Dyslexia-friendly books can be hard to find.
There are a handful of authors, (bless their souls) who offer versions of their books in a dyslexia-friendly font. Unfortunately, the most popular titles (i.e. Harry Potter, Charlotte’s Web, or the BFG) are not printed in an easy-to-read format.
Luckily, there are a couple of solutions. The first option is to use a Kindle.
If your child is ready to read chapter books, the Kindle can be a great resource. You can download virtually ANY BOOK and put it into the Open Dyslexic font. This way, your child can read all of the popular books that their friends are talking about, but in a much more user-friendly format. My son’s teacher lets him bring his Kindle to school for all book reading. You can put this stipulation into any IEP or 504 plan.
We purchased the Amazon Kindle Kids 16GB because my research showed that it definitely supported the dyslexia-friendly font, is glare free, and had more natural “page turns.” If you purchase through this link, I’ll get a small commission since I’m an affiliate.
Best Font For Dyslexia
So what the heck are dyslexia-friendly fonts, anyway?
For people who have difficulty reading, especially those with dyslexia, there are some really helpful fonts. One of them is called “open dyslexic” and the other is“dyslexie.” You can download either one of them for use on your computer. You can even use a plugin so that all text on your computer screen comes up in this font. (My son’s teacher figured this out, and it is so helpful for any computer reading he does during class.)
However, if the Kindle is cost prohibitive, or your child isn’t ready for chapter books, graphic novels are an amazing option!
I have one child with dyslexia, and we have found that graphic novels are the most amazing “gateway” book for readers who are not ready for chapter books yet. There are so many different styles, genres, and levels of graphic novels. Whether your reader is just learning, or they’re a teen who is still struggling, …graphic novels come in all many flavors and levels of difficulty.
Graphic Novels for Dyslexic or Reluctant Readers
“Dog Man” Series – by Dav Pilkey
Dog Man is the book that got my dyslexic son interested in reading. Although we do a lot of reading aloud together at home, he wasn’t willing to read a book by himself until he discovered this series by Dav Pilkey.
The description on Amazon reads, “With the head of a dog and the body of a human, this heroic hound digs into deception, claws after crooks, rolls over robbers, and scampers after squirrels. Will he be able to resist the call of the wild to answer the call of duty?”
Many boys enjoy the Dog Man series because it’s silly, ridiculous, easy to read, and includes plenty of potty humor. But Dog Man is fun for girls too….. and it helps kids to ENJOY READING!
There are 14 books in the “Dog Man” series as of 2026. And every title is also available in Spanish! (But I warn you- the movie is absolutely terrible. Kids love it but adults hate it. It’s not fun for parents. Believe me.)
As you can see from this page grab, the words are spread out enough to help early readers. AND it’s very easy to differentiate which character is speaking because of the speech bubbles. The colors are attractive to kids, and the story is fun and goofy. It’s not Shakespeare, but that will come years later, after they are HOOKED on reading because the books they read were FUN!
Who Is Dav Pilkey?
As an added bonus for neurodivergent kids, you can let them know that author Dav Pilkey has ADHD and Dyslexia! Just like Dav, your kiddos can become a bestselling author some day!
According to his Amazon blurb, “When Dav Pilkey was a kid, he was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. Dav was so disruptive in class that his teachers made him sit out in the hallway every day. Luckily, Dav loved to draw and make up stories. He spent his time in the hallway creating his own original comic books – the very first adventures of Dog Man and Captain Underpants. In college, Dav met a teacher who encouraged him to illustrate and write. He won a national competition in 1986 and the prize was the publication of his first book, “World War Won”….His stories are semi-autobiographical and explore universal themes that celebrate friendship, tolerance, and the triumph of the good-hearted.”
Dog Man Books Include:
- Dog Man AR level 2.6
- Dog Man Unleashed AR 2.5
- Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties AR 2.3
- Dog Man and Cat Kid AR 2.6
- Dog Man: Lord of The Fleas AR 2.6
- Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild AR 2.6
- Dog Man: For Whom The Ball Rolls AR 2.5
- Dog Man: Fetch-22 AR 2.7
- Dog Man: Grime and Punishment AR 2.5
- Dog Man: Mothering Heights AR 2.6
- Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under The Sea AR
- Dog Man: The Scarlet Shredder AR 2.8
- Dog Man: Big Jim Begins AR 2.7
- Dog Man: Big Jim Believes AR 3.2
I have linked each book to Amazon (where I’m an affiliate. If you purchase through these links, I will get a small commission at no cost to you.)
