Stories have the power to take young minds on adventures, spark imaginations, and help them learn about themselves. Some stories can help kids understand and care about people who learn differently, like those with dyslexia.

Here are 10 of the best kids' books that feature characters with dyslexia. These books are not only fun to read, but they can also help kids learn about dyslexia and understand the challenges and strengths of people who have it.

10 Best Book for Dyslexic Kids

1. Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Ally has always felt like an outsider at school. She struggles to keep up with her classmates in reading and writing, and she often feels like she's not smart enough. But when she meets a new teacher who understands dyslexia, Ally finally begins to feel like she belongs.‍

2. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson is a dyslexic boy who discovers he's the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. He embarks on a quest to retrieve Zeus's stolen master lightning bolt, and along the way, he learns to embrace his dyslexia as a superpower.

3. Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Melody Brooks is a brilliant girl with dyslexia who is often misunderstood by her classmates. She uses her quick wit and creative thinking to overcome her challenges and find her place in the world.

4. House Rules by Jodi Picoult

Asa Holmes is a boy with dyslexia and Asperger's syndrome. He struggles to fit in at school, but he finds solace in his love for reading and writing. When his family faces a tragic loss, Asa's unique perspective helps them to heal.

5. London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd

Ted is a boy with dyslexia who loves puzzles and solving mysteries. When his teacher goes missing, Ted sets out to find her, using his unique skills to unravel the clues.

6. The Dyslexic Hero by David A. Adler

This non-fiction book tells the stories of ten famous people who have dyslexia, including Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, and Whoopi Goldberg. It shows that dyslexia is not a disability but a different way of learning.

7. Henry and Mudge: Get the Message by Cynthia Rylant

Henry is a boy with dyslexia who loves his dog, Mudge. When Henry has trouble learning to read, Mudge is there to help him.

8. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

The Penderwicks are four sisters who spend the summer in a rented cottage. The oldest sister, Rosalind, has dyslexia, but she doesn't let it stop her from enjoying her summer adventure.

9. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Mary Lennox is a young girl with dyslexia who is sent to live with her uncle in a large house with a mysterious secret garden. As Mary explores the garden, she learns to read and write, and she discovers the power of friendship and self-discovery.

10. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin

This picture book celebrates the unique talents and abilities of all children, including those with dyslexia. It reminds us that everyone has something special to offer the world.

Which famous book character has dyslexia?

Numerous famous book characters have been portrayed with dyslexia, reflecting the prevalence of this learning difference and its diverse impact on individuals. Here are some notable examples:

Harry Potter from J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series: While not explicitly mentioned, Harry Potter exhibits several characteristics consistent with dyslexia, such as difficulty with reading and writing. His strengths in other areas, such as problem-solving and bravery, suggest that dyslexia can coexist with remarkable abilities.

What is the book about a boy with dyslexia?

Diary of a Dyslexic Kid: A Real Life Story: Follow a dyslexic teenagers journey through school, from the challenges of dyslexia to the triumphs of overcoming them. This candid and humorous diary offers a fresh perspective on life with dyslexia, filled with relatable experiences and practical tips for coping with everyday life.

Follow their story as they faces bullies, juggles multiple subjects, and discover the unique strengths. This empowering book shows teens and tweens with dyslexia that they are not alone and that they have the power to succeed.

What author has dyslexia?

Many notable authors have dyslexia, demonstrating that this learning difference does not hinder creativity and literary prowess. Here are a few prominent examples:

