Picture Books for the Dyslexic journey
AARON SLATER, ILLUSTRATOR
BRILLIANT BEA: A Story for Kids with Dyslexia and Learning Differences
ALL BRAINS WELCOME: EMBRACING ADHD, AUTISM, DYSLEXIA, AND MORE
Written by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts (Harry N. Abrams, 2021). A boy with dyslexia discovers his learning difference may inform who he is, but it does not define who he is, and that there are many ways to be a gifted communicator. Dyslexia implied in the story but mentioned directly in the author’s note. Part of The Questioneers series.
ALL BRAINS WELCOME: EMBRACING ADHD, AUTISM, DYSLEXIA, AND MORE
BRILLIANT BEA: A Story for Kids with Dyslexia and Learning Differences
ALL BRAINS WELCOME: EMBRACING ADHD, AUTISM, DYSLEXIA, AND MORE
Written by Johanna Peyton and illustrated by Olga Popova (Sourcebooks, 2026). The children of classroom 2B are throwing a brain party, celebrating how their neurodivergent differences shape their lives and including ways of connecting. Full spread highlighting dyslexia and includes many other neurodivergent conditions.
A WALK IN THE WORDS
BRILLIANT BEA: A Story for Kids with Dyslexia and Learning Differences
BRILLIANT BEA: A Story for Kids with Dyslexia and Learning Differences
Written and illustrated by Hudson Talbott (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2021). A young boy loves to draw but struggles to read. Thankfully his love of stories helps him learn to embrace his own pace as he discovers that many brilliant people were also slow readers. The story also highlights famous people thought to have dyslexia. with your vision and brand.
BRILLIANT BEA: A Story for Kids with Dyslexia and Learning Differences
BRILLIANT BEA: A Story for Kids with Dyslexia and Learning Differences
BRILLIANT BEA: A Story for Kids with Dyslexia and Learning Differences
Written by Shaina Rudolph and Mary Vukadinovich, and illustrated by Fiona Lee (Magination Press, American Psychological Association, 2021). A young girl with dyslexia discovers her storytelling talent and overcomes her reading and writing challenges by using a tape recorder and showing her true abilities.
DYSLEXIC LEGENDS ALPHABET
WIGGLING WORDS: LOVING LANGUAGE WITH DYSLEXIA
LUPE LOPEZ: READING ROCK STAR!
Written by Robin Feiner and Beck Feiner (Alphabet Legends, 2019). This is an alphabet book which presents an eye-opening and motivational A to Z of legends with dyslexia who made an inspirational mark on our world including Agatha Christie, Leonardo da Vinci, Whoopie Goldberg, and more.
LUPE LOPEZ: READING ROCK STAR!
WIGGLING WORDS: LOVING LANGUAGE WITH DYSLEXIA
LUPE LOPEZ: READING ROCK STAR!
Written by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller, and illustrated by Joe Cepeda (Candlewick Press, 2023). A feisty first-grader, Lupe Lopez, struggles with reading but discovers that her musical talents can help her become a “Reading Rock Star.” This is the sequel to Lupe Lopez: Rock Star Rules!
THANK YOU, MR. FALKER
WIGGLING WORDS: LOVING LANGUAGE WITH DYSLEXIA
WIGGLING WORDS: LOVING LANGUAGE WITH DYSLEXIA
Written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco (Philomel Books, 2012). This book is a heartwarming tale about a girl with dyslexia whose life is transformed by a compassionate teacher who identifies her reading struggles and recognizes her potential.
WIGGLING WORDS: LOVING LANGUAGE WITH DYSLEXIA
WIGGLING WORDS: LOVING LANGUAGE WITH DYSLEXIA
WIGGLING WORDS: LOVING LANGUAGE WITH DYSLEXIA
Written and illustrated by Kate Rolfe (Candlewick Press, 2025). A child discovers creative ways to overcome reading challenges by transforming wiggling letters into imaginative worlds, offering hope for young readers with dyslexia.
Chapter & middle grade Books for the Dyslexic journey
BENBEE AND THE TEACHER GRIEFER: THE KIDS UNDER THE STAIRS SERIES
BENBEE AND THE TEACHER GRIEFER: THE KIDS UNDER THE STAIRS SERIES
BENBEE AND THE TEACHER GRIEFER: THE KIDS UNDER THE STAIRS SERIES
Written and illustrated by K.A. Holt (Chronicle Books, 2020). This is the first book in this series where four divergent thinkers bond over video games, using their passion to save their teacher’s job and embrace their unique intelligence. Written as a novel-in-verse with alternating format and point-of-view, this makes an approachable and relatable chapter book for reluctant readers. Benbee, the main character, has dyslexia.
FISH IN A TREE
BENBEE AND THE TEACHER GRIEFER: THE KIDS UNDER THE STAIRS SERIES
BENBEE AND THE TEACHER GRIEFER: THE KIDS UNDER THE STAIRS SERIES
Written by Lynda Mullaly Hunt (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2017). This powerful middle grade prose novel highlights a girl with dyslexia who struggles to fit in at school until she meets a teacher who helps her see her true potential. “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.”
HERE’S HANK: BOOKMARKS ARE PEOPLE TOO!
BENBEE AND THE TEACHER GRIEFER: THE KIDS UNDER THE STAIRS SERIES
HERE’S HANK: BOOKMARKS ARE PEOPLE TOO!
