Daniel X- a great read for adolescent boys!

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X

By James Patterson

Little, Brown & Co.

Fiction

272 pages

The greatest superpower of all isn't to be part spider, part man, or to cast magic spells.  The greatest power is to create.  Daniel X has that power.   Daniel's secret abilities- like being able to manipulate objects and animals with his mind or to recreate himself in any shape he chooses- have helped him survive.  Daniel does not have a normal life.  He is the protector of the earth, the Alien Hunter, with a mission beyond any one's imagining!

Although Daniel X is not the typical book that I would choose to read for myself, any teenage boy will not be able to put this book down!  It is action packed- think Men in Black with Will Smith.  Although the aliens that Daniel faces are "out of this world,"  he is still very much like any young man trying to find his way to adulthood.

Daniel is very likable and someone that teenage boys will identify with.  He has fears, wishes for a girlfriend, counts on his friends for support, and teases his little sister.  All the while, Daniel is saving the earth from alien invasion!

I found myself looking for free moments during the day to steal away and see what was around the corner for Daniel X!  Be cautioned, though, the content is intended for teenagers.  I would not recommend this for an elementary or middle school boy.  

Vision Problems NOT the Cause of Dyslexia

A popular myth about dyslexia is that it is a vision problem.  Dyslexia is neurologically based, and has nothing to do with vision.  A child could have acuity problems AND dyslexia, but problems with eyesight do not cause dyslexia.  If your child is having difficulty seeing the board or reading, it is certainly a good idea to have a thorough eye exam.  However, "vision therapy" will not cure dyslexia.  Beware of any doctor who makes that claim.   

Recommended Pediatric Ophthalmologist in Cincinnati, OH:

Dr. Miles Burke

10475 Montgomery Rd.  Suite 4-F

Cincinnati, OH  45242

513-984-4949

Summer Reading for Adolescent Boys

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X

By James Patterson

Little, Brown & Co.

Fiction

272 pages

The greatest superpower of all isn't to be part spider, part man, or to cast magic spells.  The greatest power is to create.

Daniel X has that power.

Daniel's secret abilities- like being able to manipulate objects and animals with his mind or to recreate himself in any shape he chooses- have helped him survive.  Daniel does not have a normal life.  He is the protector of the earth, the Alien Hunter, with a mission beyond anyone's imagining!

Adolescent boys will not be able to put this action packed book down!  For more information on Daniel X, visit www.amazon.com.

I Have Dyslexia. What Does That Mean?

My name is Delaney.  I have dyslexia.  That means that my brain works differently than other kids' brains.

Presenting pg. 1 of  I Have Dyslexia.  What Does That Mean?  a children's book co-authored by Shelley Ball-Dannenberg and her 8 year-old daughter, Delaney.  The book is written from the perspective of a child with dyslexia.  It is aimed at giving children with this language-based learning disability their own voice. After reading the book, children, parents, and teachers will better understand dyslexia and what life is like for a child who has the disorder.  

The beautiful watercolor illustrations are being created by Erika Jones.  To see more of Erika's work, click here.

To pre-order a copy of I Have Dyslexia.  What Does That Mean?  contact Shelley Ball-Dannenberg 

Early identification of dyslexia is imperative.

Colorado and Mississippi pass new legislation mandating that schools screen children for dyslexia!

To read more about the Colorado legislation go to:  www.dys-add.com/CODyslexiaBill.pdf

To read more about the Mississippi legislation go to:  

www.dys-add.com/MSDyslexiaScreening.pdf

Mark your calendar!

We are hosting a workshop in Cincinnati, OH for parents and teachers on September 25, 2008.  Understanding Learning Disabilities will focus on Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia and ADHD.  You will learn the warning signs of these disorders, as well as how to remediate and accommodate at home and at school.  The cost is only $20 per person!  

For more information contact us at sbd@dtisinfo.com or call 513-616-0261.

Building and practicing phonemic awareness is an important pre-reading skill for young children.  Visit these 3 web sites for ideas of how to help your child.

www.readingrockets.org/helping/target/phonologicalphonemic

http://forpd.ucf.edu/strategies/stratPhonemicAwareness.html

http://www.nea.org/teachexperience/ifc03048.html