Popular dyslexia books to increase knowledge or simply enjoy reading
Dyslexia – in various degrees of intensity – affects the lives of millions of people all over the world. However, much has been done to make life easier for those suffering from dyslexia. Knowledge and education is the key here.
Whether you are struggling with reading or actually dealing with dyslexic students as teacher, learning as much as possible about dyslexia is one of best strategies to improve the condition. The following is a list of popular dyslexia books for teachers and students, fiction and non-fiction, that deals with the topic and is suitable for anyone from the age 11 and up.
Dyslexia Books – Non Fiction
1. A Shout-Out for Dyslexics: The Emotional Side
A Shout-Out for Dyslexics focuses on the emotions experienced by people with dyslexia when they struggle to cope. Author Gina Mazzetti also provides numerous tips on how to deal with dyslexia, how to support someone suffering from this disability and how to apply techniques that can help sufferers lead fulfilling lives. Suitable for adults.
Rating: ★★★★★
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
2. Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems
Sally Shaywitz discusses the latest research findings into how the brain works and how this information can help people of all ages to improve their reading and learning skills. Teachers and parents will find this book to be very useful in understanding dyslexia from a scientific point of view.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
3. The Dyslexia Empowerment Program by Ben Foss
A Blueprint for Renewing Your Child’s Confidence and Love of Learning by Ben Foss. This highly practical guide, aimed at parents, contain valuable and practical advice on how to motivate children with dyslexia and how to teach them to love learning. Highly recommended.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
4. Dyslexia: Time for Talent by Carolina Frohlich
Dyslexia: Time for Talent, written by Carolina Frohlich, is a widely acclaimed work and aimed at parents. It contains practical advice on how to guide children with dyslexia from the early years right through to adulthood. The Royal College of Nursing describes the book as the one essential work all parents dealing with dyslexic children must have.
Rating: ★★★★★
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
5. David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants
In his award winning book Malcolm Gladwell explores the ways in which people (also those suffering from dyslexia) can learn to understand and change the world that they live in. It is suitable for adults suffering from dyslexia and those that care for them.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
6. Dyslexia in the Digital Age: Making IT Work
Dyslexia in the Digital Age by Ian Smythe is a practical guide on the positive role that technology can play in coping with dyslexia.
Rating: ★★★★★
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
7. Once Upon an Accommodation: A Book About Learning Disabilities
Once Upon an Accommodation by Nina G and richly illustrated by Mean Dave. Aimed at teenagers and parents, this book focus on how to make use of the various resources and support that is available to those suffering from learning disabilities. These resources and support structure can then be used to achieve personal goals.
Rating: ★★★★★
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
8. Dyslexia: A Practitioner’s Handbook
Dyslexia: A Practitioner’s Handbook by Gavin Read can be a valuable book and resource for professionals that deal with those suffering from dyslexia. Teachers will find this work to be invaluable but parents and other people involved with dyslexic children will also benefit.
Rating: ★★★★★
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
9. A Mind at a Time: America’s Top Learning Experts Show How Every Child Can Succeed
The author, Dr. Mel Levine is considered a top learning expert and pediatrician. He argues that every child learns differently and that all that is needed to improve results is to teach in a way that is suitable for the needs of the child. This is all about focusing on strengths and bypassing weaknesses.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
10. Dyslexia Across Languages: Orthography and the Brain-Gene-Behaviour Link
This scholarly work by Peggy McCardle (and several contributors) looks at how dyslexia manifest itself across different languages. It is an excellent, and often extraordinarily revealing resource for anyone teaching, parenting or treating children or adults suffering from dyslexia.
Rating: ★★★★★
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
11. Study Skills: A Landmark School Teaching Guide
Study Skills: A Landmark School Teaching Guide by Joan Sedita is aimed at high school children struggling to learn and their teachers. It suggests practical ways to organize learning material, time and content.
Rating: ★★★★★
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
12. Why Jane and John Couldn’t Read – And How They Learned
Why Jane and John Couldn’t Read – A New Look at Striving Readers was written by Rosalie Fink. This excellent resource, aimed at adults, proposes a specific model that will help those with dyslexia to become highly motivated to read. It is an excellent resource for teachers and parents that want their children to learn more efficiently.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
13. Dyslexia Toolkit for Tutors and Parents: What to do if Phonics isn’t Enough.
Based upon the very latest research on dyslexia, Yvonna Graham shares her secrets of success in helping children with dyslexia to attain full literacy. Graham is a widely acknowledged expert in her field and she has many successes under her belt. Teachers and parents will find this dyslexia book useful.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
14. The Gift of Dyslexia: Why Some of the Smartest People Can’t Read
The Gift of Dyslexia is a heart-warming and inspirational book by Ronald D. Davis and Eldom M. Braun. Dyslexic himself, Davis describes his struggles to learn and how he eventually overcame the obstacles in his way. It is a highly practical guide to the Davis Method, a practical plan for overcoming dyslexia.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
15. Dyslexia Wonders: Understanding the Daily Life of a Dyslexic from a Child’s Point of View
This remarkable book, written by 12 year old Jennifer Smith will warm your heart and inspire you to overcome your own difficulties. This is a “must read” for everyone suffering from dyslexia and those that love them, care for them and teach them.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
16. About Dyslexia: Unravelling the Myth
This book, by Priscilla L. Vail offers an introduction to dyslexia. It describes the symptoms of the disabilities at various ages and grades. Parents and teachers alike will find this book to be a practical and useful tool in identifying children that may be suffering from dyslexia.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
17. Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain
Proust and the Squid by Maryanne Wolf explores the role of cultural-historical aspects in the development of the reading brain. This book has been describes as both ambitious and provocative. Parents and teachers will gain insight on how the brain develops and why people are dyslexic.
