It can be challenging to find books to help your child with dyslexia gain skills and confidence with reading. Since dyslexia ranges in severity, what works for one child may not work for another. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, Strathcona County Library has some resources to assist your child on their reading journey.
Dyslexia-friendly fonts and large print
A growing number of books are using a dyslexia-friendly font called dyslexie to make their books easily readable. You can search for these books in our catalogue by typing “dyslexia friendly” in the search bar.
Many ebooks in Libby and hoopla also have dyslexia-friendly fonts. To switch to this font, open an ebook of your choice and select “Dyslexic” from the hoopla fonts or “OpenDyslexic” if you’re using Libby.
We also have a collection of children’s large print chapter books. There are popular titles such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney and The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.
Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks can also be beneficial for kids with dyslexia. According to Reading Rockets, audiobooks encourage struggling readers “to enjoy stories above their reading level, and to connect directly with the story and storyteller. And listening to stories exposes kids to complex, rich vocabulary and language.”
We have audiobooks available in a variety of formats, including Playaways (pre-loaded audio players), Wonderbooks (print books with an audio player), and downloadable audiobooks in Libby and hoopla.
Decodable books
Decoding is a skill that helps kids connect sounds to letters and is one of the basic skills for learning how to read. Decodable books help early readers learn through a focus on phonics. Series such as Stairway Decodables, Drumbeat Decodable, and My Decodable Readers are a good place to start.
Graphic novels
Graphic novels can help reluctant readers get engaged with a story. Visual cues provide context to connect the text to the illustrations. It also provides a confidence booster when kids with dyslexia can read what their peers are reading!
Whatever type of book your child chooses, the most important thing is that they feel recognized for their strengths and achievements. Learning differences can be challenging to accommodate, but there are ways we can provide support! Check out the list below to find examples of the formats talked about in this article.
Learn More
- Why Use Audiobooks with Dyslexic Learners?
- Favorite Books for Kids with Learning and Attention Issues
- 19 Graphic Novels that Engage Students and Keep Them Reading
- Dyslexia Awareness Month: What Makes a Book Dyslexia Friendly?
- 5 ways to support reading and learning for kids with print disabilities
- Dyslexia and Decodable Books
Add a comment to: Finding Books for Your Child with Dyslexia