Dyslexia Friendly Narwhal and Jelly – by Ben Clanton
Boys and girls alike will enjoy the 10 books of the Narwhal and Jelly series. Narwhal is a relentlessly cheerful narwhal and Jelly is a jellyfish who has absolutely no time for nonsense. They don’t have much in common—except for their deep, serious love of waffles, parties, and going on ridiculous adventures.
This silly early graphic novel includes three short stories, so it makes it a more dyslexia friendly book and easier for early readers to handle in smaller chunks. The first book in the series, Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea is AR level 2.4 (so theoretically second grade, fourth month.) Most of the books in the series are between 2.4 and 2.8 AR level.
AR Reading Levels – What exactly are they?
AR refers to “Accelerated Reader.” AR levels tell you how difficult a book is to read. The first number refers to the year in school, and the second number refers to month. For example, 2.5 means 2nd grade, 5th month. Level 4.6 means 4th grade, 6th month. Etc. Obviously this is just a guide, and most kids read above or below their actual age, but many schools expect kids to read inside of a particular AR range.
For your convenience, I have listed the AR level of each book in this post.
You can find the AR level of virtually any book at arbookfind.com.
Dyslexia Friendly books by Lincoln Pierce
Big Nate books!
“Big Nate” by Lincoln Pierce is a huge favorite in our house.
This series features eleven-year-old Nate Wright, who is constantly getting shunned to school detention. Kids can relate to Nate’s daily battles with homework, gross cafeteria food, annoying teachers, cute crushes, and fun friends. My boys are constantly saying, “mom, listen to this” and quoting out of the book while laughing. It will take your kids quite a while to devour the series, as there are thirty four titles!
Big Nate: From the Top – AR level 2.5
Big Nate: Out Loud – AR level 2.5
Big Nate and Friends – AR level 2.4
AR 2.6 – Big Nate Makes the Grade
Big Nate: All Work and No Play – AR 3.0
Big Nate: Game On! – AR level 2.3
Big Nate: I Can’t Take It! – AR 2.8
Big Nate: Great Minds Think Alike – AR 2.9
AR 2.9 Big Nate: The Crowd Goes Wild
Big Nate: Say Good-bye to Dork City – AR 2.8
Big Nate: Welcome to My World – AR level 2.8
Big Nate: Thunka, Thunka, Thunka – AR 2.8
Big Nate: Revenge of the Cream Puffs – AR 2.9
Big Nate: What’s a Little Noogie Between Friends? – AR 2.8
AR 2.8 Big Nate: A Good Old-Fashioned Wedgie
Big Nate: Silent But Deadly – AR level 2.8
Big Nate Goes Bananas! – AR level 3.0
Big Nate: Payback Time! – AR level 3.1
Big Nate: Hug It Out! – AR level 2.9
Big Nate: Blow the Roof Off! – AR level 2.7
Big Nate: The Gerbil Ate My Homework – AR level 2.9
AR 2.9 Big Nate: In Your Face!
Big Nate: Aloha! – AR 2.7
Big Nate: Beware of Low-Flying Corn Muffins – AR level 3.0
Big Nate: Release the Hounds! – AR 2.9
Big Nate: Nailed It! – AR 2.8
Big Nate: Move It or Lose It! – AR 3.0
Big Nate: This Means War! – AR 3.0
AR level 3.1 Big Nate: Remain Calm!
Big Nate: Attack of the Cheez Funk Breath – AR 2.9
Big Nate: No Harm Done! – AR 2.8
Big Nate: Code Red! – Level not listed
Big Nate: Curse of the Puffy Shorts! – Level not yet reported
Big Nate: Mr. Popularity– AR 2.9
Max and the Midknights – by Lincoln Pierce
If your dyslexic reader enjoyed Big Nate, she or he (or they) will enjoy taking a small step up in reading level with Lincoln Pierce’s “Max and the Midknights.” My son devoured these three books in about three days. I personally enjoy that the protagonist is a girl, which you don’t see as often in graphic novels.
Book 1: Max and the Midknights
It’s the Middle Ages, and Max wants to be a knight! Now Max and her band of brave adventurers are on a thrilling, funny quest to save the mighty kingdom of Byjovia.
Book 2: Max and the Midknights: Battle of the Bodkins
Max didn’t expect knight school to be so difficult. Luckily, her friends—the Midknights, are her backup! But when Byjovia is under attack, the Midknights will have to face their greatest foe yet—themselves?
Book 3: Max and the Midknights: The Tower of Time
Am I seeing double? Max’s twin is public enemy number one, and it’s up to the Midknights to find her before time runs out! Can Max and her band of loyal friends unlock the mystery of her past?
