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Once Upon a Time a Sparrow
School psychologist Dr. Mary Meyers evaluates students who fail to fit in. While skillfully responding to these children’s emotional needs, she is entirely sealed off from her own. When her mother dies, Mary discovers an artifact from her past, the tattered black hooded coat she had worn throughout third grade. Reuniting with the coat sets in motion a stream of long-forgotten memories of her childhood and her nine-year-old self, a girl with a love of stories who struggled to read even the simplest words. Overwhelmed with intrusions from a past filled with failure, Mary finds her professional practice beginning to crumble as she struggles to separate herself from who she once was.Once Upon a Time a Sparrow artfully weaves past and present into a fabric that reveals the dangers of denying the past, how our imperfections can make us whole, and the abundant possibility of transformation at any stage in life.
- GenresFiction
336 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2017
105 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Mary Avery Kabrich
5 books7 followersI recently retired from my work as a school psychologist evaluating students with learning challenges. I find myself frequently commiserating and revealing that I too took a long time to learn to read. In fact, I was twelve years old when reading began to make sense to me. Yet, I loved telling stories and wanted to write them as well. Today I am so grateful for audio books allowing me to “catch up” with readers. My debut novel is based on true events in my life growing up with dyslexia and later coming to terms with what I had viewed an embarrassing past. Please take a moment to read this interview: https://bit.ly/2lE55PQ
My second novel, The Journal of Hidden Truths, has garnered three 5-Star professional reviews. It tells a Mother/daughter story about forgiveness and healing.
My second novel, The Journal of Hidden Truths, has garnered three 5-Star professional reviews. It tells a Mother/daughter story about forgiveness and healing.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 22, 2018
Once Upon A Time: A Sparrow (2017) is written by Dr. Mary Avery Kabrich, a psychologist for the Seattle School district who has spent her career working in special education teaching and mentoring students and fostering education and knowledge for teachers, parents and others-- advocating and raising awareness of students with learning disabilities. Dr. Avery Kabrich’s novel takes place in a Minnesota elementary school and alternates between the year 2005 and 1967 as the protagonist Dr. Mary Meyer reflects on her lifelong challenge of coping with dyslexia.
The novel easily illustrates the challenges of living with Dyslexia-- a baffling little understood learning disability that is commonly characterized by the inability to read. The disorder can be linked with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and thought to be caused by visual and other brain processing functions. The treatment is specialized and must be tailored to each individual. With the proper assessments, treatment and guidance, people with dyslexia can and do learn how to read.
In 2005, Dr. Mary Meyer was on bereavement leave, mourning the death of her mother. Meeting with her three brothers, sorting through her mother’s belongings at her home in Saint Paul, she was flooded with childhood memoires after finding her coat from childhood.
When “Maddie” was in the third grade, she was highly aware that her teacher Mrs. Zine assigned her to the lowest reading group. Maddie loved to read, and “borrowed” a picture book from Mrs. Zine’s desk to carefully study at home. Maddie was confused and perplexed that the letters looked different and often backwards! Reading aloud in class filled Maddie with anxiety and dread, yet she wanted to read like many of her classmates.
In 1967, there were no special education services. Students unable to read were at a terrible disadvantage and sometimes labeled unfairly as “slow” or in worst cases “retarded” by teachers and parents alike. Maddie, a very bright inquisitive child, simply could not read like other students-- as Mrs. Zine attempted to understand and help Maddie learn.
As an adult, Dr. Meyer spent years studying and interviewing others with Dyslexia, and six years at the University earning her PhD. Readers notice her fine attention for detail and observing things that others would miss. When she met teachers in conference’s to discuss student progress, it was challenging to offer suggestions to them, Dr. Meyer understood student boredom. Some teachers wanted to dismiss student’s inability to learn seemingly on que, or meet their expectations. Students loved Dr. Meyer—as she praised their achievements and celebrated with a student who won a poetry contest.
