"Books Highlighting Dyslexia" by Johanna Peyton
Johanna Peyton lives in Austin, TX and is a mother, writer, author, and dyslexia advocate.
Looking for a meaningful gift this holiday season?
Dyslexia Center of Austin board member Johanna Peyton knows firsthand how powerful it is for children to see themselves reflected in the books they read. This is the first in a series of book recommendations Johanna will be sharing with us over the coming months.
We're starting with picture books—perfect for reading aloud together during the holidays.
Books Highlighting Dyslexia by Johanna Peyton
When I found out that our oldest child had dyslexia, I was eager for books that would help our family better understand and explain her experience. Sadly, at the time, there was very little geared towards her that celebrated her diagnosis. This ignited my personal passion to write the book that was missing in the market (more about that later!) and eventually led to my own dyslexia diagnosis.
Thankfully over the past 10 years, many great books featuring dyslexic characters have been published. It is powerful for children to see themselves in books especially since the form is one that they are often trying so hard to master. Representation is so important. It was a joy to compile this list that celebrates dyslexic children for all they are now and all they will become.
Learn more about Johanna Peyton:
Website: www.johannapeyton.com
Instagram: @johannapeytonauthor
AARON SLATER, ILLUSTRATOR written by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts (Harry N. Abrams, 2021) where a boy with dyslexia discovers his learning difference may inform who he is, but it does not define who he is, and that there are many ways to be a gifted communicator. Dyslexia implied in the story but mentioned directly in the author’s note. Part of The Questioneers series.
AMAZON LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Aaron-Slater-Illustrator-Questioneers-Andrea/dp/1419753967
A WALK IN THE WORDS by Hudson Talbott (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2021) where a young boy loves to draw but struggles to read. Thankfully his love of story helps him learn to embrace his own pace as he discovers that many brilliant people were also slow readers. Dyslexia implied in the story, even highlighting famous people thought to have dyslexia, but mentioned directly in the author’s note.
AMAZON LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Words-Hudson-Talbott/dp/0399548718
BRILLIANT BEA: A Story for Kids with Dyslexia and Learning Differences written by Shaina Rudolph and Mary Vukadinovich, illustrated by Fiona Lee (Magination Press, American Psychological Association, 2021) where a young girl with dyslexia discovers her storytelling talent and overcomes her reading and writing challenges using a tape recorder and showing her true abilities to classmates. Dyslexia directly identified and discussed in the story and extensively in the author’s note and backmatter.
AMAZON LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Brilliant-Bea-Shaina-Rudolph/dp/1433837412
DYSLEXIC LEGENDS ALPHABET by Robin Feiner and Beck Feiner (Alphabet Legends, 2019) is an alphabet book presenting an eye-opening and motivational A to Z of legends with dyslexia who have made an inspirational mark on our world including Agatha Christie, Leonardo da Vinci, Whoopie Goldberg, and more.
AMAZON LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Dyslexic-Legends-Alphabet-Beck-Feiner/dp/B0BN3LC215
LUPE LOPEZ: READING ROCK STAR! by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller/Joe Cepeda (Candlewick Press, 2023) where feisty first-grader Lupe Lopez struggles with reading but discovers her musical talents can help her become a “Reading Rock Star.” Reading challenge showcased throughout the story but not identified as dyslexia. Sequel to LUPE LOPEZ: ROCT STAR RULES.
AMAZON LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Lupe-Lopez-Reading-Rock-Star/dp/1536209554
THANK YOU, MR. FALKER by Patricia Polacco (Philomel Books, 2012) with a classic feel, this is a heartwarming tale of a dyslexic girl whose life is transformed by a compassionate teacher who identifies her reading struggle and recognizes her potential. Dyslexia implied throughout story.
AMAZON LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Falker-Patricia-Polacco/dp/0399257624
WIGGLING WORDS: LOVING LANGUAGE WITH DYSLEXIA by Kate Rolfe (Candlewick Press, 2025) where a child discovers creative ways to overcome reading challenges by transforming wiggling letters into imaginative worlds, offering hope for young readers with dyslexia. Dyslexia implied in the story but mentioned directly in the author’s note.
AMAZON LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Wiggling-Words-Loving-Language-Dyslexia/dp/1536244554