Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille
Written by Jen Bryant, Illustrated by Boris Kulikov
Louis Braille was born, with full sight, in 1809. However, at the age of three an unfortunate accident in his father’s workshop took his sight. But, Louis’ natural curiosity and quick wit helped him to find his own way in life and, at the age of ten, he was accepted into the Royal School for the Blind in Paris, France. Life was hard and strict at the school but the little boy persevered and eventually he was allowed to study a new way of reading that was invented by a French Army Captain to send secret messages during battle. But the process was long, frustrating, and arduous for the young boy and he was determined to improve on the invention. At the age of 15 Louis perfected his new code by using just six dots arranged in two columns, like dominoes, with each dot standing for a letter of the alphabet. With this incredible invention, a whole new world opened up for blind people. However, it wasn’t until 1854, two years after Louis’ death from tuberculosis, that the use of Braille began to be adopted worldwide.
This is a remarkable story of someone overcoming personal disabilities yet changing the world at a very young age. It’s an uplifting and inspiring book with simple and illuminating illustrations that will captivate young readers. I recommend this for 3rd grade and up.
Review by Lynda H. Wilson, David Gourley Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: 3rd Grade and up
Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille
Written by Jen Bryant, Illustrated by Boris Kulikov
Alfred A. Knopf
36 pages
Release Date: September 6, 2016
