Press release
Seeing Reading Differently: How Alexandra Spichtig, Ph.D., is Redefining Literacy Through Vision Science - and Bringing it to Life in Her Award-Winning Book, Ahoy! A Pirate Goes to See!
In Ahoy! A Pirate Goes to See!, Dr. Alexandra Spichtig draws on more than 20 years of research in reading and vision science to highlight how visual challenges can contribute to learning struggles-and how awareness can transform a child's educational experience.Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/upload/2025/11/35735b8f2f06911a909b7b692b3abeb6.jpg
Alexandra Spichtig, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized reading researcher whose work is helping reshape how educators understand how children learn to read. A former elementary school teacher turned innovator, she has spent more than two decades studying how eye movement behavior and visual skills influence reading fluency, comprehension, and motivation. Her research has been published in leading academic journals and presented at major conferences, including the European Conference on Eye Movements, the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading, the American Educational Research Association, and the World Education Research Association.
As Co-Founder and CEO of the Stanford Taylor Foundation and former Chief Research Officer at Reading Plus, Dr. Spichtig has led innovative initiatives that translate scientific insights into effective instructional tools for educators and students worldwide. Deeply passionate about empowering all learners, she continues to champion a broader understanding of how visual and perceptual skills influence reading, learning, and lifelong success.
Her award-winning children's book, Ahoy! A Pirate Goes to See! -recipient of the Mom's Choice Award-brings her research to life through story. This one-on-one interview shares Alexandra's background and experience writing the book.
Tell us about Ahoy! A Pirate Goes To See!
Ahoy! A Pirate Goes to See! is a heartwarming adventure that helps children understand that reading isn't just about words-it's also about how the eyes and brain work together to make sense of them.
The story follows Max, a spirited second grader who loves pirates, treasure, and his loyal parrot, Coco. But reading doesn't come easily to Max. Letters seem to dance, and words drift away like sinking treasure. Just when he begins to doubt his smarts, Max meets Dr. Costa, a wise vision specialist who discovers that his eyes aren't working together as a proper pirate crew should.
With a pirate patch, courage, and plenty of imagination, Max sets out to train his "pirate eyes" and reclaim his confidence. Joined by his sister, Coach Gina, and trusty First Mate Coco, he learns that the real treasure isn't gold-it's believing in yourself.
The book is both fun and empowering. It reminds children that every learner can chart their own course to success once they understand their challenges.
What inspired you to write Ahoy! A Pirate Goes To See!
Over the course of my career, I've watched many bright, curious students begin to lose confidence as reading became harder for them. They often concluded they weren't smart enough-when, in fact, something more subtle was happening: their eyes weren't working together efficiently.
My research revealed that a significant number of struggling readers are held back by underdeveloped visual skills, which can lead to inefficient reading habits. Because these children often pass standard vision screenings, their challenges remain hidden and unaddressed-leaving them frustrated and misunderstood.
I wanted to change that narrative. Ahoy! A Pirate Goes to See! was written to give children a way to describe what they experience and to help parents and teachers recognize when a deeper visual issue might be at play. My hope is that Max's story opens conversations, builds understanding, and helps children receive the right support early-so they can rediscover the joy and adventure of reading.
How did your background and experience influence your writing?
My work in education and reading research has shown me that even with strong instruction and dedicated effort, some students continue to struggle with reading because their eyes may not be working together efficiently when processing print. When foundational visual skills are underdeveloped, even excellent instruction can't fully do what it's designed to do-because students are working harder to see than to read.
Although so much of classroom learning depends on visual input, typical school screenings only test how clearly a child can see at a distance. They rarely assess functional visual skills-like visual attention, eye-movement control, accommodation, or eye teaming-all of which are essential for fluent reading and comprehension.
When these skills aren't fully developed during the early "learning-to-read" years, students may form inefficient reading habits that persist long after their visual skills mature. Recognizing and strengthening these skills early can make a profound difference. Writing Ahoy! A Pirate Goes to See! was my way of translating years of research into a story that helps children and adults alike understand this often-overlooked piece of the literacy puzzle.
