One of the earliest signs of Dyslexia is difficulty reading. More signs include kids avoid reading, either out loud or themselves, and having problems figuring out what words, meaning it’s hard for them to figure out what letters make what sounds to form a word.
When you have to put that much work into reading, which seems easy for other kids, it’s not surprising when many kids with Dyslexia do not enjoy reading. They know the adventures and fun books can unlock for kids, they just can’t seem to find the key. This is a crucial time to help children find ways to love reading. Not only will it develop vocabulary and literacy skills, it will help them build confidence and have positive experiences with books.
Audio Books
Before we get into actual paper books, I do have to note that audio books where children can follow along are an exceptional help, especially to young readers. My daughter’s grade two teacher gave her Magic Treehouse Collection #1-8 audiobooks that she could listen to the book being read and follow-along in the book at the same time. The fact that she could ‘read’ the same chapter books as kids in her class was a huge help.
Younger kids might also like another of her faves: the Disney Read Along books like Cars, Tangled and Onward.
Onto the paper books!
Some of these books are specifically written for struggling readers, some have characters with Dyslexia and all will inspire readers.
Here are some great suggestions for Primary and Elementary school aged Children.
Best Books for Little Kids
Phonic Books
These books are designed to engage kids. The highly-structured sentences helps kids build confidence and success in reading. Basically, they teach sounds for letters like t, p. a and s so that kids can form works like ‘tap’, ‘taps’, ‘pat’, ‘pats’ and ‘sat’.
Honestly, most of my kid’s phonics books I found at our local dollarstore. But it really depends on your kids interests, pick something they are interested in and want to read about.
Here are some that we bought she really liked:
Paw Patrol – these are great and come in a cure carrying case.
Curious George – these books may have been around since my time, but they are easy to read and kids love George. They are also popular in schools too.
Trace and Learn Sight Words – these books can be fun for kids and help them learn both reading and writing.
Anything by Dr. Seuss!
My kids actually have the Dr. Seuss books from when I was a kid and they are still relevant today. They use a limited vocabulary that allow for easy reading to build repetitive practice and sight learning of words. There’s a good reason for that too – Dr. Seuss books were created to be used in school, using only 223 sight words supplied that was believed if kids could get to understand those words, they would be better readers.
Our favorite ‘Wacky Wednesday’ is interactive, which made it more fun.
Some favorites include:
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish
And of course, The Cat in the Hat.
Now Dr. Seuss even has a Beginner Book collection.
Tacky the Penguin series
There books were introduced by a friend. Not only are they a great read, they are great for anyone who may be different and have problems fitting in. These books show the adventures of an odd hero penguin who struggles with being different. Many Dyslexic children already feel different and that they don’t fit in, so these show them a positive example that it’s ok to be different.
They are great for kids aged 4-8 & many have an audio book option too. You can visit the authors site to find out about her books, but our favorites are:
It’s Called Dyslexia
A great book for kids aged 4-8, It’s Called Dyslexia is written from the point of view of a child with Dyslexia. In the story an elementary-aged girl who goes from loving school to hating it when she can’t figure out how to put the letters into words to read them and writes words backwards. She soon finds help and hidden talents. There is also a two-page section to help guide parents.
Here’s Hank
These books were first given to my son and he passed them onto his sister. It was only recently that I found out the Here’s Hank series is written by Henry Winkler (a.k.a. the Fonz). These books will appeal to many kids aged 6-8 because they follow the adventures of a bright boy in grade two with learning challenges.
Hank Zipzer: World’s Greatest Underachiever
For older kids (age 7-12), they can continue the Here’s Hank adventures with Hank Zipzer: World’s Greatest Underachiever focus on a 12-year old boy (Nick James) whose dyslexia poses certain challenges for him in school and extracurricular learning. There is also a TV series and since 2015 the books are published with a special font ‘Dyslexie’, designed to make it easier for dyslexics to read.
If You’re So Smart, How Come You Can’t Spell Mississippi?
Kate’s dad is one of the busiest attorneys in town and Kate always thought her dad was smart, until she asked him for help with her spelling list. How can her dad be so smart and not be able to spell the word Mississippi. This is a great book for children aged 5-7 who are beginning to doubt their own potential, it highlights that learning challenges in reading and spelling are often accompanied with ‘special’ abilities like pattern recognition and spatial reasoning.
Captain Underpants
These books are about a trouble making duo of George and Harold who hypnotize their principal into believing that he is a superhero named ‘The Amazing Captain Underpants’. Written in comic book style younger kids love the potty (toilet) humor and it opens a whole new world of loving books. There is a bit of a debate on age groups but that really depends on each individual kid, but most agree it’s ideally suited for 7-11 year olds.
My name is Brain Brian
This one is aimed at boys aged 8-12. My name is Brain Brian is about a boy who has always known he is different. He knows he has some problem with reading and writing and does not look forward to going to school. Soon into grade six, his teacher steps in after she sees him writing ‘Brain’ instead of ‘Brian’. With someone who ‘gets’ him Brian sees his brain works just fine.
Fish in a Tree
Great for ages 8-12, the book ‘Fish in a Tree‘ truly speaks to anyone who has ever felt that there was something wrong with them because they don’t fit in. The basis of the book is on the phrase: “Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.”
The book addresses the main character ‘Ally’ feelings that she is ‘dumb’ and scared to ask for help. Through the help of a teacher Ally learns to believe in herself and that Dyslexia is a part of her, it does not mean she is not intelligent and can finally make sense of reading.
Are there any books we missed? Let us know.