This was such an informative book to learn about how Dyslexia actually affects learning, but also other areas of a person’s life. It would be nice if Dyslexia could be left behind in childhood, or when the task of reading is mastered, yet we know that this is not the case. This is a story not only of accomplishment and success over Dyslexia, but offers a message of courage and hope to others.
**With thanks and appreciation to Open Wings Press for the DDC for the purpose of review.
The novel easily illustrates the challenges of living with Dyslexia-- a baffling little understood learning disability that is commonly characterized by the inability to read. The disorder can be linked with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and thought to be caused by visual and other brain processing functions. The treatment is specialized and must be tailored to each individual. With the proper assessments, treatment and guidance, people with dyslexia can and do learn how to read.
In 2005, Dr. Mary Meyer was on bereavement leave, mourning the death of her mother. Meeting with her three brothers, sorting through her mother’s belongings at her home in Saint Paul, she was flooded with childhood memoires after finding her coat from childhood.
When “Maddie” was in the third grade, she was highly aware that her teacher Mrs. Zine assigned her to the lowest reading group. Maddie loved to read, and “borrowed” a picture book from Mrs. Zine’s desk to carefully study at home. Maddie was confused and perplexed that the letters looked different and often backwards! Reading aloud in class filled Maddie with anxiety and dread, yet she wanted to read like many of her classmates.
In 1967, there were no special education services. Students unable to read were at a terrible disadvantage and sometimes labeled unfairly as “slow” or in worst cases “retarded” by teachers and parents alike. Maddie, a very bright inquisitive child, simply could not read like other students-- as Mrs. Zine attempted to understand and help Maddie learn.
As an adult, Dr. Meyer spent years studying and interviewing others with Dyslexia, and six years at the University earning her PhD. Readers notice her fine attention for detail and observing things that others would miss. When she met teachers in conference’s to discuss student progress, it was challenging to offer suggestions to them, Dr. Meyer understood student boredom. Some teachers wanted to dismiss student’s inability to learn seemingly on que, or meet their expectations. Students loved Dr. Meyer—as she praised their achievements and celebrated with a student who won a poetry contest.
This was such an informative book to learn about how Dyslexia actually affects learning, but also other areas of a person’s life. It would be nice if Dyslexia could be left behind in childhood, or when the task of reading is mastered, yet we know that this is not the case. This is a story not only of accomplishment and success over Dyslexia, but offers a message of courage and hope to others.
**With thanks and appreciation to Open Wings Press for the DDC for the purpose of review.
May 15, 2018
After Dr. Mary Meyer's mother dies, she is sorting through her belongings and comes across the coat she wore in the third grade. She is surprised that her mother kept it all these years and soon the memories of growing up in 1960s Minnesota come flooding back. Mary struggled to read and spell even the simplest words in grade school. As an adult, Mary went on to become a school psychologist and work with children who sometimes require some extra help and attention. But despite all that she has accomplished, Mary is having a hard time as she remembers how difficult it was growing up with a learning disability. This book goes back and forth between the perspectives of Mary as an adult and as a young girl. While this novel is a work of fiction, it was inspired by the author's real life experiences.
I was a puddle of tears by the end of this book. I really felt a connection to the character as I am close with someone who struggled throughout school but went on to achieve remarkable things as an adult. Even with success and your school years way in the distance, you still remember the hurt you felt as a child because you were different whether it was due to a learning disability or something else. This book really taps into the little girl or boy that is still inside of us and in a lot of ways continues to influence who we are as adults. Definitely recommend this book, especially if you are a parent of a child who is struggling in school as it really helps you understand what they might be going through.
I received a free copy of this book but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
I was a puddle of tears by the end of this book. I really felt a connection to the character as I am close with someone who struggled throughout school but went on to achieve remarkable things as an adult. Even with success and your school years way in the distance, you still remember the hurt you felt as a child because you were different whether it was due to a learning disability or something else. This book really taps into the little girl or boy that is still inside of us and in a lot of ways continues to influence who we are as adults. Definitely recommend this book, especially if you are a parent of a child who is struggling in school as it really helps you understand what they might be going through.
