There’s no single way to be a reader.
Some kids fly through chapter books. Others prefer comics or find pages packed with text tiring. For kids with dyslexia, reading may take more time and effort, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less interested in a great story.
Choosing dyslexia-friendly books isn’t simply about finding something “easy.” It’s about connecting kids with stories they genuinely enjoy.
On Epic, kids can explore titles that feature dyslexic characters, or dive into graphic novels and decodable books that help them practice sounding out words.
As Yale’s learning development researcher Dr. Sally Shaywitz writes, “Read to your child daily. Choose high-interest books.” With that in mind, here are some books worth adding to your child’s reading list.
What Makes a Book Dyslexia-Friendly?
When choosing books for children with dyslexia, page design can make a difference.
The British Dyslexia Association recommends readable fonts, consistent spacing and layouts that aren’t overcrowded with text.
Illustrations can help kids follow a story, while decodable books offer practice connecting letters with sounds. Audiobooks give children another way to enjoy stories without decoding every word.
Dyslexia-Friendly Books for Kids
Every reader has a different starting point. These children’s books about reading differently offer something for kids at various stages of their reading journey.
Brilliant Bea by Shaina Rudolph and Mary Vukadinovich
Great for kids who love: Inspirational stories about finding your voice and discovering your inner strength!
Bea has dyslexia, and reading and writing don’t always come easily. But she also has plenty of stories worth sharing. In Brilliant Bea, dyslexia is an important part of Bea’s experience, but it doesn’t define who she is.
Case of the Uncrackable Code by Kyla Steinkraus
Great for kids who love: Mysteries, secret codes and solving puzzles
Rocket is the fastest kid in third grade, but his speed isn’t his only superpower. He has dyslexia, a sharp mind, and a knack for solving mysteries. When coded notes appear, he and his friends in the Gumshoe Gang set out to crack the case. For kids ages 8–12 with dyslexia, Rocket is a relatable hero who shows that reading differently doesn’t mean thinking any less brilliantly.
The Dancing Letters by Evelyne Fournier
Great for kids who: Wish reading came a little easier to them
For some kids with dyslexia, letters can feel like they’re dancing across the page. The Dancing Letters explores the frustrations of reading differently and can help children start conversations about their experiences.
Jack Horner, Dinosaur Hunter! by Sophia Gholz
Great for kids who: Love dinosaurs and inspiring true stories.
As a child, Jack Horner struggled with dyslexia but never gave up on his dream of studying dinosaurs. This inspiring true story follows his journey to becoming a world-famous paleontologist, with dyslexia-friendly fonts that make the text more accessible to young readers.
The U-nique Lou Fox by Jodi Carmichael
Great for kids who love: Funny, outspoken characters who do things their own way
Fifth-grader Louisa has dyslexia, ADHD and a lot to say. With humor and heart, The U-nique Lou Fox explores what it’s like to navigate school when your brain works a little differently.
Code Breakers: A Math Class Mystery by Amanda Gebhardt
Great for kids who love: Puzzles and secret messages
A mysterious crash at school leads Max, Liz and Chen to a coded message. With a font designed for readers with dyslexia, this decodable mystery reinforces short vowels, blends and digraphs as kids sound out words and piece together clues.
Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
Great for kids who love: Comics, action and ridiculous humor
Part dog, part police officer, Dog Man has won over plenty of young readers. Comic-style panels, hilarious illustrations and nonstop action keep the story moving. While the series isn’t specifically designed for kids with dyslexia, its mix of words and pictures may appeal to readers who find long blocks of text overwhelming.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Great for kids who love: Embarrassing school moments and laugh-out-loud humor
Greg Heffley’s middle school life is one embarrassing disaster after another. Told through diary entries and cartoons, his adventures are packed with awkward moments and plenty of laughs. For kids with dyslexia who find long chapters intimidating, the mix of short entries and illustrations may make the story feel more approachable.
There’s More Than One Way Into a Great Story
A dyslexic detective. A decodable mystery. A fifth-grader with dyslexia and ADHD. A half-dog, half-police-officer comic hero.
There’s a whole lot of variety on this reading list, and even more to discover on Epic. Explore these children’s books and see which story catches your child’s attention next.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ What are dyslexia-friendly books?
Dyslexia-friendly books may use readable fonts, thoughtful spacing and clear page layouts to make text more accessible. But there’s no single design that works for every reader.
▶ What types of books are good for children with dyslexia?
Options include decodable books, graphic novels, illustrated chapter books and audiobooks. The best choice depends on the child’s interests and reading needs.
▶ Are graphic novels good for kids with dyslexia?
They can be! Graphic novels combine words and illustrations, which some readers find easier to follow. However, not every graphic novel is specifically designed for dyslexia.
▶ Should kids with dyslexia only read easier books?
No. Children can practice decoding with manageable texts while enjoying more complex stories through read-alouds and audiobooks.
