How Tony Learned to Read: Growing Up Dyslexic

How Tony Learned to Read: Growing Up Dyslexic

How Tony Learned to Read: Growing Up Dyslexic My name is Tony. When I was 8 years old, I still couldn't read or write. I knew something was wrong. The "experts" in my school first told my parents I was a slow learner. That was a lie. I learned most things without any problem. I just can't read or write. Then they said my only problem was a pushy mother. That's not just wrong. It was just plain crazy. That's when my mother took me to a neurologist. After some tests he said "Tony, you are incredibly intelligent. (I knew that.) You are also severely dyslexic. You might not ever learn to read or write." I sure hoped he was wrong but I thought he might be right. It took me a while to understand that MIGHT not and WILL not were different. Might not was better. It meant I still might learn to read and write if I just worked hard enough. My mother and I wrote this book so you would understand how it feels when everyone in your class can read except you. It was so painful that I couldn't even tell my parents how I felt. They asked how school was that day and I'd say "fine." But it never was fine. We hope that people with dyslexia or with dyslexic kids will learn from things we did right and avoid some of our mistakes. Growing Up Dyslexic isn't easy. It can be terribly hard. In our book, you might laugh sometimes and sometimes you might cry. This book is about pain, fear, and failure. It is also about courage, determination, and some really amazing success stories. It's a book you will never forget. How Tony Learned to Read immediately puts you in the shoes of a child with dyslexia and a parent fighting to help him. It is a powerful story of determination and courage that will leave you inspired. Emily Gibbons: IDA Certified Dyslexia Specialist: theliteracynest.com A journey into a lifetime of persistence, pain, frustration, fear and determination, Tony's story is filled with moments of inspiration and genius. The truth is that not all children learn in the same way. Tony's experiences are emblematic of how a child can learn to compensate, self-advocate and achieve personal success with the support of family and a powerful will to believe in himself. Laurie Dennery Molnar: Certified Orton Gillingham Practitioner and Consulting Teacher of Reading. Learning Keys 21, Lousiana. A book that will help others understand and empathize with those who have dyslexia. Through his drive and determination Tony sets out to do what the school system was not able to accomplish. Teresa: Dyslexia Therapist and Transforming Amazing Minds, LLC, Virginia