Looking for the right books for someone with dyslexia or reading difficulties can be a bit overwhelming, given there are almost 130 million books to choose from. Luckily, we asked some parents about which books their dyslexic children enjoyed reading. So, here are some of the books they recommended, listed according to different ages. Yes, that also includes some books to help you wrap your head around dyslexia. Take a look.
Content List
Books for Children Aged 5 - 8
Books for Children Aged 8 - 12
Books for Teens
Books for All Ages
Books to Help You Understand Dyslexia
Audio Books for Parents Who Are Reluctant to Read
COVID-19 Lockdown Bonus
1. Books for Children Aged 5 - 8
It's Called Dyslexia
Written by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos, illustrated by Marta Fabrega
Whoever said that learning to read and write is easy? Sarah is unhappy and she no longer enjoys school. When learning to read and write, she tries to remember which way the letters go but she often gets them all mixed up.
After she discovers that dyslexia is the reason for her trouble, she begins to understand that with extra practice and help from others, she will begin to read and write correctly. At the
same time, she also discovers a hidden talent
she never knew existed!
Get it on Amazon or the Dyslexia Shop
Molly Rogers to the Rescue
Written by by Cornelia Funke, illustrated by Kasia Matyjaszek
Thieves, greedy pirates and mischief-makers are no match for Molly Rogers! When Molly and her mother, Barbarous Bertha, discover that Captain Firebeard is destroying Monkey Skull Island in search of buried treasure, they set sail on the Red Swallow to save the island and its animals from his clutches. But Firebeard will stop at nothing to get his treasure - how will Molly outwit him this time? A fantastic swashbuckling adventure for little readers, bursting with brilliant characters, gorgeous illustrations and lots of girl power!
Get it on Amazon or Barrington Stoke!
Grandpa was an Astronaut
Written by Jonathan Meres, illustrated by Hannah Coulson
Sherman loves the moon and he loves his grandpa even more - who has actually been to the moon! Grandpa was an astronaut and has a chunk of moon rock on his mantlepiece. Playing space games with Grandpa is one of Sherman's most favourite things ever so he's thrilled to hear that's exactly what a visit to Grandpa will involve. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.
Get it on Amazon or Barrington Stoke!
Special Delivery
Written by by Jonathan Meres, illustrated by Hannah Coulson
All Frank wants is a new bike, but bikes cost money ... So he better start saving! When he settles on helping his sister, Lottie, with her paper round, the last thing Frank expects is to meet an old lady wearing a cowboy hat and boots - she's not like anyone he's ever met before. But Frank's new friend seems a bit muddled, and when she needs help, he's the only one there to lend a hand. A gentle exploration of Dementia and a touching tale of forging friendships across generations.
Get it on Amazon or Barrington Stoke!
The Bakery Of Happiness
Written & illustrated by Ian Beck
Paul du Pain's bakery is a very special place. Each day, Paul bakes the bread while Marie serves customers in the shop. Everyone who walks in the door walks back out feeling happier than before. But when Marie goes away, Paul's days become sad and grey. Without her, the bakery's magic is gone. Will Paul ever be able to win her back? A charming, heartfelt and timeless tale from an award-winning author-illustrator.
Get it on Amazon or Barrington Stoke!
2. Books for Children Aged 8 - 12
Fish in a Tree
Written by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of.
The author gives readers an emotionally-charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone who's ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didn't fit in.
Get it on Amazon or Waterstones!
Norman the Norman from Normandy
Written by Philip Ardagh, illustrated by Tom Morgan-Jones
Little Norman the Norman from Normandy loves fighting. All Normans do. When he inherits the broad sword that belonged to his father, Great Big Norman, after he is killed in battle, Little Norman is Little no more and so he sets off to avenge his father's death. Riotous comedy with extra sword-swinging. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.
Get it on Amazon or Barrington Stoke!
Rugby Academy
Written by Tom Palmer, illustrated by David Shephard
Borderlands First XV have their sights set on becoming the best school rugby team in the world. But they have some serious challenges to face along the way. New pupil Woody is a footballer and must decide if he wants to give rugby his all, while Owen finds himself in the spotlight when conflict breaks out within the team. More importantly, many of the players are worried about their parents deployed overseas in the armed forces. With so much to distract them, can they keep their focus on winning and become school rugby champions of Britain, Europe and the world?
Get it on Amazon or Barrington Stoke!
Five Ways To Make A Friend
Written by by Gillian Cross, illustrated by Sarah Horne
It’s Ella’s first day at her new school and she wants to find a friend. But it’s really hard. The girls aren’t interested in her and she doesn’t have the courage to just join in … When she finds a book about making friends Ella decides to try out the tips it recommends. With five excellent ideas up her sleeve, Ella will be friends with the girls in no time … Right?
A touching tale of friendship, understanding and finding the confidence to be yourself.
Get it on Amazon or Barrington Stoke!
Owen and the Soldier
Written by Lisa Thompson
Owen and his mum are struggling. It’s just the two of them at home now and they’re finding it difficult to ask for the help they need. When Owen discovers a crumbling stone soldier in the local park, it feels like he finally has someone he can talk to about his worries. But the town council can't see how important the soldier is and they
want to remove him. Owen’s scared that he’ll be left on his own again, but can he find the courage he needs to save the soldier before it’s too late?
