This is an interesting story of triumph and determination. It highlights the need for quick and professional intervention in the lives of struggling students, especially in Third World Countries where resources and expertise are often absent. It can serve as a source of motivation for both parents and children who are dealing with the challenges of learning disabilities. Parents with special-­‐needs children will be motivated to think differently and replace defeatism with hope and possibility. Children with learning challenges who read or listen to this story will be motivated to try, and be encouraged to apply themselves instead of giving up.

Sharon Ulett has drawn from both her personal experience growing up in a Third World Country and her professional expertise as a special education teacher, to craft this intriguing narrative. Instead of being technical verbose, she opted to paint a picture of challenge and triumph. Not only special needs kids and their families, but also everyone can walk away from this book inspired.

What a wonderful book! You inspire children and their families to replace shame with hope and hard work. You also show families that learning and reading disabilities can occur in any culture and in any family setting, but with intervention, guided practice, and caring and well-trained teachers students can achieve and fulfill their dreams. As a reading specialist for more than 40 years, I know how important it is for our students to understand that they are not “lazy, bad, or stupid” even though these are the negative associations that they often apply to themselves. Like Asheem, bright students with reading disabilities need to be aware that their difficulties are not their fault and that with effort and practice they can succeed. Asheem’s story is realistic and motivating. With his family’s support and the influence of a wise teacher, Asheem took charge of his learning and his life. This is a wonderful lesson for our students and for all of us.