Book

Dear Genius

Harness the Hidden Power in Your ABCs

What becomes possible when the alphabet is relearned.

Dear Genius book cover

What the book is about

Dear Genius invites readers to see the alphabet as a living foundation — not a checklist to memorize and forget.

It explores how letter patterns, symbols, and self-understanding shape writing, spelling, reading, expression, and the quiet confidence that learning depends on.

The book is written for anyone who senses that a child's struggle runs deeper than effort alone.

A thoughtful woman seated near a window, holding and reading an open hardcover book with both hands

Assessment, understanding, and relearning

The book shares how a targeted assessment can identify foundational points of confusion — so ongoing challenges begin to make sense without shame or blame.

Those findings can help families and educators see what may be underneath reading, writing, and focus friction.

The gaps can then be addressed through an engaging, hands-on alphabet relearning approach that draws on a broader range of strengths and capacities.

Early shifts in capability can change how a learner sees themselves — though every reader's path is different, and no single outcome is guaranteed.

Diane created an assessment system designed to identify points of confusion so that persistent challenges begin to make sense — without shame, blame, or defining the learner through a label.
A parent seated near a window with quiet recognition after a hands-on learning activity
A parent reviewing assessment notes and recognizing patterns that may apply to their own learning history — not only their child's.

Who it is for

  • Parents who see intelligence in their child but friction in schoolwork
  • Educators rethinking literacy foundations
  • School leaders exploring confidence and ownership in learning
  • Curious readers who care about how children come to believe in themselves
Mixed-race family with parents, daughter, and son learning together at a dining table

Core themes

  • Alphabet ownership — knowing letters deeply, not just reciting them
  • The link between symbols, writing, and identity
  • Why messy writing often signals something structural, not careless
  • Confidence as a learning foundation
  • What becomes possible when the alphabet is relearned
  • Stories of early breakthroughs through alphabet relearning
Editorial still life in warm natural light

Why the alphabet matters

Before reading fluency, before essay structure, before test scores — there are patterns.

When those patterns stay fuzzy, children work harder for smaller returns. They may look unmotivated when they are actually overloaded.

Dear Genius brings attention to that earlier layer: the courage to relearn symbols, sounds, and shapes with clarity and care.

Diane Devenyi — founder of The Learning Force

Author

Dear Genius is written by Diane Devenyi, JD, MEd, founder of The Learning Force and principal speaker for the organization's programs.

About The Learning Force

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The Learning Force speaking program offers talks and workshops for parent groups, schools, conferences, and learning communities.

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