10+ Best Dyslexia Friendly Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for dyslexia-friendly books for 8-year-olds that will keep your young reader engaged and excited about reading? You've come to the right place! Dyslexia shouldn't hinder the joy of exploring new stories and adventures through books. In this blog, we'll dive into a variety of options specifically tailored to support and enhance the reading experience for children with dyslexia. Keep reading to discover our top picks of dyslexia-friendly books for 8-year-olds that are both enjoyable and accessible.

Fun Dyslexia Friendly Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: Matthew Corbin suffers from severe obsessive-compulsive disorder that makes him afraid to leave his room. When a toddler staying next door goes missing, Matthew finds himself at the center of an intriguing mystery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines an engaging mystery with a sensitive portrayal of mental health issues, encouraging empathy and understanding in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good mystery and those who can relate to or want to understand mental health challenges.

• The Bolds by Julian Clary, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book follows the Bolds, a family of hyenas living as humans in a suburban setting, as they navigate through various funny and sometimes precarious situations.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its light-hearted and humorous approach makes reading enjoyable and accessible, especially for children who might find traditional texts challenging.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy laughter-filled stories and animal characters with human traits.

• Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds by Annabelle Sami, illustrated by Daniela Sosa
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Zaiba is an aspiring detective who, during a hotel's anniversary celebration, discovers that there is a mystery to be solved involving missing diamonds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a proactive, smart female protagonist and a plot that keeps readers engaged, making it a great choice for building confidence in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and fans of mystery stories.

• Dog Diaries by James Patterson and Steven Butler, illustrated by Richard Watson
  • Genre(s): Humor, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Told from the point of view of Junior, a lovable dog, this diary-format book explores his adventures and misadventures with his human family and other animal friends.
  • Why we recommend this book: The diary format, combined with its light and funny narrative, makes it particularly appealing and readable for children with dyslexia.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and kids who enjoy stories told from an animal's perspective.

• Fergus Crane by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Fergus Crane receives a mysterious invitation that leads him on an extraordinary adventure to rescue his long-lost uncle and uncover a secret that changes his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book's rich illustrations and engaging fantasy plot help maintain interest and motivation among readers, particularly those who might struggle with text-heavy pages.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and fans of illustrated stories that spark the imagination.

Educational Dyslexia Friendly Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Mega Magic Hair Swap! by Rochelle Humes, illustrated by Rachel Suzanne
  • Genre(s): Friendship, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Two friends, Mai and Rose, make a magical wish to swap hair but soon learn that true happiness comes from accepting and loving who you are.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, acceptance, friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: The playful illustrations and engaging text help convey a powerful message about self-acceptance and the beauty of diversity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy magical stories and learning about self-love and friendship.

• The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Mildred Hubble is a young witch attending Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches, where despite her best efforts, she often finds herself in chaotic situations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, resilience, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor and fantasy, making it an enjoyable read that supports dyslexic readers through its clear and structured layout.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about magic and overcoming challenges.

• Arlo, Mrs. Ogg and the Dinosaur Zoo by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Kathryn Durst
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Arlo and his classmates find themselves on a school trip to a very unconventional zoo, where the creatures are not quite what anyone expected.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, teamwork, understanding instructions
  • Why we recommend this book: The lively illustrations and engaging, easy-to-follow storyline make it particularly accessible for children with reading difficulties.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy adventurous tales and humorous situations.

• You’re a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! by Andy Stanton, illustrated by David Tazzyman
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The book features the misadventures of Mr. Gum, a grumpy man who detests children and fun, and the nonsensical events that unfold in his town.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, humor appreciation, narrative skills
  • Why we recommend this book: Its absurd humor and playful language make it a hit with kids, while the creative font and layout aid dyslexic readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy silly stories and imaginative plots.

• Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball by Laura Ellen Anderson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Amelia Fang, a young vampire, navigates through an adventure involving a Barbaric Ball, friendships, and a mission to rescue her pet pumpkin.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship dynamics, problem-solving, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: The engaging plot and whimsical illustrations support readers' comprehension and maintain their interest.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy worlds and quirky characters.

Challenging Dyslexia Friendly Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: A young orphan named Seren Rhys is drawn into a magical mystery when she receives a strange, mechanical crow that can speak. Together, they embark on a quest to find a missing child and unravel secrets in a mysterious mansion.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intricate plot twists and rich, descriptive language that demand higher comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is a thrilling blend of magic and mystery, perfect for stimulating the imagination and improving reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love enchanting mysteries and steampunk adventures.

• The Girl Who Stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Chaya, a brave and quick-witted girl, steals the queen's jewels and escapes on the back of an elephant, leading her friends on a daring jungle adventure.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative includes complex character dynamics and a fast-paced plot that requires keen attention and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and bravery, offering a thrilling adventure that captivates and educates.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and fans of vibrant, action-packed stories.

• The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Folklore
  • Synopsis: Marinka dreams of a normal life, but as a granddaughter of Baba Yaga, she is destined to guide spirits between this world and the next. This story reimagines Slavic folklore with a modern twist.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book weaves complex themes of destiny, life, and death with rich folklore elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep, culturally rich narrative that enhances understanding of folklore while addressing profound life themes.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in folklore and stories with deep moral and philosophical questions.

• Brightstorm: A Sky-Ship Adventure by Vashti Hardy
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Twins Arthur and Maudie Brightstorm embark on a thrilling expedition to reach South Polaris, facing challenges and uncovering family secrets along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes sophisticated scientific concepts and complex world-building that challenge the reader's understanding and imagination.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book sparks curiosity about science and exploration, promoting problem-solving skills and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and science enthusiasts who love a good mystery.

• Dragon with a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A dragon transformed into a human girl discovers a passion for chocolate making, leading to a journey of self-discovery and adventure in the human world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The protagonist's transition from dragon to human explores complex themes of identity and transformation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy with a heartwarming coming-of-age story, encouraging resilience and the pursuit of one's passions.
  • Perfect for: Fantasy lovers and young gourmets who dream of adventures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking for ways to help your 8-year-old become a more confident reader, especially if they're navigating dyslexia, incorporating some structured reading exercises can make a big difference. Here are some engaging and effective exercises designed to be dyslexia-friendly and promote good reading habits:

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You and your child take turns reading a book aloud.
  • How it helps: Enhances decoding skills and builds confidence in reading out loud.
  • Tips: Choose dyslexia-friendly books with clear fonts and spaced-out text.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Before reading, flip through the book and discuss the pictures.
  • How it helps: Sets a context and aids in comprehension by using visual clues.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions about the pictures to encourage critical thinking.

• Match the Sound
  • What it is: Play games that involve matching words with the same initial sounds.
  • How it helps: Improves phonemic awareness, which is crucial for reading development.
  • Tips: Use cards or simple drawings to make the game more interactive and fun.

• Word Hunt
  • What it is: Find specific words in a text or within a dyslexia-friendly book.
  • How it helps: Helps with word recognition and increases familiarity with common words.
  • Tips: Start with high-frequency words that your child will encounter often.

• Story Mapping
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the story’s main events and characters.
  • How it helps: Aids in understanding the structure of stories and improves memory.
  • Tips: Use drawings or symbols to represent different parts of the story, making it easier to recall.

• Reading Time Routine
  • What it is: Set aside a specific time each day dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Builds a habit and creates a predictable, comfortable environment for reading.
  • Tips: Keep this time free from distractions and choose a comfortable setting.

These exercises are not just about reading more efficiently; they're about enjoying the journey of reading and overcoming the challenges that dyslexia might present. By incorporating these activities into your daily routine, you're setting the stage for a lifetime of reading success and enjoyment for your child. Happy reading!