The most recommended books about dyslexia

Who picked these books? Meet our 22 experts.

22 authors created a book list connected to dyslexia, and here are their favorite dyslexia books.
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Book cover of Normal Sucks

Meg Jay Author Of The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now

From my list on figuring out your 20s.

Why am I passionate about this?

Meg Jay, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist, and an Associate Professor of Human Development at the University of Virginia, who specializes in adult development and in twentysomethings in particular. She earned a doctorate in clinical psychology, and in gender studies, from the University of California, Berkeley. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages and her work has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review and on NPR and BBC. Her TED talk “Why 30 Is Not the New 20” is among the most watched of all time.

Meg's book list on figuring out your 20s

Meg Jay Why did Meg love this book?

This book is for every twentysomething out there with a learning difference. After years of struggling in school, maybe by now you’re feeling a bit beat up and worn down. This book will help you shake it off with a good laugh and a good cry and remind you that adult life and work don't have to be like the classroom. I laughed out loud with every page, except for the ones that broke my heart.

By Jonathan Mooney,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Normal Sucks as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Jonathan Mooney blends anecdote, expertise, and memoir to present a new mode of thinking about how we live and learn - individually, uniquely, and with advantages and upshots to every type of brain and body. As a neuro-diverse kid diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD who didn't learn to read until he was twelve, the realisation that that he wasn't the problem - the system and the concept of normal were - saved Mooney's life and fundamentally changed his outlook. Here he explores the toll that being not normal takes on kids and adults when they're trapped in environments that label…


Book cover of Don't Talk to Strangers

Christopher Swann Author Of Never Back Down

From my list on crime fiction featuring powerful female characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love crime fiction, but the genre can be very much a boys’ club where women are sometimes reduced to femmes fatales or victims who need to be saved. When I look at my bookshelves, I realize how many of the books I’ve read are written by men about men. There’s nothing wrong with stories about men, but I have a lot of strong women in my life, and I’ve learned so much from listening to their perspectives. As a writer, I like pushing myself to try and create strong female characters who find themselves ensnared in a crime and have to figure their way out.

Christopher's book list on crime fiction featuring powerful female characters

Christopher Swann Why did Christopher love this book?

Amanda Kyle Williams quit school at sixteen, was diagnosed with dyslexia at twenty-two, and read her first book at twenty-three. She overcame addiction and wrote while working odd jobs, becoming a best-seller with her Keye Street series.

My wife heard Amanda speak at a dyslexia conference and told her about her husband who wanted to write books; later when I met Amanda at the Decatur Book Festival, she smiled and said, “Oh, yeah, you’re the writer.”

I love her protagonist Keye, a private investigator in Atlanta and former FBI profiler. She’s funny and gutsy and wrestles with her own demons. Don’t Talk to Strangers, the third in the series, is as good as the first two. Amanda died of cancer in 2018, but she left behind a tremendously inspiring legacy in both Keye and her own incredible story.

By Amanda Kyle Williams,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Don't Talk to Strangers as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

If you like Karin Slaughter you'll love Amanda Kyle Williams...Two girls tied in death. Found next to each other in shallow graves in the remote wilderness outside Whisper, Georgia. One has lain there for a decade. One for only sixty days. Now their bodies have been uncovered and there is only one person who can help the local law enforcement find their killer. Former FBI profiler, bond enforcement officer and private detective. Keye Street. Her experience lets her see clues others can't find and now she is going to have to use all her skills if she is to stop…


Book cover of Too Much Temptation

Mara Jacobs Author Of Worth The Weight

From my list on sexy and funny romance with plus-sized heroines.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve struggled with weight and body issues most of my adult life. When I first wrote Worth The Weight (nearly 20 years ago), I had just lost a lot of weight and was coming to terms with what that meant to my self-image vs my body image. Package deal? Able to be separate the two? The weight loss romances on this list spoke to me. But the “love all those curves” books spoke to me on a different level. And the body-positivity movement has spoken to me on yet another level as I evolve into the imperfect, but hopefully always learning, person I am still becoming.

Mara's book list on sexy and funny romance with plus-sized heroines

Mara Jacobs Why did Mara love this book?

One of the first books I remember reading that had lots of sex with a plus-size heroine. There are many now (thank goodness – a long time coming!), but when this first came out, it was quite unique.

Grace Jenkins has long wanted Noah Harper. She gets her chance, but her body image makes her hesitate.

I loved Noah’s flat-out desire of Grace and all her curves. This made me come up with a mantra that I use to my friends, on myself, and in my writing: To men; any naked is good naked.

By Lori Foster,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Too Much Temptation as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Lori Foster delivers everything you are looking for in a romance." —Jayne Ann Krentz

He Made Her Feel Beautiful

Awkward, insecure Grace Jenkins has had little experience with men. But that hasn't stopped her from dreaming hard about Noah Harper. Gorgeous, strong and darkly sexy, Noah has a rough edge beneath his polish that promises no mercy in the bedroom. When Grace learns Noah's engagement has ended in scandal, she shyly offers him her support and her friendship. But Noah's looking for something extra . . .

