My latest Bible Review is coming to you from Zondervan and it might just be one of the best Bible reading experiences for you (or someone you know) if you have ADHD, Dyslexia or just have reading overwhelm when you look at a page crowded with words in nine point font. I was excited when contacted to check out these Bibles, as I know a number of people (including myself) who are the target reader for the Bible features which are offered in these latest creations from the publishers.
Because I have multiple opportunities to serve in my local church with a variety of people groups I am able to be a matchmaker for people and Bibles. Just call me the Bible Matchmaker. I love to connect others to the Bible type and version which best suits their need. Let’s check out this Bible and see if it’s a fit for you or someone you know- or may know in the future.
“The Clear Focus Bible can help readers stay focused and truly absorb what they’re reading,” said Laura Bartlett, Associate Publisher for Zondervan Bibles. The claim is that “The Clear Focus Bible uses Bionic Reading®, which enables you to read more and with greater comprehension. Developed by Swiss scientists, Bionic Reading® bolds the portion of each word most critical for comprehension and guides the eye from word to word over the text. This allows the brain to stay engaged, identify previously learned words, and absorb information without losing focus.”
I have done a bit of research on this and although it has been successfully used, it is not scientifically validated at this time. However, that doesn’t mean it actually isn’t helpful!
The Bionic Reading method highlights, in bold letters the beginning portion of each word, so the bold font allows your brain to “jump” to finishing the word, and thought. The idea is your mind is faster than your ability to read. The method tries to facilitate the brains ability to complete words, sentences and thoughts, by utilizing this font, and typesetting feature. If you look at it from a distance, it looks strange on the page. But if you sit down and actually read the pages, it is quite powerful.
After receiving the two Bibles sent to me, I promptly shared the Kids version with a mom whose son has both dyslexia and ADHD. Here is what this 11-year-old said after using the Clear Focus Bible:
“I really really liked it. It was much easier for me to read. It helped me to stay focused and concentrated. I liked that there was enough spacing in between the words and sentences so it didn’t get all jumbled in my head. The bold parts of the words helped me to stay focused instead of getting distracted. I read 3 chapters so easily and so much faster than I could in my other Bible. I feel like I can actually understand what I’m reading instead of having to go back and re-read to make sense of it. I think it will make a big difference in me WANTING to read my BIBLE now. I’m grateful I get to keep using it each day. “
From the publisher: The NIrV Clear Focus Bible for Kids is specifically geared towards young readers who get easily distracted or frustrated by helping them recognize familiar words faster and stay focused on the story. Each page features generous line spacing, dark gray text and simplified page elements, which can help children who face reading challenges, including dyslexia or ADHD, have a more enjoyable reading experience and boost the reader’s confidence. The Bible uses the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV), which is based on the bestselling NIV, and written for a third grade reading level.
“Our goal at Bionic Reading is to promote reading and content comprehension in a way that cuts through the noise,” said Renato Casutt, Bionic Reading’s CEO, founder and inventor.
My Thoughts: I found the space between words to be exceptionally helpful. The whitespace between lines and the clear, easy to read font facilitated a refreshing reading experience. I did feel I could “skim over” yet still actually read the words and comprehend well. We know that often before validation many studies must be performed and repeated. However often results experienced by individuals precede these confirmations. Not to sound cliché but the proof is in the pudding, seeing is believing, yadda, yadda, yadda. It may not be 100 percent validated yet scientifically, but when enough people are able to experience improvement in their ability to read comprehensively who struggle normally, it’s worth trying. With so many barriers and obstacles from within and without for reading Scripture, it seems any way we can make the God’s Word more accessible is a valid endeavor.
In conclusion: This will fit for a number of Bible reading and study needs for those with ADHD, dyslexia (and maybe other reading comprehension issues?) I think for the targeted readers of this Bible, I would recommend trying it out for a week or two, if possible. Or at the very least, go to the bookstore, and have a look at the pages. Or you can go to the website where you can see a clear view of the print: Here and determine if it might be a good fit for you.
The Clear Focus Bible is available in multiple translations: NIV, NIrV, NIrV for Kids, NASB, NVI (Spanish). It also comes in hardcover, e-book, and Leathersoft covers. Explore them here: Check out the Bibles.
A big thank you to my volunteer mom and son Bible Review partners for helping make this review so much better.
Thanks to Zondervan for sending these Bibles for me to check out and for Robin contacting me.
I received these Bibles in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to my readers, friends and followers for being here. If you have a Bible, journal, notebook or planner you want me to review, reach out and let me know.
Enthusiastically, Dawn
Enthusiastically, Dawn 