Reading another book by Ames Chen is yet another needful reflective exercise, Letters to Paige is about journeying through dyslexia through the eyes of Paige’s classmate who witnesses her struggles. Ames’s previous book Short of Nothing was also illustrated by Quek Hong Shin, author-illustrator of The Incredible Basket.
Letters to Paige: The Story of Paige
The storyline is straightforward. Paige is a lower primary student who struggles with counting and especially reading. When her teacher Mrs Matthews gets her to read aloud, she struggles visibly and her classmates notice the difference. She also struggles to complete her work as quickly.
When it comes to Physical Education class, the tables turn. Paige is a very fast runner and outruns the boys in the class. Her classmate was awed by this and wonders if they can help her read as fast as she runs.
The mission is shared by Mrs Matthews and Paige’s classmate as they sit together and practised more. We learn what dyslexia is like for a young child and that it is entirely possible to improve with more practice.
UE SQUARE’S COSMIC SPACE EXPEDITION: Have An Out-Of-This-World Adventure!
CARNIVAL OF CHRISTMAS CHEER: Celebrate and Win at Plantation Plaza and Northshore Plaza!
SNOW MUCH TO CELEBRATE: Christmas Fun at The Centrepoint
Our Reflection After Reading Letters to Paige
I appreciated how Letters to Paige sheds a light on those facing invisible challenges. Given the rigour of our education system, many especially those with learning needs struggle even more than usual. My 11-year-old couldn’t resist reading this book, and told me that some of his classmates are dyslexic. He learnt to empathise with them and also corrected the misconceptions he had about them.
I liked how the book ended on a hopeful note and highlighted how people with dyslexia can overcome their difficulties through intentional practices, support from people around them and encouraging acts.
Paige could be that classmate struggling that we might have ignored or misunderstood. Just like any of us, she has her strengths and weaknesses. A reminder of humanity leaves readers with a mental note to seek to understand and not judge.
It is also interesting to note that the typefaces used in the book are dyslexic-friendly. You would also understand why some letters look stranger than the norm.
Families reading this book together will also enjoy the illustrations by Quek Hong Shin. The emotions of the characters are captured vividly and little ones can see what it is like to struggle through class or winning a race. The page on the racetrack also gives everyone a good idea on what it looks like to run around a track with distances and start or finish positions indicated clearly.
I would recommend this book for children 4 to 12, and for every adult that once struggled with reading and spelling. We can all learn to appreciate our differences. After all, we are all unique in our ways!
One of Us Series
Ames’s One of Us series is about embracing classmates in all their diversity. Together, we can build a more inclusive society. Other titles in this series include Short of Nothing.
Get Your Copy of Letters to Paige
Letters to Paige can be purchased from Graceworks, at $16 per copy.
