The Secret Code (Rookie Readers: Level C) [Library Binding]

Dana Meachen Rau (Author), Bari Weissman (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1998 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up | Series: Rookie Readers: Level C

Oscar, who is blind, teaches Lucy how to read his Braille book.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2?Oscar, a blind boy, explains to his classmates that his books are not written in secret code, but in Braille. The Braille alphabet is illustrated so that sighted children can learn to recognize the letters and decipher a note that Oscar sends to a friend. An author's note suggests that children may wish to request a Braille book from the library. The watercolor-and-ink illustrations fill each page with the busy clutter of the classroom scenes. The message that comes across in this primer is that reading is fun whether one uses one's eyes or one's fingers.?Sharon R. Pearce, formerly at San Antonio Public Library, TX
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Dana Meachen-Rau is the author of several nonfiction books for children. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Children's Press (CT) (March 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0516207008
• ISBN-13: 978-0516207001
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 6.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,467,646 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dana Meachen Rau worked as a children's book editor before launching into her writing career. Since then, she has written more than 250 books for children, including picture books, early readers, nonfiction, and biographies for preschool to middle school. Visit Dana's website at www.danameachenrau.com for more information about her books.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A long needed book for young children to understand Braille., January 24, 1999

By 

Ken Stuckey ([e-mail]) (Stockholm, Sweden) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Secret Code (Rookie Readers: Level C) (Library Binding)

This book was written for young children (4 to 8 years) so they can understand how blind children read Braille. In simple language and colourful illustrations it tells the story of how Oscar, a blind boy, teaches his friend Lucy how to read his Braille Book. The book is important because today when most blind children are educated in regular schools it is vital that sighted children have books they can read about blind children and how they learn. There are very few books available at this level in school or public libraries or even in print. Teachers, parents and librarians are frustrated at this lack of such materials that are available from major publishing companies.

The author fully understands the needs of the blind as her brother, Derek is blind. Unlike most she was raised in a family where Braille books, Braille writers, talking books and other assistive devices were common. Dana's brother was educated both in regular school and the Perkins School for the Blind. She also knows first hand about the difficulties that sighted children have understanding about children who are blind or visually impaired.

The bookshelves of children and libraries are full of books abour super heroes, animals, birds, monsters, sports and sport figures but where are the books about people who have special needs? It is not so much because children do not want to read about them but a lack of them being available to purchase. There is a great need for authors and illustrators to create well written books that publishers will produce. If century-old attitudes about the handicapped are to be changed then it has to start by educating young children in positive ways.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Would've been better if it was actually in Braille, October 25, 2004

By 

Christine "Avid reader" (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Secret Code (Paperback)

This book was nice, but was only in English for seeing people. It would have been much better if the Braille was actually readable, so the Blind could read the story, too. Considering this children's book was $20, a book about the Blind should be accessable to them as well.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great to use during Disability Month, April 9, 2011

By 

Anonymous - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Secret Code (Rookie Readers: Level C) (Paperback)

Loved reading this book to classes when teaching others about disabilities. The book is short which keeps the kids' attention. Loved it!