The Fonz

At almost the last minute I was invited to a presentation for Scholastic Book Fairs this afternoon, given by Henry Winkler. I was unable to change my scheduled commitments, so I couldn't actually go- I can't believe I missed an opportunity to meet the Fonz!!!
He has cowritten a series called Hank Zipzer, chapter books- stories about a bright boy with learing difficulties. Apparently he had all kinds of trouble in school himself, specifically with dyslexia, which was not diagnosed back then. So he was called lazy and stupid for many years, even though he was a bright kid. Even now he talks about how sometimes he finds another way to do things, like writting the books. He said he does not use a computer, so he stands in a room with his co-author and talks while she types, or she transcribes his written work, and of course they dialog and she works her magic into the stories too. How great to have stories about a kid who has to go through summer school, and makes mistakes and still is a great kid. And resourcefulness and truly creative problem solving in life are not valued or measured well in school, so it would be great for any kid who has challenges to read these.
So, I am glad for the invite, because now I have learned a little something new. I bet I will be recommending these books (I think there are 12 in the series already) soon. Too bad I won't have the signed copies...