Margaret Rooke’s Dyslexia is My Superpower (Most of the Time) is a compilation of over 100 interviews with children ranging in age from 8-18 from all over the globe who have been diagnosed with dyslexia. The author compiles a list at the end of the book that summarizes the advice that these students offer to adults who are trying to understand and help them. The book also includes some of the children's incredible artwork to explain their feelings about dyslexia.

Hearing from children rather than reading clinical descriptions of dyslexia gave me more empathy for what their inner lives at school are like. I read every single account and took notes to share with my tutoring students, kids who often struggle with learning issues, academic anxiety, avoidance behaviors, and difficulty focusing.

Although each child was unique, there were some common themes throughout: an official diagnosis of dyslexia was mostly a relief rather than a negative label because they were finally given the understanding and accommodations they needed, most were surprised to discover that at least one of their parents was dyslexic and suffered in school because of being labeled lazy, having pets or being around animals was therapeutic, parents' advocacy for them was essential in getting appropriate accommodations, and day-dreaming was a common way of coping with what felt like the relentless, fast-paced flow of information in the classroom.

Some of their superpowers: empathy for others, use of maps and pictures to solve problems, gift for connecting with animals, and amazing art, building, and visualization skills. Some of their career aspirations: Computer scientist, sound engineer, entrepreneur, gemologist, musician, actor, artist,
3-D designer, teacher, carpenter, marine biologist, paleontologist, public speaker, veterinarian, lawyer, dancer, architect, and animator.

I recommend this book for parents, teachers, tutors, politicians, and especially for kids who might feel alone in struggling with learning issues. (NetGalley provided an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.)

I really enjoyed this book - the children are all superstars! The only thing that worries me is that those children who need to hear the positive messages will find it difficult to access them in written form - I'm not sure if this will be an audio book but it really would be fantastic if it could be.

I work in a high school and recently I have seen an influx of students who are dyslexic or who have dyslexic tendencies. As a teaching assistant I am meant to be able to help these students with their struggles but it has always been baffling to me to understand the struggle because reading and writing came so naturally to me. I’ve read up on dyslexia and spoke to some experts but I have found both experiences very cold and clinical.

What is brilliant about Dyslexia is My Superpower (Most of the Time) is that Margaret Rooke has gone straight to the children and young adults who are in need. She lets them explain how their brain works and how they can be helped. We see how they feel singled out at times or how too much help can lead to other distressing issues.

Dyslexia is My Superpower (Most of the Time) is truly a warm book with lots of character. It has changed my approach with the students that I work with and it has given me a fresh insight into such a complex subject. I highly recommend this book to all educators and parents of dyslexics.

Dyslexia is My Superpower (Most of the Time) by Margaret Rooke is available now.

For more information regarding Margaret Rooke (@MargsRooke) please visit her Twitter page.

For more information regarding Jessica Kingsley Publishers (@JKPautism) please visit www.jkp.com.

Reflecting on words and differences in learning, I definitely wanted to comment upon DYSLEXIA IS MY SUPERPOWER by Margaret Rooke, a truly inspirational book which features interviews with over 100 children (ages 8 to 18) who have experienced dyslexia. From numerous countries, these young people are the obvious experts and were able to movingly describe their feelings: "One of my strongest memories is the grin I had on my face when I found out I was definitely dyslexic. I wasn't just not very good at spelling; I had a reason for not being good at spelling. It was one of my best days."

The interviewees offer numerous insights and suggestions for teachers and other adults in their lives. Parents of students with dyslexia (like Margaret Rooke herself) will find her book to be a valuable, informative resource. I was especially impressed by the very positive attitudes which these children expressed. Add DYSLEXIA IS MY SUPERPOWER to your shelf next to Sally Shaywitz's Overcoming Dyslexia - that best-selling book was originally published in 2003 and is definitely due for an update. Even though I work with high school students, DYSLEXIA IS MY SUPERPOWER also made me want to read the middle grade story Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt; it’s about a young girl with dyslexia and received several starred reviews.

Nice reading. I have a lot of students with dyslexia, and I'll probably recommend the book for them.