On this booklist, we feature a selection of recommended books that have been specially designed for dyslexic readers by the experts at Barrington Stoke. All of the books on this list have a dyslexia-friendly layout, typeface and paperstock, so that even more readers can enjoy them. Scroll down to find the best books for dyslexic readers in KS1, lower KS2 and upper KS2.
Splash Day is part of Barrington Stoke’s highly recommendable ‘Little Gems’ series, which brings together popular children’s authors and illustrators to produce stories with clever design features and super-readable layout that make them appealing and accessible to newly independent readers who may not be quite ready for full chapter books. It has the feel of a first chapter book, but has a reduced amount of text on each page and is perfect for Year 1 children still gaining confidence with phonics.
The simple rhyming story, about a class that has been awarded a day of water fights and paddling pools as a reward for working so hard, was inspired by a real visit to a school that holds a ‘splash day’ treat annually. The children in the class are equipped with goggles, wellies and inflatables, ready for a day of watery fun and even the teachers are ready to join in. There is plenty of rhyme and alliteration in the text, and a funny twist waiting at the end. Coupled with Nick Sharratt’s signature-style bold and colourful illustrations, the book is a joy to read.
We also enjoyed the jokes and puzzles inside the jacket.
A fun story for 5-8s from the former UK Children’s Laureate and author of The Gruffalo. Elmo and his sister love to play in the Jungle House but then mean old Mr Birdnest moves in and things turn very odd indeed.
A reimagining of the childhood of Sophie Blanchard, one of the world’s first female aeronauts. Scaredy-Cat Sophie is afraid of everything. So when a balloonist comes to the town fair, Sophie is left behind while everyone else goes to watch him fly in his marvellous balloon. She’s far too frightened of the crowds, the commotion and even riding in a horse-drawn carriage. But if she could just be brave enough to face her fears, who knows where Sophie’s journey might take her.
Mr Frost’s class is in trouble. The pupils keep making a mess! And the rubbish bin that tips over at a touch doesn’t help. But when they decide to send it off to the charity shop with a few extra things inside, the class soon discovers that what one person doesn’t want can be just what someone else is looking for…
Laugh-out-loud comedy from Carnegie Medalist Frank Cottrell Boyce. When Granddad gives ‘loser’ George an old bottle of aftershave for his birthday, George’s life becomes more desirable…
It’s another normal morning for Leo until a toad lands on his head. It’s a toad attack! Before Leo knows it, the toads are everywhere, munching through gardens and causing chaos around town. The angry residents are ready to take matters into their own hands but where did the toads come from? And what are they doing here? Together with his best friend Rosa, Leo needs to come up with some answers before the toads become toast!
Owen and his mum are struggling. It’s just the two of them at home now and they’re finding it difficult to ask for the help they need. When Owen discovers a crumbling stone soldier in the local park, it feels like he finally has someone he can talk to about his worries. But the town council cant’ see how important the soldier is and they want to remove him. Owen’s scared that he’ll be left on his own again, but can he find the courage he needs to save the soldier before it’s too late? This book has been edited to a reading age of 8.
Futuristic drama from Malorie Blackman, the UK Children’s Laureate from 2013-2015. How would you feel if your dad created a monster? Claire is upset by her dad’s new invention, and her best friend is struggling to help…
Bobbie is thrilled that a golden eagle has settled near her family farm. She loves climbing the hills to watch it soar across the sky and stalk its prey. But not everybody shares her feelings for the magnificent bird. When it becomes clear that the eagle is in grave danger, Bobbie is determined to do everything she can to protect it. But she is also facing the threat of being sent away to boarding school, far from everything she knows. Will Bobbie be brave enough to fight for the bird and home that she loves?
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Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
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Curriculum links (if relevant)
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