Wild Things cover art

Wild Things

How We Learn to Read and What Can Happen If We Don't

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Wild Things

By: Sally Rippin
Narrated by: Sally Rippin
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About this listen

When best-selling Australian children’s author Sally Rippin discovered her child was struggling to read, she assumed it would sort itself out over time. She couldn’t have been more wrong.

Her son’s dyslexia and ADHD went unsupported for years, leaving him behind his peers and labelled ‘difficult’ by an education system that couldn’t easily cater to neurodivergent kids. By the time Sally learned how to advocate for him, it was—almost—too late.

Told through the eyes of a parent who started out by doing everything wrong, Wild Things is about how we can help all kids find the joy in reading—and advocate for them throughout their schooling careers.

After all, they say school isn’t for everyone, but if everyone must go to school—then why not?

©2022 Sally Rippin. First published in Australia by Hardie Grant Children's Publishing. (P)2022 Bolinda Publishing Childhood Education Developmental Psychology Education Parenting & Families Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Health Dyslexia Mental Health

Critic Reviews

"Wild Things throbs with love, compassion and, above all, hope for children who happen to find written words really hard." (Alice Pung, author of Unpolished Gem)

"A much-needed source of solace and empowerment for any parent with a child who struggles at school, this is also a vital commentary on the desperate need for a better resourced and more inclusive education system." (Rachel Power, author of The Divided Heart)

"This is a must-read for parents, teachers and universities wanting to learn how we can create an inclusive and accessible education system for everyone." (Eliza Hull, disability advocate and editor of We've Got This: Stories by Disabled Parents)
All stars
Most relevant  
What an amazing book. Thank you Sally for sharing and articulating the joys and struggles. And than up Sam for allowing other parents an insight into your life

Amazing

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Sally honestly share her struggles and success she had with her son in a kind and eye-opening way.
This book helps parents understand that they are not alone and all the feelings the have in regards to their child differences are normal and nothing to be ashamed of.

An eye-opening book

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This book is an incredibly necessary book that brings to light so many of the issues that we go through with our children and in doing so, gives you a boost. It is affirming, educational and strengthening and every parent, whether or not you have a neurodivergent child, needs to read this book to help you be a more accepting and knowledgeable human being in our society. Thank you Sally (and Billie B Brown for helping my daughter learn how to read!!)

If I could give this book 10 stars, I would.

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Thank you to Sally Rippin for writing and reading this book providing us with honesty and hope in our everyday struggles to support the children we love so much and without books like this one are even more alone in the world. Please listen to this book if you think there is someone who might just need your understanding and support as the struggle in their school years. From a grateful Grandmother

Wild Things a book of Hope

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Thank you for writing such a wonderful book. A great insight of dyslexia and adhd from a mothers perspective. Also talks about the importance of evidence based teaching and early intervention.

Wonderful book

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Wow I feel this book was written about my son and so so relatable and I’ve learnt so much from it, so thank you very much! I listened to it from start to finish within 24hrs! I’ll be recommending it to my family and friends!

Spoke directly to my heart

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As an early primary teacher of kids who love reading and those who struggle with it I’ve observed almost all of them enjoy reading Sally’s short novels so was excited to learn of the reason behind these much loved series! This book would be an amazing reassurance and source of direction and support for families of struggling learners and also for their teachers.

Loved it!

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As a teacher, I really appreciated Sally’s support and positivity for teachers and teaching. Excellent advice and tips for parents and schools.

Inspiring and essential reading for parents with children with learning challenges

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Engaging anecdotes used to convey some of the struggles of raising a child who has struggles with reading and ADHD. Good book recommendations groups and further readings to become more educated on reading acquisition and attention.

Heartfelt and Informative

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What a fantastic, informative book Sally Rippin has published. As a parent of a son diagnosed with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia in year 3 I related to so many of the emotions described. This book provides practical application of how to support a child with a learning difference who is expected to fit into the traditional Australian education system. Bravo!

Must read for parents with Dyslexic children

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.