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A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
15th July, 2018
TITLE: Failing Students or Failing Schools. A Parent’s Guide to Reading Instruction and Intervention
AUTHOR: Faith Borkowsky
Star Rating: 5/5

CATCHY QUOTE
‘If there was a bible for reading, this should be it. Comprehensive, accessible and packed full of common sense.’ Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
As well as being a literacy coordinator, I am also mother of three: a boy of 7 and twin girls of 9, so I was very keen to delve into this book. To start with, let me say how impressed I was, not only by the contents but also the accessibility of the writing. Divided into short, well-constructed chapters, this could be read from beginning to end or, simply, act as a reference book for a concerned parent who wants to know, for example, whether handwriting is still important.
Now, on to the nitty-gritty. As many know – but, sadly, many don’t - reading is vital if a child is to progress successfully in school. And, not just in school, but in pretty much every aspect in life, from understanding the small print in a contract to enjoying the wonders of Dickens, a rather ‘wordy’ author. But, as the author of this books shows, a huge number of people in the US cannot read or read very badly.
And, that, in a way, is why a book of this nature is so important. Very much promoting a Structured Literacy approach – or phonics – as apposed to a Whole Language philosophy – using context and memorization of high-frequency words – this book attempts to help parents to navigate the pitfalls of working with schools to improve a child’s reading ability and, and as a result, enjoyment of a text.
In a sensible and succinct way, the author looks at, not only why many children and adults cannot read, but also, in a positive manner, how to help a child to develop into a good reader. Hiring a private tutor, improving memory, even resistant teachers; they are all discussed in this superbly written textbook.
I was particularly impressed by the author’s understanding of how important self-esteem is to a child’s ability to learn to read. And how, when a child falls behind, they find it embarrassing to even open a book. This hurdle, often ignored, is often the most difficult for a child – and the concerned parent - to jump. This book will help them.
So, who is this book for? Well, I’d say any parent with children who find reading difficult will find this interesting and helpful. Also, any parent who feels a school is not ‘listening’ to them will be much better armed if they absorb a few of the gems hidden within this text. But let’s not forget the schools. They often work very hard to help a child who is having problems with reading. With a book like this in the staffroom, they might do a much better job.

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk