It's Called Dyslexia

Live and Learn Books #1

by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos

A young girl is unhappy with school because she often mixes up the letters of the alphabet or writes them backwards until her teacher explains that she has dyslexia and, with special help, she can overcome her difficulties with language.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, Disability, Parenting

35 pages, Paperback

First published August 24, 2007

Reviews

[Nikita Shah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for all children, especially those with dyslexia. The story is told from a child’s point of view who is going through everyday activities. The book explores different feeling that children with dyslexia may experience, it starts off by explaining why school is difficult, exploring feelings of confusion, sadness and being scared. This part of the book allows children to relate to the book and understand that they may share their experiences with others and their feelings are normal. It also allows children to see that they are not alone in feeling this way.

The book goes on to talk about being diagnosed with dyslexia and using child friendly language to explain what it is. Again, this allows the readers to relate and clarify their understanding of their needs. This is then followed by explanations of how others (adults at home and school) can help and this extra help leads to better learning.

The end of the story walks through the positive impact of receiving help. It then talk about the child in the books love for poetry, which develops into a talent. The child describes their achievements and talks about how proud they are of their work.

The book is concluded with a crucial statement “I have dyslexia, and that’s ok”. This allows the reader to really appreciate and understand that having dyslexia should not be seen as a hindrance. Instead they should be accepting of what they have, learn how to tackle their problems with the help of others, and recognise their full potential by taking immersing themselves in their learning, particularly topics that they are passionate about.

A key message which I got from this story was to never let difficulties create boundaries. It is important for children to understand this as they should feel this way too. They should be able to ask for help as and when needed without hesitation and know that others are happy to support them.

Something I particularly like is the reference to famous people who also have dyslexia. This illustrates to children that very successful people also probably shared the same feelings as them at some point. These people can also be used as role models that they look up to. This part of the book allows for a good lesson on history, PSHCE or literacy as children can research a famous person with a disability and write a report or fact file on them; they could also create a poster or short presentation.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little girl is so excited to start school and learn how to read. She has trouble sounding out the words, and sometimes gets her letters mixed up and can't remember the names of things. The rest of the class seems to find it so easy except her. Discouraged and sad, she sometimes pretends to be sick to not go to school. When her teacher notices she's struggling, she suggests that to meet with her parents and get her tested. When it is learned that she is dyslexic, there is support for her at home and at school and she learns that it's okay for her to take longer to read. She works hard and slowly improves.

The entire book is printed in dyslexic friendly font. This will be a good resource to our library for students who are dyslexic. In the back there are other facts and activities as well.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little girl is struggling to learn to read which frustrates her and causes her to sometimes pretend she is sick. Her teacher encourages her parents to get her tested, and they learn she has something called dyslexia. She starts getting special help and finally gets to read the dinosaur book she wanted to read and even write some poems.

I learned some things about dyslexia symptoms I hadn't heard before from this book. There are some great tips included in the story and activities in the back of the book for kids who also have dyslexia. The book uses a dyslexia-friendly font, which I appreciated. An excellent resource to have on hand to help kids diagnosed with dyslexia realize that many others experience this too and learn some ways to help themselves.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Jennifer Moore-Mallinos has captured the surprise felt by families and children when the anticipated skill of reading fails to develop during the early years of school. Moore-Mallinos, writing for the popular Live and Learn series of children’s books, gives us the child’s perspective through the journey of parents meeting with the teacher, testing, identification as dyslexic, using unfamiliar (but helpful!) strategies to develop reading skills, and the final triumph of reading one of her original poems in front of her class. This book is excellent for parents of young children who are just starting down the path of understanding that they learn differently, but it will be okay.

[Arnetha Villery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful read for parents and children 😄
Whoever said that learning to read and write is easy. The little girl in this story is unhappy and she no longer enjoys school. When learn to read she tries to remember which way the letters go but she often gets them mixed up.

Which is some of the same thing I went through but, no one knew about dyslexia when I was growing up.

I have now passed it on to my daughter and grandson.

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the pictures and overall content of the book; I also liked that she isn't defined by her dyslexia. She has an additional challenge that she works hard and perseveres to overcome and she also discovers talents - such as writing poetry.

I found the prose a bit awkward in style. The pictures allow it to be read to a younger audience but its formality quickly lost Miss 5's interest.

[Kaelee Bungard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not only a good book to show kids that it is okay for certain things in school to take longer for you to learn. This is also a great book to bring awareness to certain learning disabilities! Loved this book!

[Alison Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this book was a great way to introduce dyslexia to all students in a classroom but also help students who may have dyslexia feel seen or understood. I think overall, this would be a good book for education and exposure for all students.

[Macy Grider · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story for students to learn about Dyslexia. I think it does a great job of explaining what Dyslexia is and how people live with it while also being a fun and entertaining story.

[Maritina Mela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review coming soon

[Ember Moto · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need more books like this for young people so they can better understand themselves and the people around them. A great book to help readers understand what Dyslexia is.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one I've found for introducing the concept to your newly identified dyslexic child, or their friends/siblings. Ages 6-11.

[Nicole Bell]

This book emphasizes the importance of a child having an interest and thereby early exposure to subjects. It is the student’s interest in dinosaurs that motivates her to continue trying. The student’s feelings of excitement at success are well described, “…those dinosaur books I always wanted to read are even better than I thought they’d be!” Her final thought is significant; I think that children with dyslexia will benefit from it: “I have dyslexia, but I can live with it. I have to work harder and practice longer so I can learn how to read and write, but it’s worth it! I feel so much better about myself…”

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine the frustration of being able to understand but not being able to express. Dyslexia occurs in about ten percent of the population causing delays in speech, reading, and writing. Knowing others struggle can go a long way in motivating a child to keep working. This book is geared to the young child in need of reassurance and encouragement.

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a great resource for children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities because it shares accurate information from a child's perspective. However, the content is shared in a formal manner and might not be engaging enough for many children. I appreciate the parent's note and suggestions for activities in the back of the book.

[Tammy Fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of how a girl begins to feel better about her dyslexia and learns that she has a great talent too. This book has a great message that hard work and practice can pay off. So many children with dyslexia have poor self-esteem, and this book is one that gives a message of hope. I like the activities and note to parents as well.