Wild Things

by Sally Rippin

Based on her own personal experiences, best-selling author Sally Rippin shares ideas on how to help children find joy in reading—and advocate for them throughout their schooling careers.

320 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2023

About the author

Sally Rippin was born in Darwin, but grew up mainly in South-East Asia. As a young adult she lived in China for three years, studying traditional Chinese painting. Sally has over seventy books published, many of them award-winning, including two novels for young adults. Her most recent work includes the highly acclaimed children’s novel Angel Creek and the popular Billie B Brown books, which became the highest selling series for 6-8 year olds in Australia within the first year of their release. Sally is Australia’s highest selling female author and her Billie B Brown books have sold more than 4.5 million copies in 14 languages.
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Sally is a popular presenter in schools and at literary festivals both in Australia and overseas and has a regular program on 3RRR interviewing children’s authors and industry professionals. She is a passionate ambassador for the 100 Story Building creative writing centre for marginalized youth and has mentored many emerging writers and illustrators. Recently, she and her partner co-founded Story Peddlers, a hand-made performance tent that packs away into a custom-built bike, with the aim of bringing back the art of the roving storyteller.

Reviews

[Becs' reads Australia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every parent who jas a child with a learning disability or ADHD needs to read this. Every teacher needs to read this. Everyone needs to read (or listen) to this!!!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few years ago, Sally Rippen, author of the uber-popular Hey Jack! and Billie B Brown series, came to the PaperPie Convention to tell us about her latest series, Polly and Buster. When she shared about her son’s struggles with dyslexia and ADHD, I felt an instant connection. Seeing your child’s incredible intelligence and goodness, while also watching them struggle with confidence due to soul-crushing spelling tests, horror at having to read aloud, and feelings of unworthiness because they don’t always act in “typical” ways can be very lonely. The base level mom-guilt and parenting anxiety skyrocket. When Sally shared her story and her son’s story that summer day, I felt empowered and less alone.

Just like, Sally’s son inspired her to write Jack, Billie, and Polly and Buster books (thank goodness!), her experience at our Convention where she heard countless stories like mine, led her to write Wild Things. Wild Things is a memoir sprinkled with scientific reading research, interviews, and lots of practical tips for parents’ who are starting on the learning to read journey or suspect neurodivergence in their child. Reading it was an emotional experience for me. My eyes were often swimming and I found my heart re-breaking as she shared too relatable stories. But, by the time I finished, I discovered that now my heart was on the way to more complete healing. I’m thrilled that Kane Miller is the American publisher of Wild Things and that I’ll be able to share this book (along with some brand new Hey Jack! and Billie B. Brown books) on my website and with my book community starting tomorrow.

A sweet teacher described one my kiddos as Pippi Longstocking and Billie B. Brown wrapped up in one. They meant it as a compliment and I took it as a compliment! I was delighted that they saw the brilliance and humor and strength in my quirky, not-always-easy kid. Characters like Billie, Jack, Polly, and Buster help us recognize that differences can be superpowers. They give kids the opportunity to feel seen as heroic. Sally’s memoir does the same for parents. And I’m so very grateful.

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will be keeping this beside the bed to go back to for sure

[Shoshanah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Things by Sally Rippin was different than I expected it to be. I assumed it would be more science based going into depths about how the brain actually learns to read.

While there were parts of that, instead it was much more go focused on Sally raising her youngest son. It told of the troubles he had with school, how he eventually was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, and how he is doing now.

As expected in being two different people, my son is very different than Sally’s and yet there were aspects of her story that resonated with me. The idea that when others see your child as “bad,” that you can feel judged as a mother and can feel you’re not doing enough for them. That you might be a terrible parent and are doing something wrong. I think one review I saw said this seemed too self centered, that she was making the story too much about her, which I have to imagine comes from someone who isn’t a parent. Because yes, while our children do have stories to tell, as a parent it’s helpful to hear that no, it isn’t easy and that others struggle too.

I did really enjoyed this one and differently than I thought I would. For one final note that, I thought the idea of how we love literary children who get into trouble, yet when we see these behaviors in real life it doesn’t have the same charm was spot on. Also how each chapter was named after one of these characters. I loved hearing of many of my favorites, but also now have a list of others I want to discover.

4.5/5

[Noora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book to help understand the challenges dyslexic, and other neurodiverse, kids face when learning to read. Hugely helpful guide to parents with practical advice and support, combing facts, expertise and lived experiences. Should also be mandatory reading for teachers and educational policy makers. Although the focus is on dyslexia and ADHD, there is useful information for all parents in how to support their children throughout their school years.

[Kimmi Mimmi Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a Xmas present where my friend thought it may help me in the Adult Learning & Development Consultancy within the workplace. Fascinating read about dyslexia, adhd and neurodivergent and the different tools that help parents combat helping their children who are struggling. A must read for any parent.

[Lynne Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshingly honest insight into parenting a neurodiverse child (dyslexia and ADHD) along with solid research. Wild Things was really easy to read, yet conveyed an invaluable insight into the way a parent and child feel about the barriers our current education system puts up for neurodivergent children.

Highly recommended.

[Katherine Thornley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing
Thank you Sally

[April Pupedis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great resource for parents and teachers. Helps to gain a better understanding of neurodivergent kiddos and parents. Full of first hand stories and great resources for parents and teachers alike.

[Emma McKiernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the educational element and the personal experience of the author. Found this a very easy and interesting read.