Governor. Former Santa Clara University baseball pitcher. Children’s book author?
Gov. Gavin Newsom has penned a picture book for kids inspired by his own struggles with dyslexia. Slated to be published Dec. 7, “Ben and Emma’s Big Hit” tells the story of a young baseball-loving boy with dyslexia who wants to fit in at school.
“Tens of millions of Americans struggle with dyslexia — including me,” Newsom said in a statement. “My dyslexia was particularly difficult when I was a kid. I wondered why my younger sister quickly finished her homework while I struggled. Reading aloud in front of the class filled me with heart-pounding fear and anxiety. My self-esteem and my grades suffered until I learned about dyslexia and strategies for dealing with it; so I wrote this book in hopes of helping support young people struggling with learning disabilities.”
Growing up, I struggled with dyslexia.
Eventually, I found my confidence on the baseball field.
I wrote this book, Ben and Emma’s Big Hit, in hopes of helping other kids who are struggling with learning differences.
Out December 7th and on pre-sale now! https://t.co/GZT9uofr9Z pic.twitter.com/mEdUktRhEA
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) September 30, 2021
The book’s text will be printed in OpenDyslexic font so that people with dyslexia can read the story more easily. It was illustrated by Alexandra Thompson.
According to the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, dyslexia affects 20% of the population and is the most common neuro-cognitive disorder.
Newsom will donate all proceeds from the book to the International Dyslexia Association.