Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those picture books that does real emotional work. Polacco doesn't sugarcoat the pain of being the kid who can't read while everyone else flies through chapter books, or the cruelty of classmates who smell vulnerability. But she also shows the flip side: a teacher who refuses to give up, a family that provides unconditional love, and a girl who discovers her own strength.

It's particularly valuable for families navigating learning disabilities—seeing dyslexia represented by a now-successful author and illustrator is powerful validation. For neurotypical kids, it builds empathy and understanding that 'smart' looks different for everyone.

The bullying scenes require some emotional maturity, so this works best as a shared read with space for questions rather than just handing it to a struggling reader and hoping it helps. The message is ultimately hopeful and the 4.9 Amazon rating reflects how many families have found it genuinely meaningful. A solid, honest book about a tough subject.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-12, particularly kids in early elementary who are navigating reading skills and social dynamics. Younger kids (5-6) can handle it as a read-aloud with parent support for the bullying content. By middle school, most kids will have moved past picture books unless they have a personal connection to learning differences.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

92

Patricia Polacco's autobiographical story models perseverance, empathy, and the transformative power of a caring teacher. The narrative handles bullying and learning struggles with emotional honesty while maintaining hope. Shows genuine kindness without being saccharine—Mr. Falker's dedication and Trisha's family support create a warm, affirming message about overcoming challenges.

Imaginative

72

Polacco's distinctive illustrations bring visual creativity to a largely realistic, autobiographical narrative. The story invites kids to imagine overcoming their own challenges and see learning differences through a new lens, but it's not particularly fantastical or exploratory—it's grounded in real-world classroom struggle. The imaginative element comes more from the artistic presentation than the plot itself.

Safe

82

The book includes scenes of bullying (kids calling Trisha 'dumb' and 'stupid') and the emotional pain of struggling with dyslexia, which can be intense for sensitive readers. However, these challenges are age-appropriate and ultimately resolved positively. No graphic content, violence, or inappropriate material—just honest depictions of school-based social cruelty that many kids will recognize. The emotional weight is real but handled with care.

Enriching

88

Exceptional for building empathy around learning disabilities and neurodivergence. Kids with reading struggles will see themselves validated; neurotypical kids gain understanding of what classmates might be experiencing. The story demonstrates that intelligence comes in many forms and that the right support can unlock potential. Strong messages about advocacy, persistence, and the life-changing impact of educators who truly see their students.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Authentic representation of dyslexia and learning disabilities from someone who lived it
Shows kids that struggling to read doesn't mean you're not smart—Trisha could draw and paint beautifully
Celebrates teachers who go the extra mile and truly see their students
The family scenes of reading together are genuinely sweet and model literacy as connection
Polacco's illustrations are distinctive and add warmth to a tough subject

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What to Watch For

Bullying scenes where kids call Trisha 'dumb' and 'stupid'—may hit hard for kids currently struggling in school
The emotional weight of feeling like a failure can be intense, especially for sensitive or perfectionistic kids
Best as a read-aloud with discussion rather than independent reading for younger kids who might need processing support

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever felt like something was really hard for you that seemed easy for other kids? What was that like?"
"Why do you think some kids were mean to Trisha about her reading? How could they have acted differently?"
"Mr. Falker saw that Trisha was smart even though she couldn't read yet. What are some ways people can be smart besides reading?"
"If you had a friend who was struggling with something at school, what would you do to help them feel better?"

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