I received a free copy of this book but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
October 2, 2017
This book is a must-read! It is one of those rare books that lives on in your head and in your perspective long after you turn the last page. You simply can't come away from this story without a deeper understanding of what it is like to be a child who struggles in school, and deals with the feelings that come along with that struggle. This story is powerful, engaging reading for anyone, but should be a must-read for anyone who has or knows a child, and especially for anyone who is or wants to become an educator. The characters are powerful, the story is highly engaging, and most importantly, it is a book full of the hope and potential of all, no matter the challenges one faces.
December 18, 2024
Intense, Potent, and Powerful Message
Growing up with two brothers with severe dyslexia and all the myths lodged at them, and behavioral issues they were diagnosed with, changing from year to year, school to school, teacher to teacher, that surrounded them as to the whys and wherefores that they couldn’t or just wouldn’t "learn" to read, during a time when dyslexia wasn’t even a diagnosis, was a difficult time for the entire family.
I watched them struggle, and the repetition of being told they weren’t trying hard enough, or weren’t focused enough, didn’t apply themselves to the task enough, were acting out, and on and on and on.
It had a major, lifelong effect on their overall performance and perception of their self-worth.
Both were very artistic and bright in so many other aspects, but yet they were always made to feel like a failure because they couldn’t read or write, and nothing else mattered.
This semi-autobiographical story from the author, shows the frustration, the shame, and the confusion, from a 1st person perspective, and has an impactful, emotional, effect on the reader. Although it’s written as fiction, the ending has an interview with Avery Kabrich and you can still hear and read what a profound impact it had on her growing up, and following into adulthood.
The most impressive message is how love, patience, and unconditional kindness and understanding , even just from 1 person, can lift a child’s spirits, and help them develop into a productive adult.
Well worth the read!!
Growing up with two brothers with severe dyslexia and all the myths lodged at them, and behavioral issues they were diagnosed with, changing from year to year, school to school, teacher to teacher, that surrounded them as to the whys and wherefores that they couldn’t or just wouldn’t "learn" to read, during a time when dyslexia wasn’t even a diagnosis, was a difficult time for the entire family.
I watched them struggle, and the repetition of being told they weren’t trying hard enough, or weren’t focused enough, didn’t apply themselves to the task enough, were acting out, and on and on and on.
It had a major, lifelong effect on their overall performance and perception of their self-worth.
Both were very artistic and bright in so many other aspects, but yet they were always made to feel like a failure because they couldn’t read or write, and nothing else mattered.
This semi-autobiographical story from the author, shows the frustration, the shame, and the confusion, from a 1st person perspective, and has an impactful, emotional, effect on the reader. Although it’s written as fiction, the ending has an interview with Avery Kabrich and you can still hear and read what a profound impact it had on her growing up, and following into adulthood.
The most impressive message is how love, patience, and unconditional kindness and understanding , even just from 1 person, can lift a child’s spirits, and help them develop into a productive adult.
Well worth the read!!
September 23, 2017
I loved this book! It's an engrossing story and enormously insightful into the mind of 9-year old Maddie who is struggling to learn to read and on the verge of being held back from 3rd grade. I had never dealt with dyslexia in anyone I was close to so this really took me inside her mind and experiences. She struggles daily with the pain and humiliation of being one of the last kids in the "sparrow" reading group, but her imagination allows her to fly off into fantasy worlds where her problems are solved. I highly recommend to educators, parents and anyone who is interested in learning. Also great for older kids, maybe 13+.
September 30, 2017
This book will stay with me for a long time. This is a must read for all prospective teachers and teachers. I also think all parents with children or grandchildren should read this as well. Children will always remember what you tell them.
