Debbie Saarloos
AUTHOR
Who would have imagined that I would be writing a children's book, let alone a series? I’m writing books that I would not have been able to read to my children.
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Yes, I was illiterate and had Dyslexia, and not many knew. For what it's worth, I have a high school diploma. When I graduated, I was told I had a 6th-grade reading level, but it didn't feel right. At the age of 32, I took a literacy test. What do you know? I had a 2nd-grade reading level. I signed up for a literacy program, and there I met my very good friend Helen, who would teach me how to read.
I am a mother of three and a grandmother to five grandsons. I was always a storyteller. My kids and grandkids encouraged me to write. Don't get me wrong; I'm still not the best reader or speller. But I've learned some tricks along the way, like using spell-check, and diction, are now best friends along with friends and family who proofread for me. ​
​So why do I write?
I want to share what I have learned with children. I want them to know that, yes, reading and spelling can be very hard for some of us, but never give up. Sometimes, we are nervous about reading in front of others, let alone in class. Sometimes, the words are scrambled in our heads, but if we remember to relax and breathe, sometimes the words will unscramble and flow as we read them. Don’t be ashamed to say, "Right now, I may not be the best reader or speller, but I'm working on it." We all may have things that we struggle with, and it may take time, and that's okay. Be kind to each other and help whenever you can. Life is about lessons and teaching. Never stop teaching, never stop learning. I want to share my gift of imagination and creativity with anyone who will listen.
Here is a small list.
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One COOL Family
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Christopher Columbus
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George Washington
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King John of England
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Albert Einstein
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Daniel Radcliffe aka Harry Potter
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Robin Williams
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Whoopi
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Richard Branson'
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and Henry Winkler.
—the list goes on
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You are not alone.
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Some of my stories are based on true events, but I imagined these events with different characters. If you did the same, what stories would you have to tell?