That is why we have gathered together here what we believe are currently the BEST books about dyslexia and ADHD for kids. We think you will discover at least one of the selections in the list below to help you with the task of helping a child you know build self-confidence and self-esteem. Children and teens with LD challenges will find it easy to identify with the main characters in these stories. Not only are the selections empathetic, but they each help teach about strengths and talents that can help manage and sometimes even compensate for learning challenges.
We hope a child you know will not only learn from one of these books but discover how he can overcome his learning or reading issues, building that all-important confidence and self-esteem in the process.
BEST Kids' Books About Dyslexia and ADHD
Fish in a Tree (for Ages 10+)
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
“Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.” Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her—and to everyone—than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike. https://www.amazon.com/Fish-Tree-Lynda-Mullaly-Hunt/dp/0142426423/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1503854188&sr=1-1
It's Called Dyslexia (for Ages 6-9)
by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos and Nuria Roca (Illustrator)
This is one of several titles in Barron’s Live and Learn series for younger children. They are books that take a child’s point of view, especially if the child suffers from some physical challenge or lack self-confidence in going about everyday activities. These attractively illustrated picture storybooks encourage kids never to be afraid of a challenge. Following each story are four pages of suggested activities that relate to the book’s theme. A final two-page section offers advice to parents. The child in this story knows the alphabet, but she sometimes has trouble putting all the letters together to read words. No matter how hard she tries, she often mixes up the letters or writes them backwards. She’s unhappy until her teacher explains that she has dyslexia, and that she can be helped to read and write correctly.
https://www.amazon.com/Its-Called-Dyslexia-Live-Learn/dp/0764137948/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503854448&sr=1-8&keywords=dyslexia+tools+for+kids
Tom's Special Talent - Dyslexia (for Ages 5-9)
by Kate Gaynor, Liam Gaynor (Editor), Eva Byrne (Illustrator)
Tom isn't sure if he has any talents at all when he sees how good his friends are at writing and reading. But a school competition soon helps him to find his own very special talent ! Children with Dyslexia or a learning difficulty often find school a daunting and sometimes terrifying daily task. In an environment where certain skills, like writing and reading, are praised and highlighted more than others, it is important for children to recognise that everyone has a 'special talent' of their own. It encourages other children to be mindful of the differences that exist between their friends and classmates and to be aware that all children, regardless of their talents, learn differently.
https://www.amazon.com/Toms-Special-Talent-Dyslexia-Moonbeam/dp/0956175104/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0956175104&pd_rd_r=YA9YJE291D929ZRKZTMX&pd_rd_w=52k22&pd_rd_wg=x1sEp&psc=1&refRID=YA9YJE291D929ZRKZTMX
My Mouth Is a Volcano! (for Ages 5-8)
by Julia Cook and Carrie Hartman
All of Louis' thoughts are very important to him. In fact, his thoughts are so important to him that when he has something to say, his words begin to wiggle, and then they do the jiggle, then his tongue pushes all of his important words up against his teeth and he erupts, or interrupts others. His mouth is a volcano! My Mouth Is A Volcano takes an empathetic approach to the habit of interrupting and teaches children a witty technique to capture their rambunctious thoughts and words for expression at an appropriate time. Told from Louis’ perspective, this story provides parents, teachers, and counselors with an entertaining way to teach children the value of respecting others by listening and waiting for their turn to speak.
https://www.amazon.com/My-Mouth-Volcano-Julia-Cook/dp/1931636850/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503855433&sr=1-12&keywords=ADHD++books+for+kids
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) (for Ages 10-14)
by Rick Riordan
https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Thief-Percy-Jackson-Olympians/dp/0786838655/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1503930476&sr=1-1
“What was so great about me? A dyslexic, hyperactive boy with a D+ report card, kicked out of school for the sixth time in six years.” That’s what 12-year old Percy used to think. But that was before he discovered his true identity—as a demigod. The Lightning Thief throws a modern-day twist into ancient Greek mythology. And this popular, action-packed adventure story helps kids rethink their own abilities. Plus, there’s a movie version that could help spark the interest of reluctant readers.