The Bad Guys books are So Good For Dyslexic Readers
The Bad Guys – by Aaron Blabey
The Bad Guys movie (and sequel) are based on some really fun graphic novels that my kids absolutely devoured. Seriously, they read probably six books in one weekend. Much like “Dog Man” and “Big Nate,” the “Bad Guys” books are in the second-grade sweet spot. And they are some of the most dyslexia friendly books for kids! Your kid may be older or younger than second grade when they’re ready for these, but they are excellent for luring in reluctant readers…especially boys.
And if your child likes the series, you’re in luck… because there are 20 of them!
Dyslexia friendly books = Bad Guys
The Bad Guys (Book 1) AR Level: 2.4
The Bad Guys in Mission Unpluckable (Book 2) AR Level: 2
The Bad Guys in The Furball Strikes Back (Book 3) AR Level: 2.5
The Bad Guys in Attack of the Zittens (Book 4) AR Level: 2.5
The Bad Guys in Intergalactic Gas (Book 5) AR Level: 2.5
The Bad Guys in Alien vs Bad Guys (Book 6) AR Level: 2.5
More Bad Guys
The Bad Guys in Do-You-Think-He-Saurus?! (Book 7) AR Level: 2.3
The Bad Guys in Superbad (Book 8) AR Level: 2.7
The Bad Guys in The Big Bad Wolf (Book 9) AR Level: 2.4
The Bad Guys in the Baddest Day Ever (Book 10) AR Level: 2.5
The Bad Guys in Dawn of the Underlord (Book 11) AR Level: 2.7
The Bad Guys in The One?! (Book 12) AR Level: 2.6
The Bad Guys in Cut to the Chase (Book 13) AR Level: 2.4
Dyslexia Friendly books = Bad Guys
The Bad Guys in They’re Bee-Hind You! (Book 14) AR Level: 2.5
The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh! (Book 15) AR Level: 2.4
The Bad Guys in The Others?! (Book 16) AR Level: 2.2
The Bad Guys in Let the Games Begin! (Book 17) AR Level: 2.2
The Bad Guys in Look Who’s Talking (Book 18) AR Level: 2.9
The Bad Guys in The Serpent and the Beast (Book 19) AR Level: 2.2
The Bad Guys in One Last Thing (Book 20) AR Level: 2.2
Books For Dyslexic Readers
Wings of Fire Graphic Novels
The “Wings of Fire” series by Tui T. Sutherland is incredibly popular with my son’s fourth grade crew. However, the chapter books are rated mostly 5.3 and 5.4 AR level… which means that the chapter book version is a little too difficult for my son right now. Luckily, the Wings of Fire graphic novels have the same storylines as the chapter books, but in an easier to digest format. These are also a great option for my younger, second-grade son who wants to discuss the plots with the older boys, but isn’t at a 5.4 reading level yet.
The Wings of Fire graphic novels are mostly in the 2.7 – 3.3 AR (accelerated reader) range. Which makes them an easier to digest version of the Wings of Fire chapter books, also by Tui T. Sutherland.
The plot centers around a war between dragon tribes. According to a prophecy, five of the dragons will end the bloodshed to choose a new queen. Sounds a little like “Game of Thrones” for kids.
The Wings of Fire Graphic novels include:
Wings of Fire: The Graphic Novel #1: The Dragonet Prophecy — AR 2.7
Wings of Fire: The Graphic Novel #2: The Lost Heir — AR 3.0
Wings of Fire: The Graphic Novel #3: The Hidden Kingdom — AR 3.1
Wings of Fire: The Graphic Novel #4: The Dark Secret — AR 3.2
Wings of Fire: The Graphic Novel #5: The Brightest Night — AR 3.3
Wings of Fire: The Graphic Novel #6: Moon Rising — AR 3.4
Wings of Fire: The Graphic Novel #7: Winter Turning — AR 3.5
Wings of Fire: The Graphic Novel #8: Escaping Peril — AR 3.6
Wings of Fire: The Graphic Novel #9: Talons of Power — AR 3.7
Wings of Fire: The Graphic Novel: Legends — Darkstalker — AR 3.8
PRESS START! Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy
A bunny with super powers? And he’s stuck in a video game? Sounds like fun to me.
This series is part of Scholastic’s early chapter book line, “Branches,” aimed at newly independent readers. Amazon says, “With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina.”
There are 17 books in the “Press Start!” series.
