The Don't-Give-Up Kid and Learning Differences

by Jeanne Gehret, Sandra A. DePauw (Illustrator)

As Alex becomes aware of his different learning style, he realizes his hero Thomas Edison had similar problems and works with his teachers and parents to solve them.

Paperback

First published December 31, 1990

About the author

I’ve been portraying Susan B. Anthony in costume and researching her family since I wrote her biography in 1994. I became hooked when I discovered her brother Daniel Read Anthony, the subject of my 2017 novel The Truth About Daniel. Although raised a Quaker, he was one of the original Kansas Jayhawkers, possessing a lightning speed trigger finger and an even quicker temper. Chronicling his courtship of an heiress from Martha’s Vineyard has led me to ten cities as well as many delightful side trips to study Victorian customs and the Civil War. I enjoy English Country Dancing every week and one of my favorite scenes happens at a ball.

Reviews

[Dana Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a boy named Alex who has a learning disorder called Dyslexia. Alex is becoming aware that he does not learn in the same ways as the other students in his class. He reads some words backwards and often times writes his letters backwards. Alex idolizes Thomas Edison, the inventor of light bulbs and wants to become an inventor when he goes up. His inventions include a propeller made with giant rubber bands, Alex wishes that he could use his propeller to escape the sad feelings he experiences due to his "always doing things wrong". However, because Alex has difficulty learning he is frustrated with himself and his inability to learn. Alex's father gives him a book that they have read lots of times before, but Alex is scared to read and say the wrong words. After visiting with a psychologist, Alex was diagnosed with Dyslexia; a learning disorder. Alex's mom tries to explain to Alex that he just learns things differently than other students and to encourage him to do his best. She also told Alex that he would receive help from Mrs. Baxter and that she would help him to learn in his own special way. With the help from Mrs. Baxter, Alex learned to slow down while reading so that the words didn't jump all over the page. As a teacher, I would use this text to show students that there are various ways to learn something. Each child is different in their learning styles, and that is ok.

[Hannah Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex has problems reading and other kids make fun of him. Once he had Mrs. Baxter as a teacher instead, he felt more comfortable and gained the confidence to continue to improve on his reading. He thought of other kids' problems in the community and that if they can try then he can too. I would recommend this book. I really enjoyed reading it. I believe that children would like this book also. It helps us realize that we are not alone and that other's struggle too.

[Bailie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for older children who are having struggles in their life. This book has great lessons in the book for children to learn. It shows differences with people and how people can overcome struggles that are thrown at you. This book is great for older ones because it is super lengthy and wordy for younger children.

[Kayla Spires · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Don't Give Up Kid is a book to be introduced to kids who may be struggling with a learning disability. The kid faces problems in his classroom and realizes that he needs help with reading. He enters a SPED classroom that is there to help him learn through new activities. The illustrations we simple but the bold colors stood out and the emotions were present as told through the perspective of the child.

[Mariah Christiansen]

This book is simple and to the point for young children to understand children with dyslexia, their daily difficulties and teaches them how to be sensitive to their peers who have this disability. This is a very knowledgeable book, especially for children who see the differences in their peers but may not understand why they are doing the things they are doing.

I would use this book in my classroom by introducing dyslexia and then reading it to the students having the students talk about how they would feel if they had that disability and how it differs from their own abilities.

This book would be great for all my 2nd-3rd grade students.

Gehret, J., & LaDuca, M. (2009). The don't-give-up kid and learning disabilities (4th ed.). Fairport, N.Y.: Verbal Images Press.