Henry Winkler: we knew him as "The Fonz." Kids today know him as the creator of the delightful and dyslexic Hank Zipzer.

The series features a boy--much like Winkler himself--who finds resourceful ways to cope with his dyslexia. The actor-turned-author talks about his personal struggle through school and his take on education.

* What was school like for you?

To be honest, it was extraordinarily difficult. It was like climbing Mount Everest with no clothes on. I didn't get math. Reading is still difficult. Spelling was out of the question. I had teachers who literally had no time or patience.

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* When did you first learn of your dyslexia?

I was 31. My stepson was in the third grade and was diagnosed. It was then that I realized: "Oh my goodness, that was me." Then I saw I had been saying to him all the things that were said to me--"you're so smart, so verbal, you're just lazy." I learned to just be quiet and support him.

* How did you feel?

You get angry. All that tension around learning, all the degrading comments--they were unnecessary and for nothing. Then you get over that and say, "Okay, at least I am not crazy." Now I realize I wouldn't change a thing about those early experiences. Maybe that was the very reason, that one thing, that made me successful.

* What do you say to encourage children with learning disabilities?

So we learn differently--it does not mean that you will not meet your destiny or you will not achieve greatness.

* How can we best help kids with learning disabilities?

Be the most supportive that we can possibly be. Children's feelings about themselves when they meet with frustration again and again can become so damaged and so brutalized. A teacher's understanding will be worth more than any gift the child can receive.

* How much is Hank like you?

I am Hank. When my coauthor, Lin Oliver, and I were writing book #11, (due out soon), Hank needs to get a B+ in long division or he can't be in the play. The scenes shot out of the top of my head. It was like I was in my childhood living room with my father yelling right then.

* What is the reaction from kids?

I don't know any language on the planet to describe it. When I go to schools and speak to children, they are wild with questions about Hank. For some, it's the first book they ever read.

* Do you have advice for teachers?

One of the things that makes me so sad and angry is that we do not revere our teachers in this county. We ask them to do such an important job and pay them little respect. They spend their lives trying to figure out how to unlock those children--too many children. It's an astonishing task. Teaching--aside from parenting--is the most difficult job on earth. I have no advice, only gratitude.

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