Noah wants Grace--badly. He wants to possess those curves that go on forever,…


Book cover of Stop That Frog!

Nicole Audet Author Of Parents For Sale

From my list on helping children learn great life lessons.

Why am I passionate about this?

My journey as a writer began in correlation with my career as a family doctor. After reading Dr. Jacques Ferron’s, books, I knew I wanted to be an author as well as a doctor. While pursuing my medical career, I wrote medical articles and books. My husband and I have also been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul of Quebecers with the story Witness of the Last Breath. This is the story of the last night of my daughter-in-law dying of lung cancer. Before she died, I promised Marie-Noëlle that I would pursue my writing career to change the world one young reader at a time. And I did.

Nicole's book list on helping children learn great life lessons

Nicole Audet Why did Nicole love this book?

It is a challenge to make a dyslexic child like reading. I recommend this book it was designed for dyslexic readers.

A special font and large space between letters help dyslexic children read easily. There are only a few of these books on the market. Children’s book editors should adapt their books for children having reading problems. This book is also very funny to read.

The well-illustrated basic plot keeps readers focused on the story. If your child likes this book, they may like the 12-chapter book series titled Here’s Hank.

By Henry Winkler, Lin Oliver, Scott Garrett (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Stop That Frog! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

Hank's class gets to take care of Principal Love's pet frog while he's away, and Hank is thrilled when he's selected to take it home for the weekend. But when he forgets to put the top back on the tank, Hank's excitement quickly turns to panic--the frog has escaped! The frog hunt is on, but time is running out. Hank needs to find that frog, and fast!


Book cover of White Eagles

Amanda McCrina Author Of Traitor: A Novel of World War II

From my list on unusual YA books about WWII.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have a degree in history and political science, with a particular interest in military history—especially World War II history, and most especially Eastern Front history. My family has Polish roots, and my own stories tend to focus on the Polish and Ukrainian experiences, but I keenly feel the need for more YA books not only about the Eastern Front but about other, even lesser-known theaters of World War II.

Amanda's book list on unusual YA books about WWII

Amanda McCrina Why did Amanda love this book?

I could have picked any one of Elizabeth Wein’s World War II novels; all are unique and profound, and all consider aspects of the war we don’t read about too often, or that we don’t often consider through the lens of women’s roles. But I chose White Eagles, about a young Polish female pilot modeled closely on Anna Leska, because I appreciate the attention it draws to the air war on the Eastern Front and because this is another story built mainly on the humanity of its characters; pilot Kristina’s poignant relationships both with her brother and with her young passenger are the driving forces of the narrative.

By Elizabeth Wein,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked White Eagles as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

Summer 1939. With Europe on the brink of war, eighteen-year-old Kristina Tomiak has been called up to join the White Eagles, Poland's valiant air force. When the Nazis reach the town where she is based, Kristina makes a daring escape, but she doesn't realise that she's carrying a stowaway in her plane. Will Kristina be able to navigate the most challenging flight of her life and reach safety amid the turmoil of war? Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 13+


Book cover of Thank You, Mr. Falker

Lori Fettner Author Of No Place Like Earth

From my list on that teach without being teachy.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I was little, I knew I would work with books in some way, and I did, for many years working for one of the major children’s book publishers. But it wasn’t rewarding in the way I had hoped. Some kids know they want to be a teacher when they grow up. I definitely did not, yet I became one. I love finding ways to make learning fun. In my teaching days I found ways to get the most reluctant students to find something they could enjoy about learning. And now as an author, I find myself doing the same, and as a parent, seeking out books like the ones I recommend here that teach without teaching.

Lori's book list on that teach without being teachy

Lori Fettner Why did Lori love this book?

This is one of the few books that no matter how many times I read, I still get choked up. A family has a tradition they keep whenever the children are going to learn to read. They do it for their little girl when she’s headed to kindergarten, but she doesn’t learn to read there. She doesn’t learn in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade either. In 5th grade, Trisha still can’t read, and she feels “dumb” and “different.” One teacher finally realizes Trisha’s problem and through hard work and creative methods teaches her to read. This is based on the true story of the author, Patricia Polacco, who overcame her reading struggles so well that she became an author! This book beautifully teaches that one can overcome difficulties to achieve greatness.

By Patricia Polacco,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Thank You, Mr. Falker as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

The real-life classic story of a dyslexic girl and the teacher who would not let her fail. A perfect gift for teachers and for students of any age.

Patricia Polacco is now one of America's most loved children's book creators, but once upon a time she was a little girl named Trisha starting school. Trisha could paint and draw beautifully, but when she looked at words on a page, all she could see was jumble. It took a very special teacher to recognize little Trisha's dyslexia: Mr. Falker, who encouraged her to overcome her reading disability. Patricia Polacco will never…


Book cover of Atlas of Classical History

Ray Laurence Author Of Mediterranean Timescapes: Chronological Age and Cultural Practice in the Roman Empire

From Ray's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Professor Dyslexic Roman Historian Creator of Animated Films Migrant

Ray's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Ray Laurence Why did Ray love this book?