October 1, 2017
Must read for anyone who works with students, as well as parents of children who learn differently. This story is so real.
October 3, 2024
I am reading this book as a result of having read a review by a goodreads friend (Michelle) who writes wonderfully comprehensive reviews-- I notice that 102 other people are currently reading this book, which I suspect, in large part, also has to do with the review.
Some writer in the past (perhaps Jeanette Walls who wrote the stunning ''Glass Castle'' story of her childhood that featured neglectful and dangerously chaotic parenting that I related to my own growing up experience) coined the term ''true novel" to describe a novel that grows out of the author's lived experiences, memoirs with some changes in names, events and characterizations. Mary Avery Kabrich's story 'One Upon A Time, A Sparrow' is such a ''true novel''.
Kabrich grew up with the learning issue labeled 'dyslexia'. Like the character in her story, Maddie (given her own childhood name), she dealt with the extreme shame of not being able to read in spite of being a very bright child in every other way. Kabrich herself accomplished the amazing task of achieving a Ph.D. in her 'real life' and uses her role as an educational psychologist in the novel, as well, to plant seeds of hope for readers who can relate to the pain and hopelessness that often accompanies the ongoing frustration, embarrasment, disappointment, damaged self-worth and shame of being labeled ''learning disabled'' (or, more broadly, being labeled by educators and family as being ''broken'' or ''less than").
Even as a competent, professional adult, Kabrich and her novel persona, was frequently tripped up and triggered by the childhood morass of labels. Kabrich switches back and forth in the story between the childhood Maddie in her orderly, Catholic 1960s farm family and in the school where she struggles to show that she is not a ''remedial'' student, and adult Maddie (who becomes Mary, her actual first name) who is working with children who have similar diagnoses as she had as a child. Maddie of the novel (and in real life) is highly imaginative. She has a dynamic spiritual vision that includes both aspirations of conventional religious aspirations and a rich childhood involvement with fairies and dreams that give her hope.
Apart from a little doubt about the ability to recall all the intricacies of childhood thoughts, dreams, and story-telling dialogues that Maddie engages in with her younger sibling, the book has every sign of being a very well-crafted memoir, one that confirmed my own quirky childhood "true novel" experiences with imaginary playmates, the shuddering impact of loss through death, and the relief in finding kind adults who also fed my spiritual interest and curiosity and feelings of overall acceptance by someone bigger than me (and my particular demanding adult cast).
I will stop here before I blow the top off this story and spoil it for you. This is so clearly written as to sometimes feel a little like reading a ''children's book''-- pleasurable, easy to understand, full of cliff-hanger chapter endings, and some lovely magical resolutions to problems (a reminder that magical resolutions actually do exist in real life, too). Like a children's book in that way, but when I thought of referring it to a young person I love who is going through some of the struggles that Kabrich describes, I realized that my young friend might not be ready for this book, that the book is really more applicable to adults to recognize the fact that they have held on to some mis-takes of their childhoods (i.e., literally, they have 'takes' on their memories that are from their nine-year old selves and that would be more easily recognized by their 47-year old self as being childhood black-and-white critiques and not necessarily resolvable (or not) through those childhood judgements. I would also like to avoid the highly possible assessment that my young receiver of such a book might have: "So, you think I have a severe learning disability and you think reading this book will transform me?'' I am not in a position to do this sort of therapeutic recommendation and will desist.
On the other hand, I do believe there are many adults out there who might read this review and be curious enough to dip to read this lovely book. I believe it might be particularly gladdening for parents of struggling children to read. It is also a pretty inexpensive Kindle book, which is a bit of a bonus these days.
Some writer in the past (perhaps Jeanette Walls who wrote the stunning ''Glass Castle'' story of her childhood that featured neglectful and dangerously chaotic parenting that I related to my own growing up experience) coined the term ''true novel" to describe a novel that grows out of the author's lived experiences, memoirs with some changes in names, events and characterizations. Mary Avery Kabrich's story 'One Upon A Time, A Sparrow' is such a ''true novel''.
