Children's bookclub: Read answers from our Q&A with Henry 'The Fonz' Winkler, author of Hank Zipzer.

Hi
just wondering what you think about the recent articles and public debate, stemming from Yale and Durham University, arguing that the term dyslexia is meaningless, unscientific and should be abandoned? Was it helpful to you to have a specific label for your difficulties?

Ooh, I've just seen this... didn't know it started as a book. Will have to look out for it for our very relucant reader (ADHD and maybe dyslexia).

My question... do you have any encouraging advice for our 7 year old, who is slowly getting there, with lots of help, but is massively reulctant to read.

And... do you have any advice for me, especially when I feel my well of patience rapildy draining whenever I try to help him?

Thanks.

Jem, Scarlett, Archie and I have absolutely LOVED watching the new series on TV. It was everything we could have hoped for and more. Jem was super lucky to have played just the tiniest part in The Curtain Went Up, My Trousers Fell Down, and he says it was every bit as fun on set filming as it is to watch. He's exceptionally proud to have been a part of such a great success. His school friends, dance and drama friends and family are all asking if there's going to be another series after this one ... so we hope to goodness you've got some more books up your sleeve!!

Hi

Firstly thank you for the book win.

My questions are:

1. How do you feel now that your books have been made into a Children's TV Series ??
2. Was this your plan for the books from the start ??
3. Also The character for yourself (Mr Rock) Is he based on someone you know / knew ??

Many thanks.

Question from my Son (age 9) - Were you bullied at school for being dyslexic and how did it make you feel

My 9 year old son has just "found" you, he laughs, churckles and his eyes widen when he re-tells me the storylines.

All I want to say is thank you :)

PS I had a Fonz Poster on my bedroom wall when I was his age and Im not ashamed to admit it you STILL ROCK :)

Hi Henry

I am looking forward to reading your book.

I was wondering how you feel about your dyslexia now? How does it affect your life these days? Was it difficult to write the book?

Would you consider writing for adults? I am a dyslexia specialist and I work with adults at the moment. It is very difficult to find suitable books for adults that are learning to read or who struggle to read.

Thank you for writing these books.

Hi, just to say that my 6 year old loves your books and thinks the characters and story lines are very funny. He is pleased that you are writing more books. Is the character Hank based on your experiences as a child? Did you have an annoying little sister and a very cool grandad Papa Pete?
My son likes the aspect of Hanks character that things may be difficult but he always finds a solution to his problems.
Thanks for writing these books, I was surprised to see 'The Fonz' had branched out as an author!