My Name Is Brain Brian (Apple Paperbacks) - Softcover

Jeanne Betancourt is the author of dozens of books for children, including the successful Pony Pals series. She lives on the Upper West Side of New York City. Visit her at www.jeannebetancourt.com

Grade 4-6-- Brian and his fellow members of the Jokers Club hate school. To make it more fun, they create a secret game, winning points for making other people laugh during the day. Brian wins the first point when he writes his name as "Brain" on the blackboard. But it's no joke. He is dyslexic. Betancourt weaves in a good deal of information on this learning disability, but first and foremost, this is a story. Brian, who narrates, is characterized by more than his problem. Not only must he practice new ways to learn, but he must also deal with his father, also dyslexic; with a childhood friend whose behavior becomes increasingly disturbing; and with a girl he hates. As readers follow him through the sixth grade and see the changes it makes in his life, he becomes a real person to them. They will close the book with a sigh of satisfaction. It is written clearly and simply, with an obvious understanding of, and empathy for, Brian. That this is a good story balances three problems readers might have with the book: the chapter titles are confusing, some sections that focus specifically on dyslexia might be boring, and Brian's handwriting, which appears throughout, is hard to read. Children with learning problems will relate well to this book; as a presentation of that issue, it's outstanding. --Constance A. Mellon, Department of Library & Information Studies, East Carolina Uni versity, Greenville, NC
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.