Kabrich grew up with the learning issue labeled 'dyslexia'. Like the character in her story, Maddie (given her own childhood name), she dealt with the extreme shame of not being able to read in spite of being a very bright child in every other way. Kabrich herself accomplished the amazing task of achieving a Ph.D. in her 'real life' and uses her role as an educational psychologist in the novel, as well, to plant seeds of hope for readers who can relate to the pain and hopelessness that often accompanies the ongoing frustration, embarrasment, disappointment, damaged self-worth and shame of being labeled ''learning disabled'' (or, more broadly, being labeled by educators and family as being ''broken'' or ''less than").
Even as a competent, professional adult, Kabrich and her novel persona, was frequently tripped up and triggered by the childhood morass of labels. Kabrich switches back and forth in the story between the childhood Maddie in her orderly, Catholic 1960s farm family and in the school where she struggles to show that she is not a ''remedial'' student, and adult Maddie (who becomes Mary, her actual first name) who is working with children who have similar diagnoses as she had as a child. Maddie of the novel (and in real life) is highly imaginative. She has a dynamic spiritual vision that includes both aspirations of conventional religious aspirations and a rich childhood involvement with fairies and dreams that give her hope.
Apart from a little doubt about the ability to recall all the intricacies of childhood thoughts, dreams, and story-telling dialogues that Maddie engages in with her younger sibling, the book has every sign of being a very well-crafted memoir, one that confirmed my own quirky childhood "true novel" experiences with imaginary playmates, the shuddering impact of loss through death, and the relief in finding kind adults who also fed my spiritual interest and curiosity and feelings of overall acceptance by someone bigger than me (and my particular demanding adult cast).
I will stop here before I blow the top off this story and spoil it for you. This is so clearly written as to sometimes feel a little like reading a ''children's book''-- pleasurable, easy to understand, full of cliff-hanger chapter endings, and some lovely magical resolutions to problems (a reminder that magical resolutions actually do exist in real life, too). Like a children's book in that way, but when I thought of referring it to a young person I love who is going through some of the struggles that Kabrich describes, I realized that my young friend might not be ready for this book, that the book is really more applicable to adults to recognize the fact that they have held on to some mis-takes of their childhoods (i.e., literally, they have 'takes' on their memories that are from their nine-year old selves and that would be more easily recognized by their 47-year old self as being childhood black-and-white critiques and not necessarily resolvable (or not) through those childhood judgements. I would also like to avoid the highly possible assessment that my young receiver of such a book might have: "So, you think I have a severe learning disability and you think reading this book will transform me?'' I am not in a position to do this sort of therapeutic recommendation and will desist.
On the other hand, I do believe there are many adults out there who might read this review and be curious enough to dip to read this lovely book. I believe it might be particularly gladdening for parents of struggling children to read. It is also a pretty inexpensive Kindle book, which is a bit of a bonus these days.
January 23, 2018
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (01/18)
“Once Upon a Time a Sparrow” by Mary Avery Kabrich is an inspirational heartfelt story about growing up with a learning disability and using those experiences to help others.
After her mother passes away, school psychologist Dr. Mary Meyers, returns home to sort through and clear up her possessions. While she is going through a trunk, she finds a tattered old black coat that she wore as a child. The coat throws Mary back into memories of her past where she was Maddie, a nine-year-old, struggling with dyslexia. Reliving these memories brings up a lot of anger for Mary, and presents itself at school, where she has to deal with teachers who do not understand the full scope of what it is like to be a child with a learning disability. At first Mary is too ashamed to admit that she was also one of these children. These painful emotions push her to go into therapy, and she must decide whether or not she will be able to use her experiences as an example to inspire her students and their parents.
