Book Review: SUSPECTS IN THE SCHOOL, Secrets and Surprising Solution

By Rebecca Ekpe, Vice President, Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)

There are books you read and move on from, and there are those that force society to confront uncomfortable truths. SUSPECTS IN THE SCHOOL, Secrets and Surprising Solution by Margaretha Ubels belongs firmly in the second category.

In this bold and thought-provoking work, Margaretha Ubels courageously tackles one of the most misunderstood and often neglected issues within Ghana’s educational landscape — dyslexia and inclusive education. The author does not merely tell a story; she opens a national conversation many institutions have avoided for years.

At the heart of the book lies a critical question: What happens when children with learning difficulties are misunderstood, ignored or unfairly labelled because teachers, parents and society fail to understand their condition?

Ubels approaches the subject with honesty, empathy and clarity. She exposes how many children struggling with dyslexia are often mistaken for lazy, stubborn or unintelligent, when in reality they simply require different methods of learning and support. The book strongly argues that telling students to “pay attention” is never enough. Instead, society must ask deeper questions: Why is the child unable to concentrate? What challenges remain unseen?

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its insistence that every child is uniquely gifted. Ubels passionately advocates for an education system that recognises diversity in learning abilities rather than forcing all children into one rigid standard. In her view, variety is not a weakness but the true spice of life.

The narrative also raises important concerns about Ghana’s Free Basic Education system and whether adequate structures exist to accommodate students with special educational needs. Through practical examples and lived experiences, the author highlights the urgent need for teachers to better understand dyslexic behaviour and its impact on learning outcomes.

Beyond dyslexia, the book widens the discussion to other pressing social issues affecting children and schools. Bullying in educational institutions, parental neglect, absentee parenting and the psychological effects of hostile learning environments are carefully examined. Ubels further explores the socio-cultural and spiritual dimensions of African society that sometimes reinforce harmful stereotypes surrounding children with learning challenges.

Interestingly, the book does not remain trapped in theory. It offers practical educational approaches such as peer learning, journaling, experiential teaching methods and comprehension exercises that can help improve classroom engagement. The inclusion of glossary sections, chapter summaries and comprehension questions gives the publication the feel of both a literary text and an educational workbook.

Another refreshing aspect of the book is its subtle introduction of themes such as climate change awareness and the importance of promoting domestic tourism, showing the interconnectedness between education and broader societal development.

What makes SUSPECTS IN THE SCHOOL particularly compelling is its accessibility. The language is simple enough for learners yet layered with insights valuable to teachers, education managers, parents and policymakers. It is a revealing and deeply researched production that succeeds in turning a sensitive topic into a constructive national dialogue.

As a journalist, I found the book not only informative but socially necessary. It challenges long-held superstitions, outdated cultural beliefs and systemic neglect that continue to undermine the rights of children to quality education. It reminds readers that inclusive education is not charity — it is justice.

This is a book I strongly recommend for schools, teachers, libraries, education managers and anyone interested in child development and educational reform. More importantly, Ghana needs more ambassadors for inclusive education, and Margaretha Ubels has boldly stepped into that role with this publication.

SUSPECTS IN THE SCHOOL, Secrets and Surprising Solution is more than a book. It is a call to action — one urging society to see every child not as a problem to be managed, but as a potential waiting to be understood and nurtured.

More stories here