Dr. Shawn Anthony Robinson, who was unable to read until he was 18 years old, has made a lifelong commitment to supporting students with dyslexia. It was recently announced that the co-author of the “Dr. Dyslexia Dude” series of graphic novels with Inshirah Robinson and illustrator Brandon Hadnot will soon be inducted into The Reading Center’s Hall of Fame. Robinson will be honored at the center’s Annual Shining Stars Event on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Growing up, Dr. Robinson had a learning disability known as dyslexia, a reading disorder that makes it impossible to interpret spatial relationships or to integrate auditory and visual information. His graphic novels, based on Robinson’s early life experiences, share a compelling story about an African-American boy who is a colorful superhero with dyslexia.
“Being inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame — alongside my professor, Dr. Nash, who ignited the spark of literacy within me at the age of 18 — is a profound honor that captures the transformative power of education, love, and creativity,” Robinson told UW News. “This recognition not only symbolizes my personal growth but also celebrates the enduring impact of dedicated educators who light the way for lifelong learning. I embarked on this journey starting college reading at an elementary level, and I must admit, it was not an easy path. However, it is precisely these challenges that make this honor even more meaningful, serving as both a victory and symbol of hope for students in special education who feel hopeless.”
Robinson earned his Ph.D. in language and literacy and his extensive research and advocacy for the education of young Black males led him to the White House where he presented his research before people in President Obama’s administration’s “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative. He is currently a research affiliate with Wisconsin’s Equity and Inclusion Laboratory (Wei LAB), which is housed in the UW–Madison School of Education’s Wisconsin Center for Education Research.
The Reading Center is a nonprofit that offers a full array of services for students with dyslexia and their families, including tutoring and training for teachers and parents. It is based in Rochester, Minnesota.