“Once Upon a Time a Sparrow” is written in fictional format, yet it is based on the author’s personal experiences of being a child with dyslexia. Having worked with individuals with learning disabilities for over 25 years, I found this story to be inspirational for students with learning differences, their parents, and the professionals who work with them.
In addition to receiving help from a professional who knew how to work with her, Maddie also uses her imagination to teach herself how to overcome her limitations. The imaginative part of this story makes it fun for all fans of fictional stories. Maddie had a book that allowed her to take her imagination into the world of fairies. Thinking back to special books that were in my childhood, I suspect that most of us can relate to this.
As I was reading “Once Upon a Time a Sparrow” several of my talented, intelligent, community college students with dyslexia came to mind; two in particular. Both of these young ladies graduated with honors, yet felt hindered by their dreams of teaching. One of them recently decided to pursue it anyway. I called the other one to tell her about this book, because after all, it is based upon the real experiences of the author. This young lady, who is now at a university, was considering child psychology, however, shortly after we talked she sent me this message, “LOL, it’s funny because I never saw myself as a teacher. I always steered clear of that path because I was afraid of my disability affecting my job. But it turns out that that’s something I’m just more familiar with – kids and education.” She is now going to pursue elementary teacher education! For this reason, and for pure enjoyment, I highly recommend reading, “Once Upon a Time a Sparrow” by Mary Avery Kabrich.
“Once Upon a Time a Sparrow” by Mary Avery Kabrich is an inspirational heartfelt story about growing up with a learning disability and using those experiences to help others.
After her mother passes away, school psychologist Dr. Mary Meyers, returns home to sort through and clear up her possessions. While she is going through a trunk, she finds a tattered old black coat that she wore as a child. The coat throws Mary back into memories of her past where she was Maddie, a nine-year-old, struggling with dyslexia. Reliving these memories brings up a lot of anger for Mary, and presents itself at school, where she has to deal with teachers who do not understand the full scope of what it is like to be a child with a learning disability. At first Mary is too ashamed to admit that she was also one of these children. These painful emotions push her to go into therapy, and she must decide whether or not she will be able to use her experiences as an example to inspire her students and their parents.
“Once Upon a Time a Sparrow” is written in fictional format, yet it is based on the author’s personal experiences of being a child with dyslexia. Having worked with individuals with learning disabilities for over 25 years, I found this story to be inspirational for students with learning differences, their parents, and the professionals who work with them.
In addition to receiving help from a professional who knew how to work with her, Maddie also uses her imagination to teach herself how to overcome her limitations. The imaginative part of this story makes it fun for all fans of fictional stories. Maddie had a book that allowed her to take her imagination into the world of fairies. Thinking back to special books that were in my childhood, I suspect that most of us can relate to this.
As I was reading “Once Upon a Time a Sparrow” several of my talented, intelligent, community college students with dyslexia came to mind; two in particular. Both of these young ladies graduated with honors, yet felt hindered by their dreams of teaching. One of them recently decided to pursue it anyway. I called the other one to tell her about this book, because after all, it is based upon the real experiences of the author. This young lady, who is now at a university, was considering child psychology, however, shortly after we talked she sent me this message, “LOL, it’s funny because I never saw myself as a teacher. I always steered clear of that path because I was afraid of my disability affecting my job. But it turns out that that’s something I’m just more familiar with – kids and education.” She is now going to pursue elementary teacher education! For this reason, and for pure enjoyment, I highly recommend reading, “Once Upon a Time a Sparrow” by Mary Avery Kabrich.
October 5, 2018
"Once Upon A Time A Sparrow" is an important book for educators to read... and parents as well... and grandparents too. I enjoyed this epic tale of Mary's travels through the third grade and beyond. My heart became involved quickly and I found myself not wanting to put the book down, but not wanting the story to end too soon.
Although I never had reading problems, I did have serious math problems and could easily identify with Mary. I remember my friend, Ginny, saying she couldn't let me copy too many answers because the teacher would know we cheated. I remember thinking that the teacher would know anyway because I got a few right.
