author links
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This sounds like a really good book for kids. We like the theme of Cruz leaving and making it on his own.