As a teacher, I had a lot of experience learning about different learning styles, multiple intelligence’s, and learning disabilities. I am always thrilled when I find books that represent kids with different learning styles in a positive and empowering light. So I was thrilled to have the opportunity to check out this book series celebrating how we learn!

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received copies of 3 of the books in this series in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Series

The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses is a series of books that celebrates the different strengths and learning styles of kids. Everyone learns differently, and this series recognizes and celebrates that fact. The stories are easy for kids to relate to, while the illustrations are entertaining and colorful. I really love that the stories don’t focus on the struggles of the main characters, but instead show how they can overcome their difficulties, and learn ways to succeed on their own. Since the books don’t include specific names of learning disabilities, all kids can learn from the important messages in the stories, whether they struggle or not.

We had the opportunity to check out 3 of the titles in this series: Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets and Stacey Coolidge’s Fancy-Smancy Cursive Handwriting, both written by Mike Gordon and illustrated by Mike and Carol Gordon, and Keep Your Eye on the Prize by Barbara Esham and Mike Gordon.

Learning to Focus

In Mrs. Gorski I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets, David struggles to pay attention in class. Everyday, his teacher Mrs. Gorski has to stop class to redirect his attention. He knows that it’s disruptive, but he just can’t seem to focus when an exciting idea pops into his head. After he overhears his parents talking about the note his teacher sent home, he knows that he has to do something. He creates a series of plans that will help him stay on track at school.

This book is a great way to talk to kids about strategies that can be used in the classroom (and other parts of life) when they have trouble staying focused. David’s explanations of what goes on in his mind offer great insight into why some kids seem to be acting out all the time. The conclusion to the story not only provides some strategies for kids to use when trying to stay focused, but also encourages them to brainstorm and find their own creative strategies.

Learning Not to Compare

In Stacey Coolidge Fancy-Smancy Cursive Handwriting, Carolyn is a young girl who is struggling to master cursive handwriting. She tries and tries, but not matter how much she practices, she feels like she doesn’t get anywhere. Meanwhile, her classmate Stacey Coolidge seems to have no trouble producing flawless cursive writing, making Carolyn feel even more frustrated. Her teacher talks to her about her frustrations and teaches Carolyn an important lesson about different learning abilities. The story reminds kids not to compare themselves to others, and to do the best that they can. This message is such an important reminder for all kids, since we all have stronger abilities in some areas than others.

Learning to Work Independently

In Keep Your Eye on the Prize, the main character Dylan is excited about the annual science fair. He decides that he wants to do the project on his own, without help from his parents. His parents are eager to do the project with him, and his sister encourages him to let them help so he can have more playtime. However, Dylan is determined to do the work on his own. When the science fair arrives, Dylan is rewarded for his efforts, and learns to be proud of his individual achievements. This book provides a great conversation starter for kids about the importance of doing work on their own, and the joy that they can get from working independently.

This series is full of wonderful lessons for all kids. Whether their struggles are apparent or buried deep, all kids may need the reminder that everyone learns differently and has different abilities. This series does a great job of reminding them of these lessons through fun stories and engaging illustrations. I definitely recommend these for every family and classroom bookshelf!

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