10+ Best Dyslexia Friendly Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for dyslexia-friendly books for 13-year-olds that blend fun and accessibility? You're in the right place! Navigating the world of reading can be a challenge for young teens with dyslexia, but the right books can make a world of difference. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of dyslexia-friendly books that are perfect for 13-year-olds, ensuring they enjoy every page-turning moment without the usual hurdles.

Fun Dyslexia Friendly Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He embarks on a quest across the United States to find it and restore order to Olympus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's fast-paced and filled with exciting adventures that make reading enjoyable. The text is accessible, helping young readers improve their reading skills while being thoroughly entertained.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and mythology enthusiasts who enjoy dynamic stories with humorous and relatable characters.

• Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ally has always had trouble reading, but her new teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the troublemaker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a positive representation of overcoming learning difficulties, which can be incredibly empowering for readers facing similar challenges.
  • Perfect for: Readers who struggle with or feel insecure about their learning abilities and anyone who enjoys stories of personal growth and triumph.

• The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Rob Biddulph
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Freddie Yates goes on a journey with his best friends to find his biological father. Their trip turns into a series of hilarious and miraculous events.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book is funny and engaging, with short chapters and a large, readable font that makes it easier for dyslexic readers to enjoy the story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love laughter, friendship tales, and a bit of adventure in their reading.

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim get on the London Eye, but when his pod comes back, Salim doesn’t step off. Ted, whose brain runs on its own unique operating system, and his older sister Kat, team up to follow the clues across London in a desperate search for their cousin.
  • Why we recommend this book: The mystery is engaging and promotes problem-solving skills. The representation of neurological diversity is handled well, making it a great read for encouraging empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and readers who enjoy seeing the world from a different perspective.

• Blended by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Eleven-year-old Isabella navigates her life in a blended family and the challenges that come from being biracial. She faces bullying, racial tension, and family dynamics, finding her voice and path along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles important and relevant issues with sensitivity and insight, providing a mirror and window for young readers to understand diverse life experiences.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in contemporary issues and those looking for stories that reflect racial and family diversity.

Educational Dyslexia Friendly Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is narrated by a 15-year-old boy named Christopher who is on the autism spectrum. When he discovers the dead body of the neighbor's dog, he is initially blamed for the incident and decides to solve the mystery himself, uncovering family secrets along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, emotional perception, understanding diverse perspectives, and logical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an engaging narrative from a unique perspective that helps foster understanding and empathy. The chapters are short and the language is straightforward, making it accessible for dyslexic readers.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in mysteries and those who appreciate stories told from unconventional viewpoints.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who goes to public school for the first time in fifth grade. Through multiple viewpoints, readers experience the challenges and triumphs August faces.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, social skills, and understanding of diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that promotes kindness and acceptance. The straightforward narrative and engaging dialogue make it a good fit for readers with dyslexia.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy uplifting stories about overcoming adversity and making friends.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where inmates are forced to dig holes daily in the hot sun, supposedly to build character. However, there is more to the activity than meets the eye, and Stanley must dig up the truth.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of themes like justice and fate, and historical context
  • Why we recommend this book: The story is intriguing with a rich, multi-layered plot that keeps readers hooked. Its clear and concise language helps dyslexic readers follow complex narratives.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a good mystery and stories that connect past events with the present.

• El Deafo by Cece Bell
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Memoir
  • Synopsis: This is a semi-autobiographical graphic novel about the author's childhood experiences with hearing loss and how she turns her powerful hearing aid into a superpower.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-acceptance, resilience, and understanding disability
  • Why we recommend this book: The graphic novel format with visual cues supports text understanding, making it easier for dyslexic readers to enjoy the story. It's also an empowering tale of embracing one's differences.
  • Perfect for: Children dealing with any kind of disability or who enjoy creative autobiographies.

• The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Science
  • Synopsis: After her best friend drowns, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy was a rare jellyfish sting. She retreats into silence, only to embark on a journey to prove her theory right.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, coping with grief, and interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines emotional depth with scientific exploration, engaging young readers' curiosity and empathy. The narrative is straightforward and thoughtfully paced.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any reader dealing with loss or seeking understanding of complex emotions.