When I was very young at school and struggling as a dyslexic student, I owned and cherished the first edition of this book which was in black and white.

I adored the mixture of maps and history – indeed I spent hours staring at the maps and would be lured by curiosity into reading the text. I was thrilled to discover that a new edition had been published and, for full disclosure, Richard Talbert had offered to send me a copy. When I opened the book on arrival, I felt the same sense of excitement from years ago – looking at maps of cities, of battles, and of sea routes.

This is a book of discovery, readers can open it up and find knowledge of battles they may not have heard of or visualizations of cities and geography. It is a book that you guide yourself through, that contrasts so…

By Richard Talbert (editor), Lindsay Holman (editor), Benet Salway (editor)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Atlas of Classical History as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Featuring over 130 colour maps of ancient physical and human landscapes spanning Britain to India and deep into the Sahara, this atlas is a compact kaleidoscope of peoples, migrations, empires, strife, cultures, cities and travels from Greece's Bronze Age to Rome's fall in the West.

This revised edition of the Atlas of Classical History equips readers with a clear visual grasp of the spatial dimension, a vital aspect for understanding history. Users gain insight into the formative roles of physical landscape - seas, rivers, mountains, deserts - in Mediterranean peoples' development. The maps in all their variety of scope, scale…


Book cover of Success Is a Choice: Ten Steps to Overachieving in Business and Life

Alan Stein Jr. Author Of Raise Your Game: High-Performance Secrets from the Best of the Best

From my list on maximizing potential and improving performance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a professional keynote speaker and author that has studied the pillars of high performance for most of my life. This journey started through basketball, as I was able to work with, work alongside, and observe many of the game’s top players and coaches and witness firsthand the disciplines, rituals, and routines they modeled in pursuit of optimal performance on and off the court. That transitioned into the business world where I not only watched these foundational principles be applied by executives and entrepreneurs… but I applied them to my own life and business as well. 

Alan's book list on maximizing potential and improving performance

Alan Stein Jr. Why did Alan love this book?

This is one of the most impactful books I have ever read. My approach to life was infused with an entirely new perspective immediately after reading it. And I’ve read it several times since. This book does a masterful job blending powerful stories with practical lessons and really focuses on how our daily habits, decisions, and mindsets shape our results.

By Rick Pitino,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Success Is a Choice as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In Success is a Choice, Rick Pitino, the Boston Celtics' legendary coach takes the same proven 10-step method that has earned him and his teams unrivaled success, and gives you a plan of attack for achieving extraordinary success in your own life. Jeff Woodman's energetic narration will leave listeners bursting with enthusiasm to put this book to use.


Book cover of Hooky

James Hider Author Of Ripe

From James' 10-year-old's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Journalist Writer Traveler History buff Probably not an AI

James' 3 favorite reads in 2023

Plus, James' 10-year-old's favorite books.

James Hider Why did James' 10-year-old love this book?

My daughter became obsessed with this series of books.

She is hugely into witches and magic and the first inklings of boyfriends and girlfriends and all the varieties of childhood friendships and rivalries. She is also dyslexic, and the fact that this is a graphic novel really helped her get into reading, for which I am eternally grateful.

By Miriam Bonastre Tur,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hooky as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Two twins, one prophecy, and a whole lot of hijinks. From WEBTOON, the #1 digital comic platform, comes a fantastical story about twin siblings Dani and Dorian who have missed the bus to magic school and scramble to find a mentor to teach them before their parents find out. Perfect for fans of The Okay Witch and the 5 Worlds series.

When Dani and Dorian missed the bus to magic school, they never thought they'd wind up declared traitors to their own kind! Now, thanks to a series of mishaps, they are being chased by powerful magic families seeking the…


Book cover of Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain

Christina Lynch Author Of Pony Confidential

From Christina's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Sower of levity Italophile Time traveler Horsegirl Optimist

Christina's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Christina Lynch Why did Christina love this book?

This book made me think hard about how I read and teach reading. I learned a lot about how the brain processes language, and how people with dyslexia process written language. It was very moving and I think about it all the time, even months after finishing it.

By Maryanne Wolf,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Proust and the Squid as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Everything about [this] book, which combines a healthy dose of lucid neuroscience with a dash of sensitive personal narrative, delights ... a beautifully balanced piece of popular-science writing' Boyd Tonkin, Independent
'For people interested in language, this is a must. You'll find yourself focusing on words in new ways. Read it slowly - it will take time to sink in.'William Leith, Sunday Telegraph
'An inspiring celebration of the science of reading.' P.D. Smith, Guardian

'We were never born to read', says Maryanne Wolf. 'No specific genes ever dictated reading's development. Human beings invented reading only a few thousand years ago.…


Book cover of Normal Sucks
Book cover of Don't Talk to Strangers
Book cover of Too Much Temptation

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