I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Hacking the Code: The Ziggety Zaggety Road of a Dyslexic Kid by Gea Meijering Narrator: Ryan Haugen
Published by iCare Press on April 11, 2021
Length: 1 hr and 53 mins
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Disabilities & Special Needs
Pages: 190
Format: Audiobook
Source: Provided as part of book tour
Goodreads
Shenanigans, struggles, strengths, and special friends!
Revealing the heart of an upbeat, boisterous fifth grader working hard to hack the reading code.
Hacking the Code is a fun, friendship-centered story that shows how every brain works differently, and how we all have different strengths.
Kees is good at many things such as science, fixing things, making friends, and pulling pranks. However, because of his dyslexia, he is not so good at spelling and writing! After playing another sly prank on the teachers he ends up having to write an essay about the hardest thing he's ever done. His friend writes it in no time, but Kees can't get anything on paper. His secret friends group is determined to help him but in the end, it is his grandpa with all his wisdom that helps Kees on its way. Will he be able to pull it off? And how on earth did he, a dyslexic kid, end up winning the highest honor at school?
This relatable, illustrated chapter book, brings to life the journey of a dyslexic kid in a story that highlights perseverance, creativity and, the power of true friendship.
Hacking the Code is available as an audiobook to make it accessible to all types of learners.
Targeted for children ages 6 - 12, adults also cherish the book and everyone learns from the empowering fun-to-read story.
Kids ages: 6,7,8,9,10,11 and 12
A free Lesson Plan & Activity Guide is downloadable on the iCarepress website.
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Hacking the Code: The Ziggety Zaggety Road of a Dyslexic Kid
Julie’s Review:
Hacking the Code is about a 5th grade student, Kees, who really struggles with writing and reading. If your child has ever struggled and has been told to “try harder” then you will love this book and the way Kees ends up embracing his dyslexia and changing things at his school. A must read for upper elementary or middle grade kids to understand their classmates and themselves.
Kids will relate to the main character and his friends immediately with their fun and games and lots of pranks. So many pranks, that one lands them in trouble with the principal where the fated essay assignment starts the epic journey to understanding his brain. Parents will also love this book to better understand how their child may be struggling. You see, as we’re reading we are privy to all of Kees’ thoughts and feelings about his struggle, but on the outside he does not show his teachers or principal what’s really going on.
I loved how the main character described his brain as an Apple brain vs an Android brain. I loved this distinction between a dyslexic or neurodivergent brain to a neurotypical brain. Each type of brain, and device, is a completely different operating system with a very different way to function. Kees describes himself as an Apple brain because he is better at decoding pictures and designs vs the Android brain that he attributes to text and instructions.
Kees is great at creating stories and things, while his best friend Pete is good at writing things up. I also loved the friendships and the special secret friends group they created, forming a tight circle of supportive friends.
I first listened to the audiobook that I received from the author through Author’s Direct. I enjoyed the listen, it was quick but powerful. The narrator did a great job sounding like a kid but also made great voices for every character. I also received an eArc from the author and was able to scan through to enjoy the amazing illustrations, which help give more meaning and understanding to the book. That’s one downside from my favorite way of reading (audio). The illustrations help us visually experience what Kees experiences with his dyslexia. The illustrations from his evaluation and the essay to the principal were especially interesting. I’m also a very visual learner so quickly seeing a snapshot of what he feels in his brain is helpful.
There is also a free lesson plan & activity guide available for Hacking the Code and you can download it on the website www.icarepress.com.
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About the Author
Gea Meijering
Author Hacking the Code and founder iCare Press.
Gea is a creative writer, seasoned marketeer, parent mentor and artist with a passion and a mission. As the mother of a dyslexic son she researched dyslexia better than an FBI agent would, and witnessed the dyslexia struggle and gift it can be, upfront and personal. Gea volunteered as a parent mentor for the special education department of her local school district and is a dynamic dyslexia advocate.
Over the years she saw many kids and their parents struggling to find out why school wasn’t going well. Reason to write a children’s book that offers kids and families the opportunity to identify with the different characters, make visible the learning struggles some students go through and bring dyslexia awareness to the community.
What other people say about Hacking the Code.
“Full of zany kid-adventures which entertain and make my students want to read more. Attractive illustrations add to that. A home run for all kids!”
Cindy Hall on Amazon
“My dyslexic son bragged about how great this book was so much that his non-dyslexic friends wanted to read it…. And they loved it too!!”
Happy on Amazon
“Filled with funny school humor, this story of a 5th grade dyslexic boy, whose trouble making antics make this a real page-turner for even the most reluctant young reader.”
Pragmatic Mom website
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What a great book! I’d love for my son to read this.
Holly recently posted…How Many Species of Honey Bees Are There?
It was a great listen too!