Challenging Dyslexia Friendly Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The novel follows the story of Nobody "Bod" Owens who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered. As he grows up, he encounters various adventures and dangers within and outside the graveyard.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex narrative structure and rich, descriptive language that demands higher comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating and imaginative story that encourages creativity and resilience. The book also deals with themes of growth and the meaning of life, which are profound for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Fans of supernatural stories and young readers who appreciate dark, whimsical tales.

• A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Conor, a boy who is visited by a monster while struggling with his mother's terminal illness. The monster tells him stories that help him confront his fears and emotions.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative intertwines complex themes of loss, fear, and maturity with fantastical elements, requiring readers to engage deeply with both the literal and metaphorical meanings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look at coping with grief and finding courage. The storytelling is compelling and helps readers develop emotional intelligence.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are dealing with or learning about loss and those who enjoy stories with deep emotional impact.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: In this tale, a town sacrifices a baby each year to the witch in the forest to avoid her wrath, not knowing she is kind-hearted. The witch, Xan, rescues the children and gives them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest, accidentally feeding one child moonlight and granting her powerful magic.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intricate plot development and sophisticated themes involving power, corruption, and sacrifice.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book is beautifully written with a strong moral foundation. It encourages critical thinking about right and wrong and the nature of power.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy complex fantasy worlds and stories that challenge their understanding of morality.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, 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 stop a global crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is filled with intricate puzzles and codes that require logical thinking and sharp attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that stimulates the mind and promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and the value of intelligence and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young detectives who enjoy cracking codes and solving mysteries.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in the late 1970s, this novel follows Miranda as she navigates friendship, family, and unexpected mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and hint at preventing a tragic death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot involves time travel and complex themes that intertwine multiple storylines requiring careful attention and analytical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It masterfully blends elements of mystery and science fiction, providing a compelling narrative that encourages readers to think critically about time and fate.
  • Perfect for: Fans of science fiction and mysteries, and readers who like stories that make them think deeply about how the past impacts the future.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Reading can be a challenge, especially for those dealing with dyslexia, but it's also an incredible way to explore new worlds and ideas. Here are some exercises specifically designed to help 13-year-olds with dyslexia develop good reading habits. These exercises are not only practical but also enjoyable, ensuring that reading becomes a more accessible and fun activity.

• Read Along with Audio Books
  • What it is: Listen to the audio version of a book while following along with the text.
  • How it helps: Enhances word recognition and improves reading fluency.
  • Tips: Choose books that are engaging and have a clear, expressive narrator.

• Highlight as You Read
  • What it is: Use a highlighter to mark important sentences or words in a book.
  • How it helps: Helps focus on key information and improves comprehension.
  • Tips: Use different colors for different themes or subjects.

• Create a Word Wall
  • What it is: Make a wall or a section in a notebook dedicated to new and difficult words.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and aids in visual memory of words.
  • Tips: Regularly update the wall and review it often.

• Use Dyslexia-Friendly Fonts
  • What it is: Set up reading materials in fonts designed for dyslexia, like OpenDyslexic.
  • How it helps: Reduces reading errors and increases reading speed.
  • Tips: Convert digital texts to dyslexia-friendly fonts and print out materials when possible.

• Pair Reading with Visuals
  • What it is: Use books that include diagrams, pictures, or comics.
  • How it helps: Supports understanding through visual context clues.
  • Tips: Choose books that balance text and visuals well.

• Set Regular Reading Times
  • What it is: Dedicate specific times of the day for reading.
  • How it helps: Builds a routine that can enhance focus and reduce anxiety around reading.
  • Tips: Keep reading sessions short and enjoyable to maintain enthusiasm.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book's plot, characters, and themes with someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the text.
  • Tips: Join a book club or have a reading buddy to make this more interactive and fun.

By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, you can transform the reading experience into something more positive and empowering. Remember, the key is consistency and finding joy in the process. Happy reading!