Taking on the world

by Margaret Rooke, author

Author Margaret Rooke revisits the young dyslexic Scottish heroes whose dyslexia stories inspired her book

Around ten years ago I began writing my book Dyslexia is My Superpower (Most of the Time) in the warm and friendly offices of Dyslexia Scotland. I was greeted with welcome cups of tea and – more importantly – enthusiasm and creativity wherever I turned.

Here some wonderful children and teens spoke to me – among the 100 from all over the world who told their stories for the book. Some contributed beautiful illustrations.

They told me what they liked about school and what didn’t work for them. They explained what they were great at (they all knew this) and how home and teachers could help them more.

Children still say the book helps them feel less alone. Parents and schools say it provides ideas and solutions and puts their minds at rest.

Now I’ve gone back to forty of the original storytellers, plus some of the artists, and I’ve found out how their lives have turned out as young adults. It’s all in my new book: Life After School: Dyslexic and Taking on the World!

I hope this book will inspire and encourage children and families just like the first.

The book includes Molly, 23, from Stirlingshire, who’s specialising in forensic speech science, using speech patterns to help catch criminals.

There’s Jamie, 21, from Glasgow, whose time as a volunteer helping troubled kids has led to a career as a youth and community worker. He’s also a part-time entrepreneur. He told me, “Things didn’t go well at first after school. I felt like I was falling down a hole.

“My family and friends kept encouraging me. I found motivation from inside myself and I started thinking about what I really wanted to do.”

Gabriella, 24, from East Lothian, has a job she loves in a laboratory, helping to make sure the medication we take is safe.

And Hayley, 26, from South Lanarkshire, is a jewellery specialist, who told me, “If you’re struggling, just remember there are people all over the world with the same struggle. Figure out what works for you and what you care about. Don’t be scared about what other people think.”

The foreword is by Dyslexia Scotland Young Ambassador Marc Ingram who says, “Life after school can be so much better. A different world. We can all encourage each other to build a great future.”

Life After School: Dyslexic and Taking on the World! by Margaret Rooke is available from book sellers now.