Summer is the perfect time for children to dive into the world of books and discover the magic of reading.
However, for dyslexic kids, finding the right book can make all the difference between a struggle and a captivating adventure.
Our educators understand the unique challenges dyslexic students face and the importance of selecting books that not only cater to their reading abilities but also spark their imagination and boost their confidence. In this blog post, we’ll share a curated list of teacher-recommended books designed to engage, inspire, and empower dyslexic readers.
From enchanting tales to thrilling mysteries, these selections promise to make summer reading a delightful and enriching experience for every child.
This is a charming collection of six children’s books featuring the adventures of Mercy, a lovable pig with a knack for getting into amusing predicaments. Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen, the series is known for its vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling.
Mrs. Evans recommends this series because she loves its format and that it allows students to read chapter books while still having the extra support of pictures without an overwhelming amount of text.
“Once students see their siblings and/or peers explore chapter books, they want to select the same type of book – even if the content is too difficult for them to read independently.
The Mercy Watson series allows young readers to enjoy a great narrative in the format of a chapter book while experiencing success in understanding what they read.”
This series follows the adventures of siblings Jack and Annie and begins with the discovery of a mysterious, book-filled treehouse in the woods near their home.
“I absolutely LOVE reading the Magic Tree House book series aloud to my students. They are able to make connections to the concepts we are learning about in science and social studies through the lens of Jack and Annie as they travel through time and across the world via their magical treehouse,” she said.
“After reading the original narrative to my students, I love to put the graphic novel version of the same text in their hands so that they can experience the success of re-reading the same text that they’ve already heard read aloud to them.
The content is the same, but the text is more accessible to struggling readers through a graphic novel format. Students light up when they read the SAME narrative independently that I have already read aloud to them in the form of paragraphs with more complex sentence structure.”
“Wonder” is a heartwarming and poignant novel that tells the story of August “Auggie” Pullman, a 10-year-old boy with a severe facial deformity. Born with Treacher Collins syndrome, Auggie has undergone numerous surgeries and has been homeschooled by his mother. The novel begins as he prepares to attend a mainstream school for the first time as a fifth-grader at Beecher Prep.
“I adore this novel because it teaches acceptance, kindness, courage, and friendships,” said Mrs. Roberts.
This touching story is about finding the courage to connect with others, even when you feel different or out of place.
It follows several children who each face moments of feeling like they don’t belong, whether it’s because of their appearance, background, or experiences.
This book is a wonderful reminder that everyone has something special to offer and that friendships can blossom when we open up and embrace our differences.
“As everyone is new to Roberts Academy this school year, this story will remind us to be brave in who we are. Don’t be afraid to share your story so others will come to understand you and love and accept you for who you are.”
This captivating story is told from the perspective of Ivan, a silverback gorilla who has spent years living in a cage at a mall. Ivan’s life changes when he befriends a baby elephant named Ruby and starts to see the world in a new way.
Ivan’s journey is filled with moments of courage as he strives to create a better life for Ruby and himself. Through this story, we learn about the power of friendships and the importance of empathy and compassion.
“I love this book because it teaches about unexpected friendships, loyalty, and loneliness,” said Mrs. Roberts.
The “Here’s Hank” series, penned by the talented Henry Winkler, serves as a beacon of inspiration for young readers. Drawing from his own journey, Winkler intricately crafted these books to ignite a passion for reading among young boys who may find themselves grappling with the challenges of literacy.
“He intimately understands the hurdles that accompany the journey of learning to read, and through this series, he endeavors to transform those struggles into triumphs,” said Mrs. Kalmbach.
This is an inspiring and delightful children’s picture book that encourages a love for reading. The story follows Henley, a young boy who struggles with reading and feels discouraged because he finds it difficult to enjoy books. Despite his challenges, Henley is determined to find his very favorite book.
“As one of my cherished football icons, renowned for his stints with UGA and the Patriots, Mitchell’s personal journey resonates deeply. He candidly shares his own challenges in learning to read, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young readers everywhere.”
This riveting mystery unfolds with thrilling action, offering a perfect blend of intrigue and excitement. Designed with a high interest/low readability approach, Gillingham’s work empowers students to bolster their confidence and reading endurance.
“Recognizing the needs of dyslexic readers, Gillingham skillfully crafts accessible and engaging material, ensuring that every reader can embark on a captivating literary journey,” she said.
Whether it’s the humorous escapades of Mercy Watson, the time-traveling adventures of Jack and Annie, or the heartwarming stories of Auggie Pullman and Ivan the gorilla, these books are sure to create memorable reading experiences.
By offering a mix of chapter books, graphic novels, and engaging narratives, we aim to make reading a delightful and enriching journey for every child.
Encourage your child to explore these recommendations, and watch as their love for reading blossoms this summer. Looking for a dyslexia school in Middle Georgia? Roberts Academy is accepting applications for the 2024-25 academic year! Learn more here.
Roberts Academy is now accepting applications for enrollment. Classes will begin in August 2024.