October is International Dyslexia Awareness Month

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

By Chanah Wizenberg

October is the month of International Dyslexia Awareness. I discovered this when doing my research in preparation for my interview with Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver, prolific co-authors of the Hank Zipzer children’s book series.

 Many of you will remember Henry’s infamous role, Fonzie, in the 1970’s hit comedy show, Happy Days. For those who may not know who Henry Winkler is, he’s an actor, producer, and director of many films and televisions shows. To see his many accomplishments click here. In addition to his rich career in film, theater, and television he’s an author. Something he thought he’d never become.

Why? Because Henry Winkler has severe dyslexia. That’s something I can relate to as I have dyslexia also. I didn’t think I’d ever become a writer either. This and the way our fathers treated us was also quite similar. That connection is what drew me to do the interview.

            Enter Lin Oliver. Lin Oliver is a gifted author, producer of children’s books and television shows. To see her impressive history click here. Henry and Lin met through a mutual friend. It was at a time when Winkler’s career had stalled. He couldn’t get work. No one would hire him because of his role as Fonzie. The whole world knew him as “The Fonz”.

Typecasting is every actor’s worst nightmare. When an actor becomes known for a particular role, audiences have a hard time seeing that actor as anything other than the infamous character they portrayed. As a result, no director or producer wants to risk hiring that actor. Henry was left high and dry with no prospects in sight. That was his lowest point.

            Enter Alan Berger. Having nowhere else to turn, Winkler called his old manager, Alan, seeking his advice. That advice was to write a book about his experience with dyslexia. Berger understood Henry would need support and help. He gave Henry Lin Oliver’s number and encouraged him to call. Which he did and their first book series, Hank Zipzer was born.

            Lin and Henry worked out the perfect system. Henry walked around Lin’s apartment and talked while Lin typed. They scrutinized every word to get it just right. They were more successful than they realized. The series was a hit. Its subject, was about a boy, Hank, with dyslexia who struggled at school and at home. With the help of his friends and special principal, the protagonist, begins to find success.

            What also sets this children’s book apart from others is that it’s written in a font that is easier for those with dyslexia to read. The font is called Dyslexie; created by Christopher Boer, a graphic designer who has dyslexia. He wanted to create a font that would make reading easier for children with dyslexia. One of the first book series to use it in was the Hank Zipzer books. To learn more about this font click here.

            In celebration of International Dyslexia Awareness month, I encourage you to go to your local library or favorite bookstore and take out or purchase a copy of the Hank Zipzer children’s book series for young readers.

            If you would like to read a more in-depth article about Mr. Winkler’s struggles with dyslexia and how he overcame those struggles to become a co-author of forty children’s books, see the November/December issue of Writer’s Digest magazine that comes out at the end of this month.

Chanah Wizenberg writes poetry and short stories and has published in a number of anthologies and has been a member of TAF for many years. She shares her domicile with her dog and cat.