Typically recommended for kids: Ages 9+
https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Thief-Percy-Jackson-Olympians/dp/0786838655/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512224734&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=The+Lightning+Thief+%28Percy+Jackson+and+the+Olympians%2C+Book+1%29+%28for+Ages+10-14%29+Unabridged%2C+March+21%2C+2006
My Name Is Brain Brian (for Ages 8-12)
by Jeanne Betancourt
Brian thinks he’s dumb. It doesn’t help that kids laugh when he reads aloud and writes on the board at school. But Brian’s sixth-grade teacher notices him reversing the letters of his name. That makes her suspect he might have dyslexia—and she’s right. With more help from his school, Brian finally comes to realize that he’s a smart kid who learns differently. My Name Is Brain Brian reinforces the idea that kids can learn to work around their issues and achieve their goals.
https://www.amazon.com/Name-Brain-Brian-Apple-Paperbacks/dp/0590449222/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1503930965&sr=8-1&keywords=My+Name+Is+Brian+by+Jeanne+Betancourt
Clementine (for Ages 6-8)
by Sara Pennypacker and Marla Frazee (Illustrator)
Life can be tricky for 8-year-olds. Just ask Clementine, who has a really bad week in this first book in the series named after her. On Monday, she gets in trouble for cutting her friend Margaret’s hair off. (Margaret got glue in it, and Clementine was just trying to help!) Every day after that gets worse, and Clementine starts to worry that her parents are going to label her “the hard one.” (Her brother would be “the easy one.”) This book never uses the term ADHD, but Clementine has many characteristics of kids with attention issues. So they are likely to relate to her challenges and creative, comic solutions.
https://www.amazon.com/Clementine-Sara-Pennypacker/dp/0786838833/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503931314&sr=1-1&keywords=Clementine+by+Sara+Pennypacker
Playing Tyler (Strange Chemistry) (for Ages 13+)
by T.L. Costa
Tyler MacCandless has adult-sized problems. A drunk driver killed his dad. His big brother’s in rehab. And his ADHD isn’t helping matters, especially at school. But just when things seem unbearable, Tyler’s given a flight simulator video game to beta test. If he does well, he might have a shot at getting into flight school. But what if the game’s not really a game? This twisty, technology-rich plot (which includes a bit of romance) will keep teens on the edge of their seats.
https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Tyler-Strange-Chemistry-Costa/dp/1908844612/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503931689&sr=1-1&keywords=Playing+Tyler
The Alphabet War: A Story About Dyslexia (for Ages 5-7)
by Diane Burton Rob
Adam has been having trouble with reading for a while, and in third grade he still can’t read on his own. Adam is finally diagnosed with dyslexia and his teachers put a plan in place. In The Alphabet War, kids get to see how Adam learns to match letters to sounds. It’s not easy, but he works hard. He also starts focusing on what he’s good at—and realizes he’s smart in other ways besides reading.
Typically recommended for kids: Ages 7–10
https://www.amazon.com/Alphabet-War-Story-about-Dyslexia-ebook/dp/B00JDY7V6U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1512224891&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Alphabet+War%3A+A+Story+About+Dyslexia
Thank You, Mr. Falker (for Ages 5-8)
by Patricia Polacco
Trisha struggles to read and she’s ashamed about it. Kids at school call her dumb and she thinks they’re right. She feels lonely and rejected. But then, in fifth grade, a very special teacher recognizes her amazing artistic talent—and her reading disability. He steps in to gently guide and support her. Slowly, Trisha begins to blossom—hence the gratitude of this touching best-seller’s title, “Thank You, Mr. Falker.” The story may be especially poignant because it’s autobiographical.
https://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Falker-Patricia-Polacco/dp/0399257624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1512224946&sr=1-1&keywords=Thank+You%2C+Mr.+Falker
Smart but Scattered Teens: The "Executive Skills" Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential (for parents of teens w/ ADHD)
by Richard Guare PhD, Peg Dawson EdD & Colin Guare
If you're the parent of a "smart but scattered" teen, trying to help him or her grow into a self-sufficient, responsible adult may feel like a never-ending battle. Now you have an alternative to micromanaging, cajoling, or ineffective punishments. This positive guide provides a science-based program for promoting teens' independence by building their executive skills--the fundamental brain-based abilities needed to get organized, stay focused, and control impulses and emotions. Executive skills experts Drs. Richard Guare and Peg Dawson are joined by Colin Guare, a young adult who has successfully faced these issues himself. Learn step-by-step strategies to help your teen live up to his or her potential now and in the future--while making your relationship stronger. Helpful worksheets and forms can be downloaded and printed
https://www.amazon.com/Smart-but-Scattered-Teens-Executive/dp/1609182294/ref=sr_1_2_twi_pap_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503855703&sr=1-2&keywords=ADHD++books+for+teens
More Kids' Books about ADHD and Dyslexia (from Understood)
https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/encouraging-reading-writing/7-books-featuring-characters-with-dyslexia-or-adhd?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=unders
For information on customizable tools for dyslexia & other reading challenges:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897
Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC: www.FocusandRead.com and
Pixabay.com: https://pixabay.com/en/children-studying-book-reading-read-670663/
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