The Secret Life of the Dyslexic Child

Rating:
Summary: This is a book that makes sense!
Review: As the parent of a dyslexic daughter who is now rearing her own dyslexic daughter, I found this book informative and energizing. It helped me remember what "worked" when my daughter was young--and what was very painful and frustrating for her. I am also a school psychologist and school counselor trainer. With the recent research regarding learning disabilities and a book like this to bring that research to parents and teachers, I hold great hope for encouragement and success for those who struggle daily with learning to read and write.

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Summary: A reassuring and compassionate book.
Review: Dr. Robert Frank was diagnosed with dyslexia when he was a graduate student and he still struggles with this incurable condition. Now a psychologist and an educator, Dr. Frank relies on a number of helpful coping strategies and an indispensable support system to get him through each day. This makes Dr. Frank the ideal individual to write a book that teaches the layman how the dyslexic child thinks and feels. The author also makes practical suggestions that will help the dyslexic individual to succeed in school, in social situations and on the job.

Because Dr. Frank has trouble with the written word, he co-wrote this book with Kathryn Livingston. Together, they have produced a well-organized and practical guide for the parents and teachers of dyslexic children. Dr. Frank describes the emotional toll that dyslexia takes on children and on their parents. Too often, when dyslexia is diagnosed, parents react with shame and fear, eager to hide their child's problem from the world. Dr. Frank suggests that it would be far more productive to face the problem openly. When a child is taught that his problem is nothing to be ashamed of, and that he can succeed in life, he will feel better about himself. He can then learn coping strategies of his own and he will be unafraid to enlist the support of his teachers and his peers. Dr. Frank shows that the dyslexic child can have a bright and promising future if caring parents and concerned professionals are there to give him love, encouragement and guidance.

Rating:
Summary: A straightforward book that looks at the whole person
Review: There is a lot of writing about dyslexia and much of it is bad. It is a topic that lends itself to edu-speak, psycho-babble and not a little outright crankery. That is why something as clearly written as this book is so very welcome.

Unlike the vast majority of writers who take on this topic, Robert Frank does not focus narrowly on reading, comprehension and testing; he looks at the whole person. A dyslexic himself, Frank describes how dyslexics find alternative ways to navigate basic day-to-day tasks and the ways the disability might affect a child's outlook, self-image and character. This goes well beyond merely reading and grades.

Make no mistake, this is a modest book that makes a few basic points, but as someone who is dyslexic, I found that this is one of the very few books on the subject that really spoke to me. I would particularly recommend it to parents who must figure what their children are going through.

I hope this will fall into the hands of the many teachers who think these kids are just not trying. (And I really hope it gets looked at some of the many advocates of one-size-fits-all high-stakes testing in Florida and other states, but that probably is hoping for too much.)

A valuable book with many concrete, day-to-day examples and practical suggestions.

Rating:
Summary: The Secret Life of the Dyslexic Child
Review: This is without question the best book I have ever read regarding dyslexia. I have been researching and reading on the topic for 8 years and not one book has brought me to my knees like this one did.
Robert Frank writes from his heart. He opens the window into the lives of persons who struggle with dyslexia in a very personal, yet professional manner.
My 12 year old daughter is dyslexic. She attended public school through 5th grade - I took her out of school at the beginning of 6th and she is now homeschooled and thriving! What was incredibly sad was that she had been placed in a "special education" classroom with children who were cognitively challenged. There is such incredible misunderstanding of the dyslexic child.
This book offered me a true look into her "secret world" as well as tools to help. I have read various parts of the book to her and she responded with tremendous relief...someone put into words exactly how she "thinks".
This book is a gift to all parents and educators. It's also a gift to the children and adults who struggle with dyslexia.