Julia Jarman knows that young readers enjoy the combination of the supernatural with everyday life. In her latest book she addresses the 'modern' problem of dyslexia and sets out to show that, whilst we may not have recognized or labelled in the past dyslexia has been present in previous generations. Moreover, it made life at school a misery then as it can now.

Frankie, identified at his previous school as dyslexic, discovers that in the past left handed writers were forced to use their right hands, and this could have devastating effects. He doesn't find his own dyslectix life too easy either, but he's determined to prove that he is not 'thick' just because he finds it difficult to read and write like his classmates. As the class investigates life at their school a hundred years ago, Frankie discovers that he is privileged to see more than his peers and in so doing helps others in his village overcome the stigma of illiteracy.

Jarman creates a sympathetic character in Frankie, his achievements could help to boost the self image of dyslexic children. Ghost Writer is an intriguing historical mystery providing an interesting insight into schooling in the past which could support historical study at Key Stage 2.

2007-12-28