WRITING
Book explores dyslexia challenges as explained by a child By Susan L. Peterson
T
eachers are often inspired by the stories their students tell. When Tracy Peterson heard one student explain her difficulties with learning to read, she knew she needed to share her struggles with others. Tracy's book, “Cartwheels: Finding Your Special Kind of Smart,” tells the story of Sloan LaFrance, a first-grader who would much rather do cartwheels than read. Why? Sloan has dyslexia. Tracy is a 35-year veteran of the teaching profession. During that time, she taught a variety of grades and levels in four states. During the last 10 years, she taught first grade at Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock. She uses a reward system where students may "buy lunch with the teacher,” which gives her the opportunity to talk with students on a more personal level. It was during one of those visits that Sloan truly opened up about her difficulties learning to read, saying that the “magic” just wasn’t there for her like it was for her friends and brother. Although many books on dyslexia exist, many are geared to parents and teachers about intervention strategies. Tracy noted that few children’s books were available from the perspective of the child. She thought that Sloan’s story could be a way to help and encourage others who face similar obstacles. With the permission of Sloan’s parents, Tracy continued with the project. For about six months, Tracy “played around with” Sloan’s actual words to get a concise flow. Next, she had to find a publisher and an illustrator. Tracy asked Erin Woods, the parent of a student in her class and the owner of Et Alia Press, to review her manuscript. Tracy was surprised when Erin came back with more than a review - she offered to publish it! To find an illustrator, Tracy sent out emails to friends and university professors. She met with several artists before hiring Lindsey Witting, a student at UCA. “She seemed to get it,” Tracy said. Their work proved to be more difficult due to COVID-19 constraints that were in place at the time. They had many virtual meetings on Zoom and even met in parking lots to analyze drawings and discuss progress. “Cartwheels” was finally released this March. In addition to Tracy’s name, two others are credited on the cover: Sloan LaFrance as narrator, and Lindsey Witting as illustrator. Several thousand copies were sold within the first few months. Tracy credits the book’s 64 | 501 LIFE July 2021
success with the fact that it fills a special niche in the children’s book market. She is encouraged by the number of comments she receives from the parents of children with dyslexia. “This story reminds me of me” is heard frequently. Tracy hopes school counselors, teachers, and other educators will use the book to help those with dyslexia realize that they are not alone and that help can be found. “Early intervention is the key,” she says. The book can also help to explain the condition to others and encourage empathy. Tracy is using her book as a springboard to develop a children’s book series entitled “From Their Eyes.” Already she has another in the works. "Ball Caps, Beanies, and Being Bald” is about a boy who has alopecia, a condition that results in hair loss. She hopes to follow it with another book describing what it is like for children with Type 1 diabetes. Again, Tracy will use the words of the children she interviews to write from their perspective. Tracy lives in Little Rock with her husband, Chris, who is now retired from athletic director positions at UALR and UAPB. Even though the two enjoy traveling and visiting their children in New York, Florida, and northwest Arkansas, Tracy is not yet considering retirement. Instead, she continues to inspire and be inspired by the children she works with. “Cartwheels” may be purchased from online bookstores, local stores, and Et Alia Press. (Visit etaliapress.com and use the code 501LIFE to receive 10% off, free shipping, and a signed copy of the book.) Tracy enjoys discussing literacy issues with groups, and she is available for speaking engagements. To find out more, visit her website: www.teachertracypeterson.com.