Pay attention, Slosh! Written by Mark Smith. This is the story of a young boy named Josh who is always getting into trouble at home and in school. His schoolwork and social life suffer because he has can’t sit still and pay attention. Josh’s display of emotions throughout the book is right on target making him very easy to identify with. This is an excellent introductory book for an elementary aged child.
What do you mean I have a learning disability? Written by Kathleen Dwyer. A true story about a 10-year-old boy, Jimmy, who believes he is stupid. Jimmy struggles with low self esteem until he is realizes that he is not stupid and he can learn. This book is written for the elementary aged child.
There is a boy in the girls’ bathroom. Written by Louis Sachar. If you have ever heard about or read the Wayside School books then you know Louis Sachar. He is a Newberry Medal winner who knows how to write FOR children. Bradley, the main character, has no gold stars on his chart. He struggles with the hardships of trying to fit in and the accompanying low self esteem. You will laugh with him and cry with him. Most children will be able to identify with the feelings of failure he experiences when his mom is going in to school and he has no work on the bulletin board. A must read for every child from elementary ages and up.
The Survival Guide for Kids with LD. Written by Gary Fisher Ph. D. and Rhoda Cummings, ED.D. Finally, a book that helps a child understand themselves and what they go through daily. This book explains what LD is, how to deal with your feelings, family, and friends. Written at a child’s level, the definitions and explanations are very easy to understand.
The Way They Learn Written by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias. An excellent book that explains how we all learn differently. Definitely helps shed a different light on some of the difficulties children experience.
Everything You Need to Know About Learning Disabilities. Written by Mary Bowman-Kruhm, Ed.D, and Claudine Wirths, M.A., M.Ed. Written for the young teen, this book explains what a learning disability is. It also has sections on coping with LD.
Thank-you Mr. Falker! Written by Patricia Polacco. This is a story about a girl who sees wiggly lines instead of letters when she reads. She begins to believe she is dumb because she can't read and do math like the other kids. Then comes fifth grade and Mr. Falker. This story is actually an autobiography about the very talented author and how she learns to cope with her disability.