Do you have a kiddo who isn’t fond of reading? Is it difficult for them to understand which character is speaking, or to keep their eyes focused on the lines? Maybe they have dyslexia…or maybe they just need a book with more pictures and a little more pizzazz to get them excited?
I have one child with dyslexia, and we have found that graphic novels are the most amazing “gateway” book for readers who aren’t willing or able to move to chapter books yet. There are so many different styles, genres, and levels of graphic novels. Whether your reader is age 5 and just starting, or if they’re 15 and still struggling…graphic novels come in all many flavors and levels of difficulty.
Once your child is ready for chapter books, I also have some favorites to recommend that include pictures on every page, and fonts that are easier to read.
Paper or Kindle? Which is more Dyslexia Friendly?
There is vast research indicating that humans retain and comprehend information much better when they read on paper instead of a screen. For more information on that, checkout the incredible book “The Digital Delusion” by Jared Cooney Horvath.
For people who have difficulty reading, especially those with dyslexia, there are some really helpful fonts. One of them is called “dyslexie” and the other is called “open dyslexic.” You can download either one of them. You can even use a plugin for your computer, so that all text on your screen comes up in this font. (My son’s teacher figured this out, and it is so helpful for any computer reading he has during class.)
Unfortunately, I have found it VERY difficult to find dyslexia-friendly books in print.
There are a handful of authors, (bless their souls,) who have opted to print their books in a dyslexia-friendly font. But, they tend to be books you’ve never heard of. Thus, if your child wants to read what everyone else is reading (i.e. Harry Potter or Magic Treehouse) you have to find another way.
Enter the Kindle.
If your child needs to be reading chapter books for school, (or fun!) the Kindle can be a great resource, because you can download virtually ANY BOOK and put it into the Open Dyslexic font. My son’s teacher lets him bring it to school and do all his reading on the device. You can put this stipulation into any IEP or 504 provisions.
We purchased the Amazon Kindle Kids 16GB because my research showed that it definitely supported the dyslexia-friendly font, is glare free, and had more natural “page turns.” If you purchase through this link, I’ll get a small commission since I’m an affiliate.
However, if the Kindle is cost prohibitive, or your child isn’t ready for chapter books, graphic novels are an amazing option!
Dyslexia Friendly Graphic Novels for Reluctant Readers
“Dog Man” Series – by Dav Pilkey
Dog Man is 100% what got my son into reading on his own. We do a lot of reading aloud together at home, but he wasn’t willing to read a book by himself until he discovered this goofy series by Dav Pilkey.
The description on Amazon reads, “With the head of a dog and the body of a human, this heroic hound digs into deception, claws after crooks, rolls over robbers, and scampers after squirrels. Will he be able to resist the call of the wild to answer the call of duty?”
My boys like the Dog Man series because it’s silly, ridiculous, easy to read, and includes plenty of potty humor. And it made them ENJOY READING!
As of 2026, there are 14 books in the “Dog Man” series. Parents will be amused by the title’s play on classic books, like “The Scarlet Shredder,” “A Tale of Two Kitties,” and “Fetch-22,” among others. (But I warn you- the movie is absolutely terrible. Kids love it but adults hate it. (It’s not fun for parents like “Minions” or “Toy Story.” I was so bored and confused I almost fell asleep.)
As you can see from this page grab, the words are spread out enough to help early readers, and it’s very easy to differentiate which character is speaking because of the speech bubbles. The colors are attractive to kids, and the storyline is fun and engaging. It’s not Shakespeare, but that will come years later, after they are HOOKED on reading because the books they read were FUN!
As an added bonus for neurodivergent kids, you can let them know that author Dav Pilkey has ADHD and Dyslexia! They too can become a bestselling author some day!
According to his Amazon blurb, “When Dav Pilkey was a kid, he was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. Dav was so disruptive in class that his teachers made him sit out in the hallway every day. Luckily, Dav loved to draw and make up stories. He spent his time in the hallway creating his own original comic books – the very first adventures of Dog Man and Captain Underpants. In college, Dav met a teacher who encouraged him to illustrate and write. He won a national competition in 1986 and the prize was the publication of his first book, World War Won….His stories are semi-autobiographical and explore universal themes that celebrate friendship, tolerance, and the triumph of the good-hearted.”
A Quick Note About AR Levels
AR refers to “Accelerated Reader.” AR levels tell you how difficult a book is to read. The first number refers to the year in school, and the second number refers to month. For example, 2.5 means 2nd grade, 5th month. Level 4.6 means 4th grade, 6th month. Etc. Obviously this is just a guide, and most kids read above or below their actual age, but many schools expect kids to read inside of a particular AR range.
You can find the AR level of virtually any book at arbookfind.com.
