A children's story whose main characters happen to have dyspraxia, dyslexia and autism
Book Summary
Description
A children's story whose main characters happen to have Dyspraxia, Dyslexia and Autism/ASD/Asperger's (not made explicit). Will relate to children who feel different and left out at school. The book's real purpose is one of catalyst to help parent and teacher discuss with children, in a gentle way, what it is like to have a learning difficulty.
Format
Paperback ISBN 9781909320642
13.3 x 1.1 x 20.3 cm
186 pages
Around 70 black and white illustrations
Published Jan 2017
RRP
6.99 GBP
7.99 EUR
8.99 USD
Audience
Aimed at 7-9 year olds
Years 3 to 4 in Key Stage 2 in the UK
Grades 2 to 3 in the US
The Blurb
Vera McLuckie hates school. Mainly because she struggles with stuff the other kids find easy. Oh, and because she keeps getting into trouble for doing what she is really good at. Daydreaming.
So when Vera gets the chance to show just how extraordinary she is, will she dare take on the coolest, smartest girl in the whole of Acorn Bank Primary?
Book Objectives
This book works on several levels. It is a lovely story in itself that most children will relate to, dealing as it does with lack of self-belief, peer pressure and the bullying that goes along with not necessarily being the most popular kid in class. These issues can be readily picked up in school and discussed in circle time and PSHE (citizenship) lessons.
But it goes deeper. Whilst not named in the book explicitly, the three main characters exhibit dyspraxic, dyslexic and autistic (Asperger's Syndrome) tendencies respectively. So the story can be used by parents and teachers as a catalyst for discussing what it is like to have a specific learning difficulty. In schools, teachers can use the book on a one-to-one, group or class basis to help raise awareness and improve well-being.
Book Background
Both author and illustrator are keen to raise awareness of specific learning difficulties in a way accessible to children. The illustrator is herself autistic.
Book Reviews
The reviews below were kindly received prior to publication. But if you would like to leave a review, that would be amazing! The following are great places to leave book reviews (with direct links to the book!): Goodreads, amazon.co.uk, amazon.com and Google Books
Book Resources
Currently under development
Book Availability
Most bookshops throughout the English-speaking world and of course Amazon. Contact us for a discount if you are an educational or support organisation wishing to purchase in bulk for resale or otherwise.
Paul Johnson