The Boy Who Learned Upside Down is the story of a real boy who turned
I can't! into I can! and Shadow, the dog who loved him. School was hard
for Alex. He had learning challenges that turned reading into an endless
chase after runaway words and made it difficult to pay attention, focus,
and follow directions-as if he was learning upside down.? Christy
Scattarella, the author, had no idea what her young son was going
through. She knew Alex had learning disabilities, but she didn't realize
how hard school was for him or how discouraged he had become. Then one
day Alex (aided by his mischievous mutt, Shadow) confided in his mom,
and together they set out to make school more rewarding for him and for
other children who were struggling. Christy started a program that Alex
named after his dog. The Shadow Project launched in Portland, Oregon as
a tiny mom 'n pup operation in Alex's special education
classroom.?Today, The Shadow Project has teamed with teachers to help
more than 6,500 boys and girls recognize themselves s capable,
courageous and able to learn. Christy is the nonprofit's executive
director. Alex is a college graduate. The Boy Who Learned Upside Down
is based on Alex's real-life journey. The book shows that what causes a
child (or an adult) shame might be the source of his or her greatest
gift. Because Alex learns upside down, he sees things other people miss.
Artists, athletes, and entrepreneurs who once wondered What's wrong with
me? have gone on to change the world. The Shadow Project has been
studied by The Harvard Business School Association of Oregon, which
found the program instills critical attributes that lead to life success
for children with learning challenges.