Later in life, I graduated Magna.... but still felt/feel not too smart. It really doesn't matter how many people tell me I'm smart. I, internally, don't believe it often. The importance of this book is in showing the importance of getting the right kind of help. Too bad children, even today, go through life (or at least school) feeling that no matter how much they try they just don't 'fit in'.
A++
Although I never had reading problems, I did have serious math problems and could easily identify with Mary. I remember my friend, Ginny, saying she couldn't let me copy too many answers because the teacher would know we cheated. I remember thinking that the teacher would know anyway because I got a few right.
Later in life, I graduated Magna.... but still felt/feel not too smart. It really doesn't matter how many people tell me I'm smart. I, internally, don't believe it often. The importance of this book is in showing the importance of getting the right kind of help. Too bad children, even today, go through life (or at least school) feeling that no matter how much they try they just don't 'fit in'.
A++
January 1, 2018
I would recommend this book for anyone, but it is a must read for educators or parents/family members of children with dyslexia or a language learning disability. It could also be a good read aloud to share with a child with dyslexia. The story skillfully weaves several stories and perspectives together to create an insightful, informative, inspiring look into the world of dyslexia, resulting in a hopeful message. Once Upon a Time A Sparrow is a creatively crafted, sensitive, poignant, thoughtful, realistic, compassionate book with well-developed characters. You will finish the book feeling like you know them all. Enjoy!
March 22, 2019
Inspiration, resilience and determination.
This book excels any novel I've read in a long time. I love reading, it's hard for me to consider a book "bad". If you know me, you know I read from love. Mary has broached a subject that was for so long taboo. There was astigmatism attached to the difficulties she narrated so beautifully, a much dreaded phrase for we baby boomers," special education". The current generation is much much more informed, open minded, perhaps even more accepting. The fact that Mary reaches her goals further encourages everyone to step up and step out, make your own race reachable. Wonderful read and thanks for sharing, Mary!
This book excels any novel I've read in a long time. I love reading, it's hard for me to consider a book "bad". If you know me, you know I read from love. Mary has broached a subject that was for so long taboo. There was astigmatism attached to the difficulties she narrated so beautifully, a much dreaded phrase for we baby boomers," special education". The current generation is much much more informed, open minded, perhaps even more accepting. The fact that Mary reaches her goals further encourages everyone to step up and step out, make your own race reachable. Wonderful read and thanks for sharing, Mary!
November 22, 2018
I enjoyed this book. It was very insightful and informed, from a personal and professional perspective. The alternation between the author's childhood experience of dyslexia to her adult experience as a special education practitioner was very moving, although sometimes, I felt the structure got in the way. Definitely worth a read.
February 24, 2020
4.5☆
What's not to like about a book full of strength, overcoming hardship, and answering a dream? This book takes the reader on a journey into the maddening world of being smart while feeling dumb. The ability to take this serious subject and weave the threads of imagination, hope, and effort into the pages leaves me on awe. I love this book.
What's not to like about a book full of strength, overcoming hardship, and answering a dream? This book takes the reader on a journey into the maddening world of being smart while feeling dumb. The ability to take this serious subject and weave the threads of imagination, hope, and effort into the pages leaves me on awe. I love this book.
June 19, 2022
Dreams. Hope. Belief.
A beautiful tale of a tormented child who struggles reading and the dream that gives her hope to believe that one day, she will achieve her dream. A must read for every teacher.
A beautiful tale of a tormented child who struggles reading and the dream that gives her hope to believe that one day, she will achieve her dream. A must read for every teacher.
January 6, 2019
Loved it! I too struggled to read as a child. This book made understand my feelings. Well written, easy read and very touching.
June 11, 2018
It started off great, and I was really intrigued wanting to know more about the characters and what was going to happen, but the ending was not what I was hoping for.
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June 6, 2018A beautiful book! Here is my review:
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