Cartwheels: Finding Your Special Kind of Smart
The perfect story for opening conversations and explaining the basics of dyslexia to children.
The perfect story for opening conversations and explaining the basics of dyslexia to children.
The perfect story for opening conversations and explaining the basics of dyslexia to children.
Lively Sloane loves to make up dances, put on shows, and do art. But as she heads into first grade, nothing frustrates her more than reading. In math, the numbers go together right in her brain, but no matter how hard she looks at letters, and no matter how many times her teacher and parents say “focus,” she would much rather do cartwheels. She feels sad that she isn’t keeping up with with her class and isn’t reading the “right way.” Then, she finds out that she has dyslexia. Join Sloane on her journey to learn to read, gain confidence, and find her own special kind of smart.
For more information on dyslexia, CLICK HERE to visit my Parent Resources page.
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For more information on dyslexia, CLICK HERE to visit my Parent Resources page. |
“One in five children have dyslexia, and this fun-loving book can help all children understand how every brain works differently. When we promote understanding of differences at a young age, we help students grow up to be loving of ALL people.”
“Cartwheels is delightful book which shines the light on what first graders face when learning to read. Reading is a complex process which can be quite challenging for our little ones. Sloane’s story reminds us some children learn to master reading by receiving individual assistance and different teaching methods. As Sloane learns to read, she is filled with self-pride, and the reader is reminded that each child blossoms in their own time.”
“Peterson captures the heart of an eager first grader working to crack the reading code . . . a beautifully written resource for parents and educators navigating the tricky waters of dyslexia.”
“As a 55-year-old dyslexic, I applaud you for having the courage to educate children, parents and teachers on the challenges of dyslexia. I really enjoyed Cartwheels. As I read Sloane’s reality, my eyes filled with tears. It took me back to the early ‘70s, sitting in my elementary school classroom and being terrified of everyone knowing “my secret” that I could not read. I was afraid of the teachers scolding me for being “lazy” or my classmates making fun of me by calling me “dumbo” or “special Eddie.” The early years of my educational journey were filled with pain and uncertainty. I recall the fright of not wanting to go to school just to keep from reading out loud in front of my teachers and classmates. Without question, this book will reduce the fear and pain children will suffer when learning to read.”
“What a fantastic book. Cartwheels is fitting for kids, parents, and teachers to share experiences from the child’s view. The big TRY HARDER words were quite powerful as that was the adult’s expectation. Perspective is truly everything.”
About the Illustrator
Lindsey Witting is currently a fine arts student at the University of Central Arkansas and is focused on graphic design and expected to graduate in 2022. Although her emphasis is graphic design, she also loves drawing and sculpting, and has since she was a kid. Her artistic talents have been encouraged by her parents, who always kept her supply of paper and crayons full as a little girl. A childhood dream of hers has always been to illustrate a children’s book. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her friends and family, and playing with her two dogs, Dixie and Suey.