The Press Start! graphic novel series by Thomas Flintham includes: Press Start! #1: Super Rabbit Boy Powers Up!, Press Start! #2: Super Rabbit Boy Blasts Off!, Press Start! #3: Super Rabbit Boy vs. the Gigabot, Press Start! #4: Super Rabbit Boy vs. the Mega Mirror, Press Start! #5: Super Rabbit Boy vs. the Fearsome Giga Guinea Pig…
The Press Start! graphic novels by Thomas Flintham generally fall in an Accelerated Reader (AR) level range of about 2.0 to 2.6. They are good for early readers and kids with dyslexia, typically in grades 1-3.
The rest of the collection includes:
Press Start! #6: Super Rabbit Boy vs. the Ultimate Robot Apocalypse, Press Start! #7: Super Rabbit All-Stars!, Press Start! #8: Super Rabbit Racers!, Press Start! #9: Super Rabbit Boy and the League of Heroes, Press Start! #10: Super Rabbit Boy vs. Super Sidekick, Press Start! #11: Super Rabbit Boy World!, Press Start! #12: Super Rabbit Boy: The Glitch, Press Start! #13: Super Rabbit Boy and the Great Computer Crisis, Press Start! Super Sidekicks #1: Noob Powers, Press Start! Super Sidekicks #2: Level Up, Press Start! Super Sidekicks #3: Rise of the Hero Bots, and Press Start! Super Sidekicks #4: Attack of the Mega Mech.
Good Books For Dyslexic Kids
Magic Treehouse Graphic Novels – by Mary Pope Osborne
The Magic Treehouse books are really good for teaching history to kids. The stories make historical events fun and memorable. However, if your child isn’t ready for the chapter book versions of “Magic Treehouse,” there are graphic novel versions of every title!
Both the books and graphic novels of The Magic Treehouse have the same stories. Luckily, the graphic novel versions are easier for reluctant readers and dyslexic readers due to the drawings and formatting.
The Magic Treehouse graphic novels include:
Dinosaurs Before Dark: The Graphic Novel – AR 2.0
The Knight at Dawn: The Graphic Novel – AR 2.4
Mummies in the Morning: The Graphic Novel – AR 2.3
Pirates Past Noon: The Graphic Novel – AR 2.3
Night of the Ninjas: The Graphic Novel – AR 2.1
Afternoon on the Amazon: The Graphic Novel – AR 2.2
Sunset of the Sabertooth: The Graphic Novel – AR 2.2
Midnight on the Moon: The Graphic Novel – AR 2.8
Chapter Books For Dyslexic Readers
Diary of a Wimpy Kid – by Jeff Kinney
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” is possibly the most dyslexia-friendly chapter book. It’s a good transition from graphic novels to chapter books because there are lines on the pages (like notebook paper) which can be really helpful for dyslexic students. Also, there are drawings on EVERY single page. That really helps to break-up the text for kids who have trouble following along in dense text. I mean, the cover even advertises “a novel in cartoons.”
If your reluctant reader enjoys this book (which I can almost guarantee) then they are in luck, because the series has 21 books!
These are definitely more advanced than the graphic novels. Most of the AR levels are 5.1, 5.2, or 5.3 for books in the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series.
Easy Chapter Books for Struggling Readers
The Owl Diaries – by Rebecca Elliott
Similar to the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” this series is great for kids just starting with chapter books. The term “easy,” is relative, since difficulty is different for each child. However, “The Owl Diaries” has a lot of helpful elements that most chapter books do not.
The pages have lines like a notebook (since it’s a diary) which makes it much easier for kids with dyslexia to follow along. The illustrations are adorable, and they are on almost every single page, sometimes two illustrations per page. My niece enjoys this one because it’s so cute! I enjoy it because it’s one of the best dyslexia friendly books for kids!
Like “Press Start,” it is in the “Branches” series for early readers. Most of the “Owl Diaries” books are around the 3.0 AR level.
Dyslexia Friendly Picture Books
If you are looking for dyslexia friendly picture books, there is a great series by Andrea Beaty that uses the OpenDyslexic font. It’s “The Questioners” series, and includes some excellent tales about using the scientific method, being creative, and staying resilient. These include: “Rosie Revere, Engineer,” and “Iggy Peck, Architect,” and “Ada Twist, Scientist” among others.
Whatever you do, just keep those kids reading!
I know from personal experience that it can be difficult to find dyslexia-friendly books for kids. Especially when you are trying to stick with physical books instead of e-readers, Kindles, and more screens! I’m hoping that more authors start publishing their books in a dyslexia-friendly font, but until then, the books above are great picks. Maybe Amazon will someday give us the option of printing one copy at a time in a dyslexic friendly font. But until then, do whatever you can to keep reading!
Thanks for reading about dyslexia friendly books!
