"Books Highlighting Dyslexia" by Johanna Peyton, Part 2

Johanna Peyton lives in Austin, TX and is a mother, writer, author, and dyslexia advocate.

In my first blog about “Books Highlighting Dyslexia” back in December, I shared how passionate I am about books and childhood literacy, especially around ensuring that children with dyslexia have books that center on dyslexic characters and have dyslexia-affirming messaging.

It’s a joy to share this second collection of books for independent readers. If your children aren't reading fully independently yet, I highly recommend all of these as family read-alouds or buddy reads.

I also included two incredibly informative books for grown-ups.

My passion for books that affirm the dyslexic experience began when I found out that our oldest child had dyslexia. This was over a decade ago. At the time, very few books were available to help our family better understand and explain her experience. And none offered a celebratory view of her diagnosis.

This ignited a desire in me to write the book that was missing in the market—and even led to my own dyslexia diagnosis.

After years and years of hard work, I’m excited to announce that my nonfiction picture book, ALL BRAINS WELCOME: Embracing ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and More, will be published by Sourcebooks this summer on August 4th!

ALL BRAINS WELCOME offers a celebratory look at neurodivergence through a classroom of children throwing a brain party. Each child speaks directly to the reader, introducing what makes their brain unique, along with fun facts and friendship ideas, all on bright, colorful spreads that show how our minds enable us to see, move, and dream differently.

With themes of empathy and inclusivity, my new book highlights that no matter what kind of brain a child has, there is a place for them, because the world needs every kind of thinker!

Happy Reading!

Learn more about Johanna Peyton:
Website: www.johannapeyton.com
Instagram: @johannapeytonauthor

CHAPTER BOOKS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

BENBEE AND THE TEACHER GRIEFER This series by K.A. Holt is the first book in this series where four divergent thinkers bond over video games, using their passion to save their teacher’s job and embrace their unique intelligence. Benbee, the main character, has dyslexia.

AMAZON LINK: https://a.co/d/03OQKW4O

HERE’S HANK: BOOKMARKS ARE PEOPLE TOO! Written by Henry Winkler, Lin Oliver, and Scott Garrett, this is the first hilarious book of the “Here’s Hank” series about. Hank is a second grader with learning difficulties. This heavily illustrated book is a perfect place for independent readers to start.

AMAZON LINK: https://a.co/d/0hgbJ8Fv

MIXED-UP by Kami Garcia, Brittney Williams, and Tyler Smith is a graphic novel that highlights a fifth grader who struggles with reading and keeping up with her friends in an online game. This leads to her being diagnosed with dyslexia and discovering the support she needs to succeed.

AMAZON LINK: https://a.co/d/0frr0iUC

WORDS APART by Aimee Lucido, Phillippa & Rachael Corcutt is the story of two sisters with different ways of expressing themselves. Little sister Olive uses words and poetry. Big sister Mattie draws pictures. Changes in their family and school affects their relationship and ultimately leads to Mattie being evaluated for dyslexia. Told in alternating perspectives of free verse poetry and graphic novel illustrations, this is an attractive book for reluctant readers.

AMAZON LINK: https://a.co/d/0gNXQpfJ

MIDDLE GRADE NOVELS

I recommend these as uplifting family read-alouds, buddy reads, or for older readers.

A FISH IN A TREE by Lynda Mullaly Hunt highlights a girl with dyslexia who struggles to fit in at school until she meets a teacher who helps her see her true potential. “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.”

AMAZON LINK: https://a.co/d/0dWDITvk

THE LIGHTNING THIEF, PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS by Rick Riordan follows a twelve-year-old who discovers he’s a demigod after battling monsters at school. When Zeus’s lightning bolt goes missing, he must embark on a quest to find it and prevent war among the gods. Percy Jackson, the main character, has dyslexia as one of his demigod traits, which allows him to read Greek, decipher monsters’ names, and help on his quest.

AMAZON LINK: https://a.co/d/00DOD0Jy

BOOKS FOR GROWN-UPS

OVERCOMING DYSLEXIA by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. and Jonathan Shaywitz, M.D. is a comprehensive guide to understanding and overcoming dyslexia, incorporating the latest scientific breakthroughs and practical strategies for individuals of all ages. This book is the gold standard in my opinion. My copy is thoroughly dogeared and highlighted.

AMAZON LINK: https://a.co/d/05sOCvHJ

THE DYSLEXIC ADVANTAGE: UNLOCKING THE HIDDEN POTENTIAL OF THE DYSLEXIC BRAIN by Brock L. Eide, M.D., M.A. and Fernette F. Eide, M.D. explains how to identify, understand, nurture and enjoy the strengths of the dyslexic mind.

AMAZON LINK: https://a.co/d/01wmxA41

Jason Meeker