What is one message you would like readers to remember?
I want every reader-child, parent, or educator-to know that struggling with reading doesn't mean a child isn't smart, capable, or motivated. Sometimes the difficulty lies in how the eyes and brain coordinate, not in the child's effort or intelligence.
Through Max's journey, I hope readers feel a sense of empathy and encouragement. When challenges are understood, they can be addressed-and when they're addressed, growth happens: confidence returns, curiosity awakens, and the joy of learning has space to flourish.
Most of all, I hope Ahoy! A Pirate Goes to See! inspires awareness, compassion, and the courage to seek answers when learning doesn't feel right. Every child deserves the chance to feel successful, capable, and proud of the way they read the world.
Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/upload/2025/11/06cbddde8ad69f4901826d9b99599e54.jpg
Purchasing the Book
Ahoy! A pirate goes to see! has received positive reviews from well-known literary organizations, authors, and reviewers around the world. Book Excellence writes, " With warmth and imagination, Ahoy! A Pirate Goes to See! helps children feel seen, parents feel supported, and teachers gain new understanding behind an often-overlooked contributing factor of reading difficulties. A true treasure for classrooms and family bookshelves alike ." In addition, an Amazon Reviewer writes, " I would highly recommend this book to every reading teacher and parent that has experienced the heartache of watching a child struggle with reading and what it does to their self-esteem. Thank you, Alexandra, for sharing such an important message with the world. "
The book is available for sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online bookstores. Readers are encouraged to purchase their copy today: https://www.amazon.com/Ahoy-Pirate-Goes-Alexandra-Spichtig/dp/B0CJ4DL9SN/
To connect with Alexandra and learn more about her work, visit: https://www.alexandraspichtig.com. You can also find her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-spichtig-630a5b24], X [https://twitter.com/alexspichtig] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alexspichtig/].
Media Contact
Company Name: Author News Network
Contact Person: Media Relations
Email:Send Email [https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=seeing-reading-differently-how-alexandra-spichtig-phd-is-redefining-literacy-through-vision-scienceand-bringing-it-to-life-in-her-awardwinning-book-ahoy-a-pirate-goes-to-see]
Country: United States
Website: http://authornewsnetwork.com
Legal Disclaimer: Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. ABNewswire makes no warranties or responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you are affiliated with this article or have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article and would like it to be removed, please contact retract@swscontact.com
This release was published on openPR.
Permanent link to this press release:
Copy
Please set a link in the press area of your homepage to this press release on openPR. openPR disclaims liability for any content contained in this release.
You can edit or delete your press release Seeing Reading Differently: How Alexandra Spichtig, Ph.D., is Redefining Literacy Through Vision Science - and Bringing it to Life in Her Award-Winning Book, Ahoy! A Pirate Goes to See! here
News-ID: 4270384 • Views: …
More Releases from ABNewswire
GSCAI Cloud Computing: A strategic lever from cost center to an innovation engin …
In today's digital economy, traditional IT is often a "cost center" supporting operations. With mature cloud computing-especially intelligent platforms like GSCAI-computing power becomes a core engine driving digital asset value and returns
Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/upload/2025/11/c2d1bcee19e6b36b5022e1b0f65953b0.jpg
Make your computing power generate revenue anytime, anywhere.
GSCAI [http://gscai.com]lets users access powerful computing resources without owning servers or managing complex systems. Through intelligent management and contract models, users can turn computing power and data into tradable digital assets,…
Hawaiian Author Constantine I. Nightingdale Challenges Religious Discourse with …
HAWAII - Veteran Hawaiian community leader and acclaimed author, Constantine I. Nightingdale, is stirring worldwide conversation with his award-winning book, Dangers of Islam: What Every Muslim and Christian Should Know of Islam. The book, featured on the national program This Week In America with Ric Bratton, is praised as a direct, investigative, and unapologetically pointed look at the theological and ideological distinctions between Christianity, Islam, and cultic belief systems.