Get it on Amazon or Barrington Stoke!
3. Books for Teens
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: Dyslexia-Friendly Edition
Written by Robert Louis Stevenson
Stevenson's classic story of split personalities lurking beneath the prim and proper morals of Victorian society. Now available in an accessible format for all readers.
Get it on Amazon or Barrington Stoke!
Until We Win
Written by Linda Newbery
A hundred years ago, women didn't have the vote. When Lizzy Frost becomes involved with the fledgling Suffragette movement, it expands her horizons in ways she never could have imagined. From time spent in prison for the cause, to new relationships with fellow campaigners, Lizzy's struggle for votes for women sets her heart on fire. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+.
Get it on Amazon or Barrington Stoke!
Lark
Written by Anthony McGowan
Things are tense at home for Nicky and Kenny. Their mum's coming to visit and it will be the first time they've seen her in years. A lot has changed since they were little and Nicky's not so sure he's ready to see her again. When they head for a trek across the moors to take their minds off everything, a series of unforeseen circumstances leaves the brothers in a vulnerable and very dangerous position. There might even be a chance that this time not everyone will make it home alive
Get it on Amazon or Barrington Stoke!
True Sisters
Written by Keren David
Ruby has had a lot of foster siblings over the years, but none of them have been anything like Clara. After growing up in almost complete isolation, Clara is distraught at being separated from her mother and overwhelmed by life in a world she doesn't understand. But the more Ruby tries to help Clara fit in, the more she realises she has to face up to some struggles of her own...
Get it on Amazon or Barrington Stoke!
4. Books for All Ages
The Bigger Picture Book of Amazing Dyslexics and the Jobs They Do
Written by By Kate Power, Kathy Iwanczak Forsyth, and Paul Smith
Honest about the challenges of dyslexia (like problems or embarrassment at school), while showing how its strengths can be used to your advantage (for example how visualising and big picture thinking can make you shine at work), this is a book of colourful conversations with creative, motivated and successful people who are brilliant at what they do, and who achieve incredible things because of their dyslexia.
Dyslexia is My Superpower (Most of the Time)
Interviews by Margaret Rooke
In more than 100 interviews, children and young adults reveal their personal tips and tactics for honing the creative benefits of dyslexia, enabling them to thrive in school and beyond. Strategies include ways to develop confidence and self-belief. The contributors have outlined specific approaches they feel have helped them, and others that haven't. The book contains stunning illustrations by 8-18 year olds with dyslexia. The first-hand accounts are inspiring in the way they normalise dyslexia and reveal the many success stories.
Get it on Amazon or Waterstones!
5. Books to Help You Understand Dyslexia
The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan
Written by Ben Foss
After years of battling with a school system that did not understand his dyslexia and the shame that accompanied it, renowned activist and entrepreneur Ben Foss is not only open about his dyslexia, he is proud of it. In The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan he shares his personal triumphs and failures so that you can learn from his experiences. Packed with practical ideas and strategies dyslexic children need for excelling in school and in life, this empowering guide provides the framework for charting a future for your child that is bright with hope and unlimited potential.
Get it on Amazon or listen to the audiobook
The Shut-down Learner: Helping Your Academically Discouraged Child
Written by Richard Selznick Ph.D
One of the worst feelings a child can have is being discouraged in school. The sense of hopelessness that pervades can become almost insurmountable. This is the emotional experience for the child called the shut-down learner. Also referred to as Lego kids or high-spatial children, such kids thrive with hands-on tasks that use their visual and spatial abilities. This book offers perspective and hope to parents who are struggling with these issues.
Get it on Amazon!
Overcoming Dyslexia
Written by Sally E. Shaywitz and Jonathan Shaywitz
Dyslexia is the most common learning disorder in the world, affecting one in five individuals. Now Drs Sally and Jonathan Shaywitz give us a substantially updated and augmented edition of her classic work, Overcoming Dyslexia, drawing on an additional fifteen years of ground-breaking scientific research to offer new information on both the big picture and the specific details of dyslexia and reading problems, and providing the tools that parents, teachers and dyslexic individuals of any age need.
Get it on Amazon or Waterstones!
6. Audio Books for Parents Who Are Reluctant to Read
The Gift of Dyslexia
Written by Ronald D. Davis and Eldon M. Braun
Setting out practical step-by-step techniques, using visualisation and multisensory learning, Ronald Davis brings help to the 15% of children and adults who struggle with reading and writing because of dyslexia. In this revised and expanded edition of his classic work Ronald Davis brings real help to people who have dyslexia.
Listen to it on Audible or Learning Ally!
Understanding Dyslexia
By the Centre of Excellence Although this is not really a book, the Understanding Dyslexia Course helps you to better comprehend dyslexia, as well as how it can affect a child's self-esteem, how to identify it, and importantly it covers the many ways in which teaching can be adapted to help a dyslexic learner.
Listen to it on Audible or at the Centre of Excellence!