10+ Best Dyslexia Friendly Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Searching for the perfect read can be a challenge, especially when looking for dyslexia-friendly options. That's why we've put together a comprehensive guide on dyslexia-friendly books for 12-year-olds, ensuring every young reader can find a book that not only captivates but also caters to their reading needs. Curious to discover what titles made the list? Keep reading to explore our carefully selected range of dyslexia-friendly books for 12-year-olds, designed to engage and inspire!

Fun Dyslexia Friendly Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He embarks on a thrilling adventure to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's fast-paced and filled with exciting mythological adventures that make it easier for dyslexic readers to stay engaged and motivated.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic adventures and learning about Greek mythology.

• Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ally has always had trouble with reading and feels out of place in school, but everything changes when a new teacher, Mr. Daniels, recognizes her dyslexia and helps her see that she doesn't have to be limited by her challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: It directly addresses dyslexia through a relatable protagonist, encouraging readers to embrace their unique learning styles.
  • Perfect for: Children who face learning challenges and anyone who feels different or misunderstood.

• The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Rob Biddulph
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Freddie Yates embarks on a hilariously wild adventure across Wales with his best friends after a series of unfortunate events. Along the way, they encounter a series of comic mishaps and learn about the true meaning of family.
  • Why we recommend this book: The fun and engaging narrative, combined with Rob Biddulph's lively illustrations, make this an accessible read for children with dyslexia.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy humor and adventure, and anyone in need of a good laugh.

• The It Girl by Katy Birchall
  • Genre(s): Humor, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: Anna Huntley's hilariously awkward and endearing misadventures begin when her father gets engaged to a famous actress, which suddenly thrusts Anna into the spotlight and the glamorous world of celebrity.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its light-hearted prose and humorous plot help maintain a high interest level, making reading enjoyable and less daunting for dyslexic readers.
  • Perfect for: Teens who like stories about fame, friendship, and funny mishaps.

• Blended by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Eleven-year-old Isabella navigates the challenges of her interracial family being split between two homes, and the everyday realities of racial tension in her surroundings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles important themes in a straightforward narrative, which helps maintain clarity and engagement for readers with dyslexia.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking to understand more about personal and cultural identity, and those who appreciate stories about real-life challenges.

Educational Dyslexia Friendly Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim board the London Eye, but when the pod comes back around, Salim has mysteriously disappeared. Ted, whose brain works in its own very unique way, tackles the mystery to find out what happened to Salim.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, attention to detail, understanding different perspectives
  • Why we recommend this book: The story is engaging with a clear, direct narrative and a mystery that keeps readers hooked, which is great for keeping dyslexic readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and mystery lovers who enjoy puzzling out whodunits.

• The Thing About Georgie by Lisa Graff
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Georgie, a fourth grader with dwarfism, faces big changes in his life, from his best friend drifting away to the arrival of a new sibling. He has to deal with his feelings and find his place in the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, coping with change, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: Its straightforward storytelling and relatable characters make it easier for dyslexic readers to connect with the story and characters.
  • Perfect for: Kids dealing with big life changes or feeling like they don't quite fit in.

• A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold, illustrated by Charles Santoso
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Bixby Alexander Tam (Bat), who is on the autism spectrum, becomes the caretaker of a baby skunk. Bat's quest to keep the skunk as a pet leads him to grow in understanding himself and others.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, responsibility, understanding diverse experiences
  • Why we recommend this book: The story's simple language and supportive illustrations help dyslexic readers follow along and stay engaged.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who are learning to embrace their unique qualities.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Roz, a robot, finds herself stranded on a remote, wild island. She must learn to survive in her new environment and ends up adopting an orphaned gosling.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Adaptation skills, environmental awareness, technology and nature interface
  • Why we recommend this book: Its clear, descriptive writing and intriguing plot make reading enjoyable and accessible for children with dyslexia.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in technology, nature, and tales of survival and friendship.

• El Deafo by Cece Bell
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Memoir
  • Synopsis: In this graphic memoir, Cece Bell shares her experiences growing up with a severe hearing loss and how she navigates her school life with the help of a powerful hearing aid she nicknames "El Deafo."
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-acceptance, communication, understanding disability
  • Why we recommend this book: The comic book format and visual storytelling make it particularly appealing and accessible for dyslexic readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy comics and anyone looking to understand more about living with disabilities.

Challenging Dyslexia Friendly Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and thwart a nefarious plot.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features complex puzzles and riddles that challenge the reader's problem-solving skills and cognitive abilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and creativity, while providing a thrilling and intellectually stimulating adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their brains to solve complex challenges.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: August Pullman, born with facial differences that have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep and wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his classmates can’t get past Auggie's extraordinary face.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex themes of acceptance, empathy, and diversity through multiple perspectives, enhancing its depth and emotional impact.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that promotes understanding and kindness, important values for children at this developmental stage.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about overcoming adversity and learning the importance of acceptance.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center, where boys are forced to dig large holes every day. Stanley realizes they are looking for something buried under the arid ground and begins to uncover the truth.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a non-linear narrative that intertwines multiple storylines across different time periods, requiring readers to make connections and understand complex plot structures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique and engaging story that combines adventure with historical and social themes, providing a rich reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories that make them think and piece together puzzles from different narratives.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates elements of horror and fantasy with a sophisticated narrative structure and rich language that can expand a young reader's vocabulary and imagination.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating and atmospheric story that explores themes of life, death, and finding one's place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are drawn to dark but beautiful tales and those interested in supernatural stories.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge with dangerous consequences.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes of power, love, and sacrifice with sophisticated language and a deep, intricate plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends magic with emotionally powerful storytelling, encouraging readers to think deeply about love and responsibility.
  • Perfect for: Young fantasy enthusiasts and readers who are captivated by rich, magical tales.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

If you're diving into the world of dyslexia-friendly books for 12-year-olds, you're already on a fantastic path to fostering a love of reading! Here are some tailored exercises that can help these young readers develop good habits and enhance their reading experience. Let's make reading enjoyable and accessible!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Choose a specific number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps create a consistent reading routine and builds reading stamina.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase the difficulty.

• Use Multi-Sensory Reading Approaches
  • What it is: Engage multiple senses by reading aloud, using audiobooks, or tracing words with fingers.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention by activating different parts of the brain.
  • Tips: Alternate between reading methods to keep the sessions engaging and dynamic.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a specific area in the home that is comfortable and well-lit for reading.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions and creates a positive association with reading.
  • Tips: Include comfortable seating and good lighting, and personalize the space with favorite items.

• Discuss What’s Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends, family, or a reading group.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and provides motivation to read more.
  • Tips: Prepare a few questions or discussion points before reading to make the discussion more fruitful.

• Use Visual Aids
  • What it is: Incorporate tools like graphic organizers, mind maps, or visual timelines.
  • How it helps: Helps in organizing thoughts and enhances understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the visual aids more interesting and easier to remember.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the reading.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day after reading.

• Read Aloud to Others
  • What it is: Read books aloud to siblings, parents, or even pets.
  • How it helps: Improves fluency and confidence in reading.
  • Tips: Choose a regular time each day for this activity to ensure consistency.

By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, you'll not only enhance your reading skills but also start to enjoy reading more and more. Remember, the key is consistency and finding joy in the process. Happy reading!