What do Orlando Bloom and Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis have in common? They both have dyslexia.
Whilst dyslexia doesn’t stop someone from getting ahead in life, it does affect a persons ability to read and write. Usually it is picked up on in schools and allowances such as extra time in exams are the norm. There are even specific publishers such as the brilliant Barrington Stokes who produce books specifically for children with dyslexia.
The learning disability however isn’t something that goes away. You can’t grow out of it and the help that is so readily available in schools falls away upon reaching the age of 18. As do the books. With the NHS estimating that up to 1 in every 10 people in the UK have some form of dyslexia, that’s a lot of adults who have no access to suitable reading material.
BOTH Publishing
Books on the Hill is an independent book shop in Clevedon, North Somerset. A lack of books for dyslexic adults is something owner Alistair Sims is all too aware of.
“We’ve had many adult customers with dyslexia come in to the shop asking for something accessible to read. One customer asked if we stocked well known novels in a dyslexic friendly format. Unfortunately we had to say no, as they just don’t exist.”
It is a too familiar tale with many simply not reading for pleasure due to lack of accessible books. Not content with this the publishing arm of Books on the Hill – BOTH Publishing – are creating a project that will make exciting, good quality fiction accessible to those with dyslexia. To help the project get off the ground they are launching a Kickstarter project TODAY, 2 April 2021, to run for 30 days with the focus on paying for the printing of the books that they will publish.
What to read?
The project has 6 books initially such as The Clockwork Eyeball, set in an alternative Cold War Marrakesh, and authors including Adrian Tchaikovsky. They are all dyslexia friendly, quick to read and even feature dyslexic authors. There are a wide range of books from science-fiction to Sherlock Holmes and you can find the whole list via the BOTH website.
How can I help?
Well apart from reading the books you are able to donate directly to the cause here or via the book shop. Donations will help the publishing of the books and will enable the project to continue. There are some unique rewards to be had so head over to their website and have a look. And if you read one of the books don’t forget to spread the word via social media. #IndieRocks