Book Review: One in Five

Book Review: One in Five

One in Five: How We’re Fighting for Our Dyslexic Kids in a System That’s Failing Them by Micki Boas is an insightful and compelling read for parents of dyslexic children. Parenting a dyslexic learner can often feel isolating. This book serves as a powerful reminder that we are not alone in this journey. With dyslexia affecting one in five learners, many parents find themselves in an uphill battle with the education system to secure the support their children need.

A Fellow Dyslexic Parent

Boas shares her personal experience, from recognizing her child’s struggles with reading to navigating the challenges of obtaining a dyslexia diagnosis and securing appropriate interventions. Alongside her own story, she amplifies the voices of other parents. Each story has its own unique yet familiar struggles in advocating for their children’s educational rights. I found these narratives deeply relatable and validating. Also, they echo the challenges many of us face in ensuring our children receive the help they deserve.

Relatable

What resonated most with me was the recurring theme of systemic failure within schools. Whether through a refusal to test for learning disabilities or a reluctance to provide dyslexia-specific interventions, the book underscores how difficult it can be for parents to obtain necessary support. These shared experiences highlight a widespread problem, reinforcing the need for systemic change.

Reactions

I highly recommend One in Five to fellow parents navigating the complexities of raising a dyslexic child. The book offers a wealth of advocacy stories and emphasizes the importance of persistence. However, I found its overall tone to be quite pessimistic. While the book effectively illustrates the barriers parents face, I wish it had provided more practical solutions. Additionally, I would have loved to get actionable advice for helping children at home. Many of the stories ended in legal battles or unresolved frustrations. It left me yearning for more guidance on effective strategies beyond the school system.

Despite this, One in Five is an eye-opening and validating read for any parent who has struggled to get their dyslexic child the support they need. It is a powerful call to action, reinforcing that while the fight is difficult, we are not alone in it.

Is Your Child Struggling with Spelling and Reading?

If your child faces similar challenges with reading or spelling, they don’t have to struggle alone. At Apricot Tree Academy, we provide evidence-based dyslexia intervention that helps students build strong literacy skills. Our program is designed to support children who need structured, research-backed instruction to master phonics, spelling, and reading fluency.

Ready to give your child the tools to succeed? Learn more about our dyslexia intervention program here.