By Jonathan L'Ecuyer. Staff Writer

ROCKPORT - Throughout her career as a reading teacher for children with special needs, Judy Spurr of South Street watched as many of her students struggled not only with reading difficulties, but with the taunting and teasing that often torments the lives of those in special education. It was the struggles of her students and her son that inspired the retired teacher and former journalist to pen "Trapped," a children's novel unlike most others.

The 80-page novel geared toward middle-schoolers hits shelves at Toad Hall Bookstore on Saturday, the same day Spurr will appear at Rockport Public Library as a guest of its Meet the Author series.

Unlike many works of fiction about students with learning difficulties, Spurr's novel focuses on the many ways a child with learning difficulties is the same as other children.

"I wanted to write a book that emphasized the normalcy of their everyday lives, where they play sports, listen to music and hold jobs," Spurr said. "In other words, where they live their lives exactly like their peers."

Spurr's novel tells the story of 12-year-old Jamie Parker, who feels trapped in every aspect of life.

Jamie suffers from dyslexia and dreads returning to middle school because it means special reading classes and relentless teasing by the school bully, Ray Quinn. The only thing Jamie looks forward to is soccer. He was the star goalie over the summer, but must maintain good grades to play on the team in the fall. Meanwhile, at home, Jamie's father is in danger of losing his lobster business because of new fishing regulations. With help from a new best friend, a special reading teacher and his dog, a black Labrador, Jamie breaks free from his traps by balancing special reading classes with his passion for soccer and learning to use humor to deal with bullies like Quinn.

"Students with dyslexia are just like everybody else," Spurr said, noting that Tom Cruise, Walt Disney and Thomas Edison all succeeded despite reading challenges. "Bullying can be defused, but for some it affects the rest of their lives. If a child doesn't have a good self-image to begin with, they won't develop one unless they realize their other talents.

"The majority of my students rose above that (bullying) and have gone on to become successful in their professional and personal lives," she said. "However, many others were not able to put bullying out of their minds and it has affected their adult lives and kept them from reaching their full potential."

The mother and grandmother of four taught for 15 years, including 10 years in Rockport, and has been writing for 20 years. She attended the Massachusetts General Hospital School of Speech and Language Pathology where she specialized in sensory-oriented reading instruction methods.

She started down the fiction-writing road after winning North Shore Magazine's annual Christmas short-story contest a number of years ago. She is now working on a final rewrite of a young-adult novel about a high-school girl dealing with the loss of her father. Following his death, the girl struggles with the fact that she can't remember his voice.

Spurr has also finished the first draft of a historical novel.

"My husband (Newton Spurr) has often asked me why I write, especially after my third or fourth rejection letter," Spurr said. "But writers write, sewers sew, knitters knit. 'Gone with the Wind' was rejected 45 times. It's what I do, aside from teaching, that is."

Spurr said "Trapped" is not only a story embraced by those with reading challenges, but an informative piece for those who tease peers enrolled in special education.

"It is really for all kids to read; it gives them a better understanding of their peers who go for extra help," she said.

Spurr is a community volunteer discussion leader for the library's Family Reading Club. On Saturday, Spurr will read excerpts from "Trapped" and then discuss the book with members of the Family Reading Club. She hopes others are inspired by the club to join in on the conversation.

"The event will be structured like the club, where we sit in a circle and discuss," Spurr said, "rather than me standing there at a podium talking the whole time."

Hope Coffman, the library's director, said she expects the event to be of interest to many members of the community because Spurr is well known for her work with Rockport children.

"I am delighted that Judy's first public book appearance will be here at the library as she is a knowledgeable reading specialist and has a spontaneous way of interacting with children," Coffman said.

Toad Hall Book Store sponsors the library's Meet the Author series. "Trapped" is also available for $8.95 on-line at www.amazon.com.

If you go

* What: Meet the Author series presents Judy Spurr

* Where: Brenner Room, Rockport Public Library

* When: Saturday, Dec. 1 from 1 to 2 p.m.

* Admission: Free