Brilliant Minds: 30 Dyslexic Heroes Who Changed Our World
Illustrator: Amy Blackwell
Publisher: Affirm Press
Published: 2022
Genre: Non-Fiction, Young Adult
Initially created to encourage her own daughter following a dyslexia diagnosis, Shannon Meyerkort’s Brilliant Minds shares the profiles of thirty people—from authors and actors to sports stars and ballerinas to scientists, inventors and entrepreneurs—all of whom found school to be a tough place because of their learning difficulties. However, each of them discovered ways in which their dyslexia became an asset, helping them to develop strengths such as creative problem solving, an ability to see the bigger picture, and perseverance in the presence of challenges. Some names, such as Muhammad Ali, Sir Richard Branson, Cher and Jamie Oliver will be well-known to readers; others will be less familiar but their stories equally compelling.
Fittingly, the final profile is of Western Australian teenager Jade Wheeler, who at 14 began advocating for greater recognition and assistance for children with dyslexia. In doing so, she is leading the way for the next generation of brilliant minds. This book, in which each story is beautifully complemented by Amy Blackwell’s stunning illustrations, needs to be in every library and classroom, where it will inspire not only children with dyslexia but anyone who has ever struggled at school.