Books that Encourage Reluctant Readers

The two main categories most likely to encourage reluctant readers are: 

• Books with characters children with learning differences can identify with,  

• Books authors/publishers have produced to be accessible.

Books with characters children can identify with

Having a character young readers can identify with can make a book far more appealing.

Here are some helpful lists:

• https://learningally.org/Blog/10-books-featuring-characters-with-dyslexia-or-a-learning-difference

• https://www.understood.org/en/articles/7-books-featuring-characters-with-dyslexia-or-adhd 

• https://teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2019/10/09/dyslexia-awareness-month-books-featuring-main-characters-with-dyslexia/

Most of these books are US based. If you are after a book based in the UK I can recommend this one, written by a neighbour of mine.

Read between the Lies

An honest, open family drama shining a light on dyslexia ― Sunday Express

An engaging book for young readers... with lies, secrets, and dyslexia at the heart of the story ― Armadillo Magazine

'A funny, raw and heartfelt teen story that sensitively explores the impact of dyslexia' -- Chris Soul, reviewer and teacher

Dyslexia Friendly Books

Some publishers make dyslexia-friendly books available.

These books may have a style of writing that is more accessible to dyslexics or use a layout that is clearer or aided by pictures allowing young people to connect with the stories without being deterred by intimidating blocks of text.

The Evening Standard Selection

The Evening Standard has collated eight books that are '“guaranteed to enthral” reluctant readers.

I think don’t think any book would “enthral” my son but I have to admit their list looks good

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Dyslexia-friendly Harry Potter

In an effort to make the magic of the wizarding world accessible to everyone, Bloomsbury Publishing just debuted a collection of dyslexia-friendly "Harry Potter" books.

Barrington Stokes

Barrington Stokes publishes super-readable, accessible books that help every child experience the joy of reading. 

Hank Zipzer

A series of children's books by actor Henry Winkler. Hank Zipzer was made into a BBC TV series.  The books are printed in Dyslexie font designed to assist dyslexics with reading.