Written by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver, and illustrated by Scott Garrett (Penguin Workshop, 2014). This is the first hilarious book of the Here’s Hank series, where Hank, a second grader with learning difficulties, unexpectedly saves the school play when his nemesis freezes on stage. This heavily illustrated chapter book printed using a dyslexia-friendly font, is a perfect place for independent readers to start.
MIXED-UP
BENBEE AND THE TEACHER GRIEFER: THE KIDS UNDER THE STAIRS SERIES
HERE’S HANK: BOOKMARKS ARE PEOPLE TOO!
Written by Kami Garcia and illustrated by Brittney Williams and Tyler Smith (First Second, 2025). This is a relatable graphic novel that highlights a fifth grader who struggles with reading and keeping up with her friends in an online game. This leads to her being diagnosed with dyslexia and discovering the support she needs to succeed.
THE LIGHTENING THIEF, PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS
THE LIGHTENING THIEF, PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS
THE LIGHTENING THIEF, PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS
Written by Rick Riordan (Hyperion, 2005). Series of middle grade prose novels where a twelve-year-old discovers he’s a demigod after battling monsters at school. When Zeus’s lightening bolt goes missing, he must embark on a quest to find it and prevent war among the gods. Percy Jackson, the main character, has dyslexia as one of his demigod traits, which allows him to read Greek, decipher monsters’ names, and help on his quest. This series was also recently released in graphic novel format.
WELCOME BACK, MAPLE MEHTA-COHEN
THE LIGHTENING THIEF, PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS
THE LIGHTENING THIEF, PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS
Written by Kate McGovern (Candlewick Press, 2021). This middle grade, prose novel follows a girl named Maple whose struggles with reading cause her to repeat the fifth grade adding tension between friends at school and her parents. Maple uses storytelling to cope as she learns to embrace her unique abilities. The main character and others in her reading group all have dyslexia.
WORDS APART
THE LIGHTENING THIEF, PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS
WORDS APART
Written by Aimee Lucido and illustrated by Phillippa & Rachael Corcutt (Versify Books, 2025). Dynamic story of two sisters with different ways of expressing themselves – little sister Olive through words and poetry and big sister Mattie through drawing pictures – as changes in their family and school affects their relationship and ultimately leads to Mattie being evaluated for dyslexia. Told in alternating perspectives of free verse poetry and graphic novel illustrations, this is an attractive book for reluctant readers.
Congratulations, Your Child has dyslexia!
Congratulations! You have already taken one of the most important steps for you and your child. You have recognized their challenge and are on the path to supporting their needs.
As you likely know, dyslexia is a general term defining learning differences that involve difficulty in reading or interpreting words, letters, and other symbols, that does not affect general intelligence. The International Dyslexia Foundation states that between 15% and 20% of the population have a language-based learning difference, with dyslexia being the most common.
So how can you help welcome your child into this new world? By equipping, educating, empowering, exciting and encouraging them as they embark on this journey. Read below for tips:
Equip Your Child:
Call dyslexia by its name! Stay it to your child with a smile on your face and an upbeat voice. Their brain was made in a beautiful, unique way and through the dyslexia diagnosis they have just found the key to help unlock their full potential. The dyslexic label is not something to be fearful of as children often find freedom in it. There is comfort in knowing that: (1) there is a reason why reading is hard for them, (2) there is a clear path forward with proven remediation strategies, and (3) they aren’t alone.
Educate Your Child (and Those Around Them):
Explain to your child what having dyslexia means. The line we often use with our children is that, “Your dyslexic brain was made so extra special that your teachers and tutors needed to go to extra school so that they would have the tools to teach to the exact way your brain thinks. Isn’t that cool!?” By being honest and upfront in a child appropriate way, you are helping to normalize this experience for them.
Additionally, you are your child’s strongest advocate until they are old enough to begin advocating for themselves. Speak to your child’s teacher and your school’s learning specialist to make sure they are receiving the classroom accommodations that are keeping them shining. If they aren’t, find a new school that provides the needed support.
Empower Your Child:
For young school age children, it is developmentally appropriate for them to recognize (and voice) differences in others as they strengthen their sense of self. Acknowledge that this will happen with your child and their peers at some point and prepare and empower them with a planned response. So that when a peer asks them why they have a tutor or get pulled out for reading or have trouble spelling or read slowly, they are prepared with an explanation. My children would simply say, “I have dyslexia which means my brain learns differently.” Preparing and empowering them with a response removes the potential awkwardness or surprise from the conversation.
Excite Your Child:
Woohoo! Your child just got automatic admission into the cool kids’ club with tons of other successful celebrities, artists, athletes, CEOs, authors, teachers, and the list goes on and on. Normalize and celebrate dyslexia in your home by learning about other famous dyslexics. Find several that align with your child’s interests so that they know that they have the ability to grow up and become anything they want to be!
Encourage Your Child (and Yourself!):
It is never easy to watch your child struggle, but there is so much beauty in the journey and light at the end of the tunnel. Children with dyslexia learn early the strengths and benefits of grit and resilience. They typically rate very high on social emotional intelligence scales. Plus, at a time when diversity is an asset, their out-of-the-box, creative thinking provides them with a valued and unique perspective of life’s challenges. In the end, the accomplishments most cherished are those that were fought for the hardest.
Your child can do this! You can do this too!
