|By Thorndike Press|
When Sid first started learning to read, it wasn’t the stories that held him back—it was the way they looked on the page. The words felt crammed together, the lines stretched too long, and the whole experience felt overwhelming. Reading quickly became something he dreaded.
His mom, Amy Dix, Ph.D., PA-C, watched with concern. Like so many parents, she wondered if reading would always feel like a battle. Then one day, they tried something different. They picked up a large print book.
“Large print gave Sid his confidence back. He went from avoiding books to asking for them.” —Amy, Sid’s mom
With bigger text, more space between lines, and shorter paragraphs, Sid could finally focus. Word by word, page by page, his confidence grew. Reading stopped being a struggle—it started to feel like an adventure.
From One Breakthrough to a Bigger Mission
Sid’s transformation didn’t just change his life, it inspired a new idea. Thorndike Press teamed up with Sid and Amy to create Sid’s Collection: a handpicked set of 12 youth large print books chosen to help other kids discover the same joy and confidence.
These are stories full of heart, humor, and hope. Books that remind kids that reading can be fun, doable, and empowering. And each one is formatted in large print to make reading more accessible from the very first page.
“Seeing Sid fall in love with reading again reminded me why access matters.” —Amy
The Proof Is in the Pages
Teachers nationwide are seeing real results when they introduce large print in their classrooms.
Sid’s story is just one of many. Across the country, educators are seeing how large print can make a difference. According to the 2024 Project Tomorrow® Research Study:
- 87% of educators said students showed greater reading confidence
- 81% reported reduced reading anxiety
- 71% observed stronger comprehension and engagement
The takeaway? When kids have access to large print, they easily and eagerly read more.
Hear It Straight from Amy: In this short video, Amy talks about Sid’s journey and how one small change in format made a big difference.
Reading Should Feel Possible for Every Child
Large print isn’t just about bigger letters. It’s about building confidence, reducing anxiety, and helping kids connect with stories in a way that feels natural and fun.
Bring Sid’s Collection to your library today. This curated 12-title Youth Large Print collection is valued at $299.81 and available as a complete bundle for $224.91. Search ISBN: 9781420533064 to order. Need help? Contact your Thorndike Press representative.