10+ Best Dyslexia Friendly Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Searching for the perfect reading materials for young learners with dyslexia can be a bit of a challenge, but it doesn't have to be. Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Dyslexia Friendly Books for 7-Year-Olds. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, you'll find this list tailored to support the unique learning needs of children with dyslexia. Keep reading to discover a variety of Dyslexia Friendly Books for 7-Year-Olds that are not only engaging but also designed to enhance reading confidence and skills.

Fun Dyslexia Friendly Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers on Ally, a girl who has mastered the art of hiding her inability to read until a new teacher, Mr. Daniels, recognizes her struggles and dyslexia.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming and empowering story that shows how understanding and support can change a child's life. It also portrays dyslexia positively, encouraging empathy and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Children who face learning challenges and those who enjoy stories of personal growth and friendship.

• The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Action, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This series features two fourth-graders, George and Harold, who create a superhero named Captain Underpants. Their humorous adventures are filled with laughs and excitement.
  • Why we recommend this book: The comic book style and simple text make it highly accessible for young readers, including those with dyslexia, while its humor keeps them engaged and entertained.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superheroes and laughter, and those who benefit from visual storytelling.

• My Name is Brain Brian by Jeanne Betancourt
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book follows Brian, a boy who struggles with dyslexia but learns to understand and accept his learning differences with the help of supportive friends and family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a realistic look at the challenges faced by children with learning disabilities and provides a positive message about overcoming obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Children dealing with dyslexia or other learning difficulties and those who appreciate stories about overcoming adversity.

• Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Based on the author's own experiences, this book tells the story of a young girl named Trisha who struggles to read until a teacher, Mr. Falker, recognizes her struggle and helps her overcome her dyslexia.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring and beautifully illustrated story that highlights the impact a caring teacher can have on a student's life. It also helps children understand that they are not alone in their struggles.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are facing their own academic challenges and those who benefit from seeing the experiences of others like them.

Educational Dyslexia Friendly Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Max the Champion by Sean Stockdale and Alexandra Strick, illustrated by Ros Asquith
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book follows Max, a young sports enthusiast who dreams of being a champion. Despite his dyslexia, Max pursues his passion for sports with determination and joy.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Confidence building, understanding diversity, sports terminology
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines an engaging story with inclusive illustrations that support dyslexic readers, highlighting that everyone can achieve greatness in their own way.
  • Perfect for: Young sports lovers and any child who needs encouragement in pursuing their dreams despite challenges.

• The Great Trouble by Deborah Hopkinson
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in Victorian London, this tale revolves around Eel, an orphan who becomes involved in solving the mystery of the Broad Street cholera outbreak alongside the real historical figure Dr. John Snow.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, scientific inquiry, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mystery that also educates about a pivotal moment in public health history, presented in a dyslexia-friendly format.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds that enjoy puzzles and history, and readers who like their learning mixed with a bit of adventure.

• I Can Fly by Fifi Kuo
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a young penguin who believes it can fly, exploring themes of self-belief and persistence.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, perseverance, artistic appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: The simple, clear text and supportive illustrations make it ideal for dyslexic readers, while the story provides a powerful message about believing in oneself.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are beginning to explore their own abilities and those who appreciate visually driven storytelling.

• The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Lynne Avril
  • Genre(s): Educational, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ginny, a kindergartener with double vision, finds her way to better reading through the help of her school nurse and some special glasses, turning her into the "pirate of kindergarten."
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading confidence, understanding visual impairments
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses the challenges of a specific learning difficulty in a fun and accessible way, with supportive illustrations to aid dyslexic readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who face visual challenges in reading and those who enjoy playful, empowering stories.

• The Black Book of Colors by Menena Cottin and Rosana Faría
  • Genre(s): Conceptual, Educational
  • Synopsis: This unique book uses textured pages and simple, evocative text to describe colors as they are experienced by someone who is blind.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sensory awareness, empathy, color concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: Its innovative design and tactile elements make it particularly accessible for children with dyslexia and offer a new perspective on how we perceive colors.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in sensory experiences and those who benefit from non-traditional learning formats.

Challenging Dyslexia Friendly Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: A young orphan named Seren Rhys is drawn into a magical adventure when she receives a mysterious parcel that contains a talking crow. Together, they embark on a quest to solve a disappearance and unlock family secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes of magic and mystery, requiring readers to engage with a sophisticated plot and rich, descriptive language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, providing a captivating story that also enhances vocabulary and comprehension skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and puzzles, and those looking to immerse themselves in a richly detailed world.

• The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Temple Grandin, a woman who revolutionized animal science with her unique ability to think in pictures, a trait stemming from her autism.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces scientific concepts and the challenges of living with autism, presented through sophisticated narrative techniques that engage advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's inspirational, showing how differences can lead to incredible achievements, and it educates on both scientific and personal growth topics.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in science, animal welfare, and inspiring real-life stories.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Roz, a robot, finds herself alone on a remote, wild island. She must learn to survive and navigate the wilderness, making unlikely friends and facing challenges along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book explores themes of nature, technology, and survival using a complex narrative structure that challenges young readers to think critically about the interaction between technology and the natural world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with deep, thought-provoking themes, encouraging readers to consider their relationship with technology and the environment.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and tech enthusiasts who are also nature lovers.

• A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold, illustrated by Charles Santoso
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Animal Care
  • Synopsis: The story follows Bixby Alexander Tam (Bat), a third-grader with autism, who becomes deeply connected to a baby skunk that his veterinarian mom brings home.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delicately balances the narrative of Bat's daily life with autism alongside his love for animals, presenting complex emotional and ethical dilemmas.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a sensitive look at neurodiversity and animal care, teaching empathy and responsibility.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about animals and those who can relate to or wish to understand diverse life experiences.

• The Whisper by Pamela Zagarenski
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: A magical book with no words takes a young girl on an enchanting journey where she discovers the power of creating her own stories.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book uses a lyrical narrative style and rich, metaphorical illustrations to challenge readers to interpret and imagine stories for themselves.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes creativity and imagination, empowering readers to become storytellers in their own right.
  • Perfect for: Creative spirits and any child who dreams of magical worlds and loves to invent their own tales.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop great reading habits, especially when navigating dyslexia-friendly books, here are some fun and effective exercises to try out. These activities are designed to be engaging and supportive, enhancing both reading skills and enjoyment.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Preview a book by discussing its pictures before reading.
  • How it helps: Stimulates prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions about the pictures to encourage your child's imagination and inference skills.

• Match the Sound
  • What it is: Play a game matching words with the same initial sounds.
  • How it helps: Enhances phonemic awareness, which is crucial for reading development.
  • Tips: Use cards or objects that represent words, making it a fun and tactile game.

• Story Map
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the story with drawings or written keywords.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding and remembering the story structure.
  • Tips: Keep it simple; let your child draw or write main events from the story as they remember.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Take turns reading aloud from a dyslexia-friendly book.
  • How it helps: Builds confidence and fluency in reading.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to point at words as they read to maintain focus.

• Word Hunt
  • What it is: Have a scavenger hunt for sight words in the text.
  • How it helps: Improves word recognition and speed in reading.
  • Tips: Start with a few frequently occurring words and gradually increase the number.

• Silent Reading Time
  • What it is: Set aside a quiet time where your child reads silently to themselves.
  • How it helps: Fosters independence and comfort with reading alone.
  • Tips: Create a cozy reading nook that invites your child to curl up with a good book.

These exercises are not just tasks; they're stepping stones to becoming a confident reader. Remember, the key is consistency and making reading a fun part of your child’s daily routine. Happy reading!