Wild Things: How We Learn To Read and What Can Happen If We Don't

(Paperback, Paperback)

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In this exploration of dyslexia, ADHD and neurodivergent people, best-selling author Sally Rippin asks: What happens to kids who dont learn how to read And how can we help

When Sally Rippin discovered her child was struggling to read, the best-selling childrens author assumed it would sort itself out over time. She couldnt have been more wrong. Her sons dyslexia and ADHD went unsupported for years, leavinghim further and further behind hispeers,andlabelled as difficult by an education system that couldnt easily cater to neurodivergent kids.By the time Sally learned how to advocate for her child, it was almost too late.

This extraordinary book for parents is about how we learn to read and what can happen if we dont, through the eyes of a parent who started out by doing everything the wrong way. Through meticulous research, interviews with educational experts and conversations with neurodivergent adults, Rippin shares her brilliant and eye-opening insights into how we can help all kids find the joy in reading, and advocate for them within our schooling system. After all, they say school isnt for everyone, but if everyone must go to school then why not

Reviews

'Sally Rippin is one of Australia's most beloved children's authors, but this book is her true gift to parents.Wild Thingsthrobs with love, compassion and, above all, hope for children who happen to find written words really hard.' Alice Pung OAM, author of Unpolished Gem

This illuminating, big-hearted, deeply humane book is both essential guide and powerful call to action. A much-needed source of solace and empowerment for any parent with a child who struggles at school, this is also a vital commentary on the desperate need for a better resourced and more inclusive education system. Left me heartbroken, inspired, and fired up to create change for the kids locked out of all that reading brings. Rachel Power, author of The Divided Heart andjournalist for the Australian Education Union.

'Wild Things shows what happens in an education system that isnt built to support different learning styles.This is a must-read for parents, teachers and universities wanting to learn how we can create an inclusive and accessible education system for everyone.' Eliza Hull, disability advocate and editor of We've Got This: Stories by Disabled Parents

'This ones for the kids who couldnt and shouldnt be tamed. Celebrated childrens author Sally Rippin turns her attention to ADHD, autism and dyslexia, having watched her own son struggle. Wild Things is a compassionate and passionate inquiry into how kids are let down and how they can be held aloft.' Jenny Valentish, journalist and author of Everything Harder Than Everyone Else

[Wild Things] is powerful and informative, full of wonderful tips and evidence-based facts. Its going to be helpful for everyone parents and carers, anyone who has been touched by literacy difficulties, at any stage of their life. Our kids do find their way, but as [Sally Rippin has] clearly said, this journey would have been so much easier if our kids had only been given the opportunity to learn to read early in primary school. Heidi Gregory, founder of the Dyslexia Victoria Support Facebook page

'This made us tear up immediately. An important book for us all.' Mandy and Kate, hosts of Too Peas in a Podcast

Author Bio

Sally Rippin is a best-selling writer for children, with over ten million books sold in fourteen languages. Her most popular titles include theBillie B BrownandHey Jack!series, and more recently, theSchool of Monstersseries for beginner readers. Sally travels across the world speaking with parents, teachers and librarians about how to engage struggling readers, having brought up one herself.