How does Stacey do it? How can Carolyn not do it? Carolyn has been practicing cursive handwriting every day for weeks, and she is not getting any closer to Frederick, the class guinea pig. It's a good thing that her teacher, Mrs. Thompson, is able to turn her frustration into confidence.!
Professional Reviews
Dr. Sally Reis, University of Connecticut
“As a researcher who has studied twice exceptional young adults, and the mother of a child who was labeled both gifted and learning disabled, I was delighted to read this series of books. I believe that they will help children
who are both smart and learning disabled understand that they are not alone. Barbara Esham’s Mainstream Connections Children’s Book Series reinforces
the essential truth that all kids learn differently and that some kids, for whom learning requires more time and more effort, will be Last to Finish!
By understanding that there are others like them who have achieved, children with learning differences will feel better about themselves. Anything that promotes a healthier self-concept in kids who are both smart and also learning disabled has the potential to make a difference in their lives and these books fit that description well!”
Dr. Sally Reis, University of Connecticut
Distinguished Professor and Teaching Fellow of the Educational Psychology Department Principal Investigator for the National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented.
Paul H. White, Ph.D. OPL, University of Utah
"In a simple book series, Barbara Esham has completed something very complicated and very important for us to understand about education. Each story demonstrates to children and the adults around them that it is important to ask questions when you do not understand something, to reach out and help others who are struggling, and to appreciate that everyone has talent even if it not the same as your talent. In addition to showing the importance of putting effort into one's work, the stories tell us all (children and adults) that understanding oneself is very important in success. As someone who researches the impact of diversity on performance and attitudes, it is very refreshing to read stories about how being "different" is not a bad thing, but something that can be a source of pride and achievement. I may have my college and graduate students read this series in my courses because I see them struggling with some of the same issues. I know I learned some things from the series about myself and about how to treat others!"
Paul H. White, Ph.D., OPL, University of Utah
Professor of Psychology
Dr. White’s research interests focus on attitudes and persuasion; prejudice and stereotyping; and group processes.
Drs. Brock (M.D., M.A.) and Fernette (M.D.) Eide
"In our clinic, where we see children with every kind of learning challenge, the academic skill that is far and away most productive of severe and even overwhelming anxiety in the early grades is handwriting. In Fancy Smancy Cursive Handwriting, Barb Esham provides much needed encouragement for children who are struggling to get their thoughts down on paper, and reminds us all of the important differences between handwriting, communication, and learning."
Drs. Brock (M.D., M.A.) and Fernette (M.D.) Eide are physicians and consultants to a wide range of parent, teacher, and clinical professional groups. Authors of, The Mislabeled Child, and founders of the Eide Neurolearning Clinic. As consultants, the Eides are international and national professional advisors for organizations such as SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted).