Modern Dyslexic Authors

• Jennifer Lynn Barnes: The young adult fantasy author Jennifer Lynn Barnes, known for her "The Inheritance Games" series, has dyslexia. Her ability to craft captivating narratives and develop compelling characters despite her learning difference highlights the resilience and creativity that can coexist with dyslexia.
• John Green: The acclaimed young adult author John Green, known for his novels "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Looking for Alaska," has dyslexia. His ability to connect with young readers and explore themes of love, loss, and resilience despite his learning difference showcases the power of storytelling and the diverse talents that can accompany dyslexia.
• Danielle Paige: The young adult fantasy author Danielle Paige, known for her "Dorothy Must Die" series, has dyslexia. Her ability to reimagine classic fairy tales and create complex characters despite her learning difference demonstrates the innovative and transformative approaches that dyslexia can bring to storytelling.
• Victoria Aveyard: The young adult fantasy author Victoria Aveyard, known for her "Red Queen" series, has dyslexia. Her ability to build intricate world-building and develop intricate magical systems despite her learning difference underscores the creativity and problem-solving skills that can accompany dyslexia.
• R.A. Salvatore: The fantasy author R.A. Salvatore, known for his work in the Forgotten Realms setting, has dyslexia. His ability to create action-packed adventures and memorable characters despite his learning difference highlights the storytelling prowess and imagination that can coexist with dyslexia.

Historical Dyslexic Writers

• Agatha Christie: The renowned mystery writer Agatha Christie is believed to have had dyslexia. Despite this challenge, she crafted intricate plots and memorable characters that continue to captivate readers worldwide.
• Gustave Flaubert: The French novelist Gustave Flaubert, known for his masterpiece "Madame Bovary," struggled with dyslexia throughout his life. His perseverance and dedication to his craft resulted in literary works that continue to be studied and admired.
• Jules Verne: The visionary French author Jules Verne, known for his groundbreaking science fiction novels, is also believed to have had dyslexia. His ability to imagine and articulate fantastical worlds despite his learning difference underscores the resilience and creativity that can coexist with dyslexia.
• F. Scott Fitzgerald: The American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald, famous for his works "The Great Gatsby" and "The Tender is the Night," is thought to have had dyslexia. His ability to capture the complexities of human relationships and the nuances of the American experience despite this challenge highlights the diverse talents that can accompany dyslexia.
• J.D. Salinger: The reclusive American author J.D. Salinger, known for his novel "The Catcher in the Rye," is also believed to have had dyslexia. His ability to create relatable characters and explore themes of alienation and identity despite his learning difference demonstrates the impact dyslexia can have on literary expression.

Are there special books for people with dyslexia?

Yes, there are many types of books specifically designed to be easy for people with dyslexia to read. These books are often referred to as "dyslexia-friendly" or "high-contrast" books. They typically have the following features:

Dyslexia Friendly Books

• High-contrast fonts: The fonts used in dyslexia-friendly books typically have a high contrast between the letters and the background. This makes the letters easier to distinguish, which can help people with dyslexia avoid eye strain and fatigue.
• Sans-serif fonts: Sans-serif fonts are fonts that do not have decorative flourishes or serifs at the ends of the letters. This can make the letters appear simpler and less cluttered, which can also help people with dyslexia avoid eye strain and fatigue.
• Cream-coloured paper: Cream-coloured paper is easier on the eyes than white paper, which can be too bright for people with dyslexia.
• Wide margins: Wide margins can help people with dyslexia keep their place on the page and avoid losing their train of thought.
• Spacing: Dyslexia-friendly books often have more space between the lines of text. This can make the text easier to read and can help people with dyslexia avoid skipping lines.

In addition to these features, there are also some dyslexia-friendly books that are available in digital formats. These books can be customised to meet the individual needs of the reader, such as by changing the font size, the font colour, and the background colour.

See link for dyslexia friendly books:

• Scholastic Shop
• Orca Books
• Dyslexia Shop
• Books for Bugs

Offer a variety of genres and reading levels, so there is something for everyone with dyslexia.

Dyslexic Reading Champion

Help a dyslexic child learn to love reading, to become a reading champion see,:"How can I help my child dyslexic child become better at reading?".

Encourage the child by printing the reading champions certificate below. See activity card for top tips.

• Reading Champions Certificate Template.
• Reading Champions Activity Card.

For dyslexia friendly activities to do with a child see "Mooki Cards". Complete with 56 cards and storage wallet. Perfect for using at home or in the classroom. Order your "Mooki Cards" here!