From the beginning Benjamin (now 14) has marched to another drummer. He did not read with any success until he was 9 …

I really don’t like the label, “Late Readers,” as it supposes there is a proper age or grade when reading should occur. Learning to read competently can happen in many ways and stages of life, not just in third grade, the usual cut-off for determining if you are a “late reader”

Children learn to read on their own and with help, but finding the right balance depends on many factors besides their age and grade in school.