Advocate With Confidence

Preparing For A Successful Year

Happy birthday to one of the most celebrated mystery writers of all time, Agatha Christie—born on September 15, 1890. Known as the "Queen of Crime," Christie authored 66 detective novels, 14 short story collections, and the world’s longest-running play—The Mousetrap. Her books have sold more copies than any author in history—except the Bible and Shakespeare. But what’s less widely known is that this literary icon also struggled with dysgraphia—and likely dyslexia.

As a child, reading did not come easily for Christie. Spelling and grammar were also constant hurdles. In her autobiography, she writes that she was "recognized, though quite kindly, as the 'slow one' of the family". She felt overshadowed by the quick, witty reactions of her mother and older sister, feeling awkward and inarticulate in comparison. Yet her family remained supportive, encouraging her to explore stories, daydreams, and creative play—even when traditional academics were difficult. That foundation of acceptance helped nurture the imagination that would one day captivate millions of readers.

In adulthood, she admitted, “Writing and spelling were always terribly difficult for me. My letters were without originality. I was...an extraordinarily bad speller and have remained so.” It is said that her dysgraphia was so troublesome that even routine tasks like balancing a checkbook were a challenge (Dyslexia Help, University of Michigan).

Rather than letting her struggles stop her, Christie adapted. She often dictated her books to a typist, using tools that allowed her creativity to shine. Her rich imagination and talent for plotting helped her create timeless mysteries, filled with unforgettable characters and intricate clues. Some experts even suggest that the very challenge of dyslexia may have helped shape her remarkable ability to “see” stories in new ways.

Agatha Christie’s story is a profound reminder for parents and educators: when we support children with learning differences and let them lean into their strengths, incredible things can happen. Christie didn’t become a best-selling author in spite of her struggles—she became one because she faced them with honesty, courage, and creativity.

For much of her life, Yvette carried the quiet weight of not knowing why reading was so difficult. It wasn’t until adulthood that she discovered she has dyslexia—and with that discovery came both relief and hope. Her story reminds us that it is never too late to understand your challenges and find the right tools to succeed.

When Yvette began Barton tutoring, she experienced what she calls her “aha moment.” For the first time, reading started to make sense. The barriers that once felt permanent began to break down, replaced by confidence and joy. Her journey shows the incredible power of structured literacy—not just for children, but for learners of any age.

Yvette’s testimony is proof that dyslexia doesn’t define your potential or put an expiration date on learning. Whether you are six or sixty, the Barton Reading & Spelling System can open new doors and offer the gift of reading. Now she shares that freedom with others. She tells parents who feel lost, “You are not alone. Dyslexia is not a weakness—it’s a gift.” Instead of hiding, Yvette speaks openly, serves at her church, and inspires others with her simple, powerful message: “It’s never too late to learn. Dyslexia doesn’t define you—it can empower you.”

Watch this short 8-minute video to hear Yvette's inspiring story in her own words.

Turning “Spectacular Dyslexia” Into Success

Before Guy Ritchie was the director of Aladdin, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and Sherlock Holmes, he was a kid bouncing from school to school—ten in total—before finally being expelled at 15. He left formal education with just one GCSE in film studies and later joked that his spelling hadn’t improved since he was 12.

He refers to it as “spectacular dyslexia”—his way of describing how profoundly spelling and reading challenges impacted him. Words never came easy, so when he wrote the script for Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, he scribbled it on napkins and in a math exercise book. Lined paper didn’t work for him, but the small boxes in the math book gave his thoughts structure. What might have looked like a weakness in the classroom became the very thing that shaped his storytelling style.

While he couldn’t always track letters on a page, he could track stories. He loved listening to Sherlock Holmes tapes, learned to read people and situations, and eventually brought a razor-sharp rhythm to the big screen.

Ritchie’s journey proves that dyslexia doesn’t limit creativity —it can be the very thing that fuels it. His so-called “spectacular dyslexia” became the driving force behind his spectacular career.

Barton Bulletin

ClassWallet
Idaho Empowering Parents Marketplace

We’re excited to share that Barton Reading & Spelling System has been officially added to the Idaho Empowering Parents Marketplace.

This means there are now two ways families in Idaho who participate in the program can use their Empowering Parents funds to purchase Barton materials through ClassWallet:

• ClassWallet Direct Pay 
• ClassWallet MarketPlace

Both options make it easier than ever for parents to help their children.

For details on how to navigate the Empowering Parents marketplace, view the Parent Guide here ».

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