Constantine I.…
From Atmosphere to Attitude: "The Climate Is Changing, Can Humans?" Challenges R …
The climate is changing fast. The real question, according to author and systems thinker David L. Hawk, is whether we are changing at all. In his bold new book, The Climate is Changing, Can Humans?. Hawk argues that the real emergency isn't just in our skies and oceans, but in our habits, our culture, and our willingness to truly transform.
Originally titled The Climate is Changing, Will Humans?, the book took…
Japan Residential Construction Market to Reach USD 203.56 Billion by 2030, Drive …
Mordor Intelligence has published a new report on the Japan Residential Construction Market, offering a comprehensive analysis of trends, growth drivers, and future projections.
Japan Residential Construction Market Overview
According to Mordor Intelligence, the Japan Residential Construction Market size [https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/japan-residential-construction-market?utm_source=abnewswire] is valued at USD 170.57 billion in 2025 and is projected to climb to USD 203.56 billion by 2030, translating into a steady 3.60% CAGR. This growth reflects the increasing need for…
More Releases for Ahoy!
One Eyed Jack's to Host Grand Opening this Friday in Littleton, NC
Local Pirate-Themed Restaurant Sets Sail August 15th, Bringing Food, Fun, and a Splash of Adventure to Lake Gaston.
Ahoy, Lake Gaston! The wait is over- One Eyed Jack's is officially opening it's doors this Friday, August 15th, inviting locals and visitors to enjoy a full day of great food, lively atmosphere, and a unique experience from 11am to 10pm.
Locatedin the heart of Littleton, One Eyed Jack's offers one-of-a-kind pirate themed setting,…
Jet Skis Ahoy Introduces Exciting Multi-Day Rental Discounts
Jet Skis Ahoy in Lake Chelan now offers multi-day rental discounts, making extended water adventures more affordable. The company provides Yamaha VX jet skis, pontoon boats, speedboats, and paddleboards for various lake activities. With over a century of service, Jet Skis Ahoy ensures fun, safety, and high-quality experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Chelan, WA - June 10, 2025 - Jet Skis Ahoy, a trusted name in watercraft rentals on Lake…
Kaptein Coffee Launches Small Batch Coffee Collection Featuring High-Caffeine an …
Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2025/04/1745449422.jpg
Kaptein Coffee launches new small batch collection featuring high caffeine and functional mushroom blends crafted for endurance and focus
Kaptein Coffee introduces six new small batch blends featuring high caffeine and functional mushroom options, crafted for energy, focus, and purpose-driven routines
Kaptein Coffee has launched a new line of small batch, responsibly sourced coffees [http://www.kapteincoffee.com], introducing six unique blends designed for individuals seeking bold flavor, enhanced focus, and lasting energy. Founded…
Sail into Excitement with LimoVenture Party Buses at Pirates Dinner Adventure Or …
Image: https://www.getnews.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1727500990.png
LimoVenture Party Bus In Orlando, Florida
LimoVenture guests can dive into the swashbuckling world of Pirates Dinner Adventure in Orlando with an exclusive offer: VIP Dinner Show tickets for just $65. Immerse yourself in an action-packed evening of pirate tales, thrilling stunts, and hearty feasts, all enhanced by LimoVenture's luxurious transport service.
September 30th, 2024 - Orlando, Florida - Ahoy, adventure seekers! Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through…
Jet Skis Ahoy - Leading Boat Rental Company in Lake Chelan Has New Website Desig …
Atlanta, GA - August 08, 2024 - Jet Skis Ahoy, a top boat rental company operating in Lake Chelan, is excited to announce their brand new website designed by SEO Guru Atlanta [https://www.seoguruatlanta.com/], one of the best SEO companies in the region. SEO Guru is dedicated to serving clients in various parts of the world, making sure they have the right strategies to stand out online and win against their…
Marine Management Software Market Share, Trends, Future Outlook, Analysis and Fo …
The global marine management software market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of around 7.8% during the forecast period. The market players are considerably contributing to the market growth by adopting various strategies including mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, and new product launches, to stay competitive in the market.
For instance, Lloyd's Register had partnered with Falkonry in April 2021, to combine their predictive digital twins with asset performance and risk…
