Resistant Readers- Exploring the World of Reading!
- The Learning Lighthouse
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
For kids with dyslexia and children who face learning challenges, reading can feel overwhelming. Just opening a book and seeing a page of print can quickly turn any interest into avoidance! So, we did some research, explored resources, questioned kids, and polled parents for their favorite recommendations. It seems that “just right book” has high interest, looks like fun, can be silly or really engaging, and is at the right reading level. Here are some favorite finds by age/grade:
Graphic Novels and Great Reads for Ages 6–8 (Early Readers)
1. Narwhal and Jelly by Ben Clanton
What we like: Simple text, lots of white space, silly humor, and visual context.
Key Ideas: Friendship, ocean animals, imagination.
2. Benny and Penny (Toon Books) by Geoffrey Hayes
What we like: Easy vocabulary, relatable sibling interactions, large text.
Key Ideas: Problem-solving, relationships.
3. Owly by Andy Runton
What we like: Wordless or minimal text, relies on expressive artwork.
Graphic Novels and Great Reads for Ages 8–10 (Middle Grades/Chapter Readers)
Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
What we like: High-interest, silly, phonetic spelling that validates different learning styles.
Key Ideas: Humor, justice, friendship.
The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
What we like: Short chapters, accessible language, fast-paced.
Key Ideas: Redemption, teamwork, humor.
I Survived Series by Lauren Tarshis
What we like: Historical fiction, action-packed, accessible language
Key Ideas: Resilience, strength, role models
Bird & Squirrel by James Burks
What we like: Bright illustrations, action-driven, dialogue-heavy but readable.
Key Ideas: Friendship, bravery, opposites.
Graphic Novels and Great Reads for Ages 10–13 (Tweens to Middle School)
El Deafo by Cece Bell
What we like: Autobiographical story with humor and heart, dyslexia-friendly font spacing and large illustrations.
Key Ideas: Disability, identity, acceptance.
Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
What we like: Compelling characters, hero adventures
Key Ideas: Overcoming, disabilities, friendship
Hilo series by Judd Winick
What we like: Sci-fi adventure with short dialogue, expressive art, and visual storytelling.
Key Ideas: Belonging, friendship, bravery.
Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi
What we like: Rich, captivating visuals, suspenseful storytelling.
Key Ideas: Family, fantasy, courage.
Graphic Novels for Ages and Great Reads for Ages 13+ (Teens / Young Adult)
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
What we like: Coming-of-age themes, easy-to-follow panels, emotional resonance.
Key Ideas: Sports, friendship, self-discovery.
Smile / Sisters / Guts by Raina Telgemeier
What we like: Highly relatable stories, for tweens/teens, clean layouts.
Key Ideas: Family, growing up, anxiety, confidence.
Drama by Raina Telgemeier
What we like: Theater-themed middle school story with humor and heart.
Key Ideas: Friendship, identity, inclusion.
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed
What we like: larger text, compelling story, and powerful visuals help comprehension.
Key Ideas: Refugees, resilience, hope.
These books are great to help kids celebrate their uniqueness, overcome challenges, learn to love WHO they are, and what they CAN BE!
Brilliant Bea: A Story for Kids with Dyslexia and Learning Differences
Back To The Past: Decodable Chapter Books For Kids With Dyslexia
Hacking the Code: The Ziggety Zaggety Road of a Dyslexic Kid
Thanks to our Professional Sources: Barnes and Noble, Reading Rockets, Understood.org, Homeschooling with Dyslexia.
And thanks to our families, friends, and kids for their input!
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