Research has shown that reading contributes to vocabulary development. Our knowledge of vocabulary directly affects our ability to understand what we read.
It has also been demonstrated that the more one reads, the better reader one becomes.
Therefore, it is very important that we encourage children to read as much as possible.
So, how do we get children who are dyslexic to read? It’s a good question. None of us likes to do something that we are not very good at.
One way that has proven successful is to have children and teens read in areas of interest.
Rosalie Fink has published on successful dyslexic adults who learned to read by pursuing areas of interest. Because the topic was of such high interest to them, they were highly motivated to read about the content and persevered despite the reading challenges.
One of the difficulties we face is finding reading material that is rich and of interest to the child, yet is not so difficult that he or she can’t access the text.
We have identified some sources that have adapted context and vocabulary rich novels, including some of the classics, for the struggling reader. We’ve also provided a link to the International Reading Association’s resource list of books that students in grades 7–12 have identified to be of interest to them.
Whether you are a parent or a teacher, make time in the day where kids have time to read for fun. Leisure reading will promote reading skills. And, importantly, let them choose—whether it’s a novel, a comic book, a sports magazine—the goal is to read, read, read and enjoy it!
Fun, free printable books for English-speaking kids (aged 4-8), and for people who are learning to read English as a second language.
In 1953, Owen Meany hits a foul ball in his Little League game that strikes and kills his best friend’s mother. Owen searchers for deeper meaning in this coming-of-age tale written by a dyslexic author.
The troublemaking duo of George and Harold hypnotize their grouchy principal into believing that he is a superhero named ‘The Amazing Captain Underpants’. This book is written in comic book style to engage young readers.
by Kazu Kibuishi—a graphic novel that had me hooked within pages!
Follow Stan as he overcomes his frustration with letters, with a friend’s help, and learns to make his letters come out “the right way round and the right way up.”
Barrington Stoke is an independent publisher dedicated to cracking reading and has books for both children and adults. Their books are commissioned, edited, and designed to minimize some of the obstacles that can stop struggling, reluctant, or dyslexic readers getting hooked by a book.
Beyond Decodables is an online resource that aims to support reading success by providing resources to practice decoding skills in meaningful contexts. It houses a collection of free research-based books that were designed to allow children to practice their skills.
Geared toward children who struggle with reading, this book follows a girl working to achieve her dreams of being a baker. Its goal is to inspire children to persevere and believe in themselves.
Capstone Press offers high-interest educational and illustrated books aimed at different reading and interest levels. There are different series, including one with graphic-novel biographies, and one with more historically focused books.
Designed for students aged 9-12 years old, Dekko Comics provides an engaging platform for learning and reading. Available in subscriptions from 3-12 months or individual copies, each comic varies in subject matter that is based on UK school curriculum. It has been proven to be motivational and impactful for those who struggle to learn in normal learning styles, such as those with dyslexia and autism.
Written by Dr. Shawn & Inshirah Robinson, the book follows a boy with dyslexia who is a superhero. The book is based on Dr. Shawn Robinson’s personal life experience growing up as an African-American boy with dyslexia and the struggles and the triumphs he went through. The authors hope that the book is a source of inspiration and hope for kids and parents reading the book.
A delightful book series that gives kids a chance to practice towards mastery of newly learned phonics rules before introducing the next set of rules. Fun and engaging books that are perfect for phonics readers and dyslexic learners. Start anywhere in the series, according to your child’s reading level.
Authentic, decodable books provide successful and motivating first reading experiences for students who are not yet fluent readers. Comprehensive instructional materials help teachers develop students’ foundational reading skills and close reading skills, beginning students on their path toward a literate future.
Evelyn, and unhappy housewife, and Ninny, an elderly nursing home resident, develop an unlikely friendship that inspires both women to find happiness in their lives.
Henry Winkler (a.k.a. “The Fonz” from Happy Days) is the co-author of a series featuring a young dyslexic. The protagonist, Hank Zipzer, is inspired by Winkler’s own experiences in school and on the set of Happy Days, where he used his humor and imagination to succeed despite his dyslexia.
by JK Rowling—getting ready for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child—What more is there to say about that?
High Noon Books offers a wide selection of books for low-level readers, including a Streamlined Shakespeare series, which presents six classic Shakespeare plays in an easier-to-read format. The website also offers classics such as Great Expectations and The Count of Monte Cristo, as well as Sci-Fi, Mystery, and Sports
Dana, a modern African-America woman, suffers a dizzy spell which transports her back in time to the antebellum South. This novel exposes truths about race and identity.
by Mary Pope Osborne. Younger kids really like it when they are reading a “chapter book” and these are good. And, the narratives have wonderful companion texts that are nonfiction!
by Robert C. O’Brien—a 1972 Newbery Medal winner. Many of my kiddos really love books with anthropomorphic animals. (I’ll watch the movie when we’ve finished.) And, anthropomorphic is a great word to tear apart using our knowledge of Latin and Greek origins of English words!
Brian is mocked by his peers for his struggles in reading and writing until his teacher detects that he has dyslexia. Brian is able to get the help he needs to be become a successful student.
This kid-friendly series was recommended to us by a parent. Centered on Greek mythology, each book follows the main character, Percy Jackson, through different adventures that are loosely based on those of ancient Greek heroes.
Designed for kids by three teachers, their books are designed to engage and enthuse beginner and reluctant readers. The highly-structured phonic sequence ensures reading success and building of confidence from the very beginning.
The Saddleback classics (e.g. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Pride & Prejudice) are adapted for developing readers at a 4.0–5.0 reading level. The adaptations still contain the author’s style and themes, but they have fewer words, shorter paragraphs, and less complex wording. Some even have audio.
In this Patricia Polacco children’s book, a student excited to learn is challenged when she finds it difficult to read letters and numbers. She struggles with bullying from her classmates but is then lucky to finally have a teacher who recognizes her talent and takes the time to support her reading journey. This is a great resource for reassuring children struggling with learning disabilities.
by Kathi Appelt, a 2013 National Book Award finalist and another book with anthropomorphic animals.
Charlotte Doyle joins an all-male crew aboard a transatlantic ship in 1832. She experiences thrilling adventure while helping the crew expose the evil doings of the captain.
Beautiful illustrations and text tell the tale of a grandmother helping a little girl overcome her fear of thunder by baking a special cake. This book will help young readers alleviate their own bad weather fears.
“Who was?” books are early elementary reads for students, covering over 100 famous figures in history such as Benjamin Franklin, Claude Monet, and Marco Polo. There are also the “What was?” and “Where is?” book series, which explain historic events landmarks such as the Boston Tea Party and the Great Wall of China.
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