Rating: ★★★★★
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
18. Dyslexia: 101 Ways to Make Your Life Easier
Ray Ham offers numerous practical tips on how to deal with dyslexia, how to overcome particular difficulties and how to maintain a positive attitude in life. This book is ideal for anyone suffer from dyslexia but it can also be a valuable toolbox of tricks for teachers and parents.
Rating: ★★★★★
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
19. Dyslexia and Mathematics
This revised version of the celebrated Professor John Miles’ book offers a wealth of advice on how to develop teaching strategies for teaching mathematics to sufferers. No teacher dealing with dyslexic children should be without this book.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
20. Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers
Speech to Print by Louisa Cook Moats is one of the most comprehensive books and guides on the role of oral language in learning to read and spell. Teachers that have used the model proposed by Moats have reported remarkable successes in teaching dyslexic students to read.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Bookshop: View on Amazon.
Dyslexia Books – Fiction
21. Hero by Pete Johnson
Hero is a fun book aimed at teenagers. It is the story of Luke who ends up facing the toughest boy in school in order to defend his sister. There is humor aplenty and this book is deemed very suitable for reluctant dyslexic boys and girls.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Read: View on Amazon.
22. Graphic by Cathy Brett
Graphic is all about Joe, who loves a girl named Honey but he also loves drawing. Then his drawings start coming alive and terrible things happen! Teenagers will love this imaginative story and the many twists that occur as the story unfolds.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Read: View on Amazon.
23. Tudor Rose by Anne Perry
Tudor Rose will be popular with teenage girls. It is the story of Rosie, who somehow find herself transported back in time to the Tudor period and the court of Queen Elisabeth I. Girls will love the many heroic tasks that face Rosie in order to save and protect the queen.
Rating: ★★★★★
Read: View on Amazon.
24. Samurai by Ian Beck
The author, Ian Beck, presents this beautiful Japanese myth in a way that will appeal to every teenager. It is the story of the many travels of a samurai and his faithful dog Cho. As an added bonus, the book is richly populated with many stunning illustrations.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Read: View on Amazon.
25. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Of Mice and Men is a well known work among many thousands of school children. It remains a classic, however, and in this version special care is taken to make the story accessible for dyslexic teenagers.
Rating: ★★★★★
Read: View on Amazon.
26. Bigger than Me by Jovan Heye
Bigger than Me is an inspiring tale of how a boy overcame dyslexia to end up playing with the NFL. The author is dyslexic himself and this is his true story of courage and determination to succeed. The book will appeal to both teenagers and adults.
Rating: ★★★★★
Read: View on Amazon.
27. Farmer’s Son by M.E. Lasater
This lovely novel is set in 1971. Bobby cannot read and everyone thinks there is something wrong with him. Nobody heard about dyslexia in those days and Bobby must fight his battles in a hostile environment. Suitable for everyone.
Rating: ★★★★★
Read: View on Amazon.
28. The Front Room by Michelle Magorian
The Front Room, by Michelle Magorian is just the book for those that love creepy stories with plenty of ghosts and mysteries. The main character, Hannah, has to bring her family together but at the same time she must escape from a ghost. This novel actually explore family relationships and it will appeal to both teenagers and adults.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Read: View on Amazon.
29. Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Fish in a Tree is an uplifting and inspiring novel that will have great appeal to everybody that ever thought that there must be something wrong with them because they do not fit in. This fine work from Lynda Mullaly Hunt will be enjoyed by adults and older children alike.
Rating: ★★★★★
Read: View on Amazon.
30. The Speech of Angels by Sharon Maas
The Speech of Angels by Sharon Maas is the exceptional story of a little Indian girl adopted by English parents. She is desperately unhappy but when it is discovered that she has an extraordinary musical talent, her life changes forever. Everyone will love this book.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Read: View on Amazon.
Best Dyslexia Books for Teachers and Students – Conclusion
There is no reason why people suffering from dyslexia should not lead successful lives, particular when it comes to a fulfilling career. Much can be done to overcome the obstacles that sufferers have to face every day of their lives. The secret is to understand the disability and to learn techniques that will nullify the causes of the condition.
What are the best dyslexia books you would recommend for teachers, adults, young students and children? Please let us know in the comments below.
Further reading: Dyslexia Treatment Tips | Dyslexia Games | Best Speed Reading Books