Back to Dog Man… Our Favorite Dyslexia Friendly book for Kids
The Dog Man cannon includes:
- Dog Man AR level 2.6
- Dog Man Unleashed AR 2.5
- Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties AR 2.3
- Dog Man and Cat Kid AR 2.6
- Dog Man: Lord of The Fleas AR 2.6
- Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild AR 2.6
- Dog Man: For Whom The Ball Rolls AR 2.5
- Dog Man: Fetch-22 AR 2.7
- Dog Man: Grime and Punishment AR 2.5
- Dog Man: Mothering Heights AR 2.6
- Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under The Sea AR
- Dog Man: The Scarlet Shredder AR 2.8
- Dog Man: Big Jim Begins AR 2.7
- Dog Man: Big Jim Believes AR 3.2
If you prefer to use independent book stores to buy dyslexia friendly books for kids, you can use the below link to my Bookshop.org storefront (where I’m an affiliate.)
Once your kids get into the groove with Dog Man, the next stop on the fun-book train is Big Nate!
Another Excellent Dyslexia Friendly Book Series
Big Nate – by Lincoln Pierce
My kiddos LOVE the “Big Nate” series about an eleven-year-old boy who is constantly getting trapped in school detention. Kids can relate to Nate’s daily battles with homework, gross cafeteria food, annoying teachers, cute crushes, and fun friends. My boys are constantly saying, “mom, listen to this” and quoting out of the book while laughing. It will take kids quite a while to devour the series, as there are thirty four volumes! Big Nate fits the bill whether your child hates reading, or needs a more dyslexia friendly book.
Big Nate graphic novels for Reluctant or Dyslexic Readers
Big Nate: From the Top – AR level 2.5
Big Nate: Out Loud – AR level 2.5
Big Nate and Friends – AR level 2.4
AR 2.6 – Big Nate Makes the Grade
Big Nate: All Work and No Play – AR 3.0
Big Nate: Game On! – AR level 2.3
Big Nate: I Can’t Take It! – AR 2.8
Big Nate: Great Minds Think Alike – AR 2.9
AR 2.9 Big Nate: The Crowd Goes Wild
Big Nate: Say Good-bye to Dork City – AR 2.8
Big Nate: Welcome to My World – AR level 2.8
Big Nate: Thunka, Thunka, Thunka – AR 2.8
Big Nate: Revenge of the Cream Puffs – AR 2.9
Big Nate: What’s a Little Noogie Between Friends? – AR 2.8
AR 2.8 Big Nate: A Good Old-Fashioned Wedgie
Big Nate: Silent But Deadly – AR level 2.8
Big Nate Goes Bananas! – AR level 3.0
Big Nate: Payback Time! – AR level 3.1
Big Nate: Hug It Out! – AR level 2.9
Big Nate: Blow the Roof Off! – AR level 2.7
Big Nate: The Gerbil Ate My Homework – AR level 2.9
AR 2.9 Big Nate: In Your Face!
Big Nate: Aloha! – AR 2.7
Big Nate: Beware of Low-Flying Corn Muffins – AR level 3.0
Big Nate: Release the Hounds! – AR 2.9
Big Nate: Nailed It! – AR 2.8
Big Nate: Move It or Lose It! – AR 3.0
Big Nate: This Means War! – AR 3.0
AR level 3.1 Big Nate: Remain Calm!
Big Nate: Attack of the Cheez Funk Breath – AR 2.9
Big Nate: No Harm Done! – AR 2.8
Big Nate: Code Red! – Level not listed
Big Nate: Curse of the Puffy Shorts! – Level not yet reported
Big Nate: Mr. Popularity– AR 2.9
“The Bad Guys” are So Good For Dyslexic Readers
The Bad Guys – by Aaron Blabey
You may have seen the Bad Guys movie, or even the sequel. Well, they are based on some really fun graphic novels that my kids absolutely devoured. Seriously, they read probably six books in one weekend. Much like “Dog Man” and “Big Nate,” the “Bad Guys” books are in that second-grade sweet spot. And one of the most dyslexia friendly books for kids! Your kid may be older or younger when they’re ready for these, but they are excellent for luring in reluctant readers…especially boys.
And if your child likes the series, you’re in luck… because there are 20 of them!
Dyslexia friendly books = Bad Guys
The Bad Guys (Book 1) AR Level: 2.4
The Bad Guys in Mission Unpluckable (Book 2) AR Level: 2
The Bad Guys in The Furball Strikes Back (Book 3) AR Level: 2.5
The Bad Guys in Attack of the Zittens (Book 4) AR Level: 2.5
The Bad Guys in Intergalactic Gas (Book 5) AR Level: 2.5
The Bad Guys in Alien vs Bad Guys (Book 6) AR Level: 2.5
More Bad Guys
The Bad Guys in Do-You-Think-He-Saurus?! (Book 7) AR Level: 2.3
The Bad Guys in Superbad (Book 8) AR Level: 2.7
The Bad Guys in The Big Bad Wolf (Book 9) AR Level: 2.4
The Bad Guys in the Baddest Day Ever (Book 10) AR Level: 2.5
The Bad Guys in Dawn of the Underlord (Book 11) AR Level: 2.7
The Bad Guys in The One?! (Book 12) AR Level: 2.6
The Bad Guys in Cut to the Chase (Book 13) AR Level: 2.4
Dyslexia Friendly books = Bad Guys
The Bad Guys in They’re Bee-Hind You! (Book 14) AR Level: 2.5
The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh! (Book 15) AR Level: 2.4
The Bad Guys in The Others?! (Book 16) AR Level: 2.2
The Bad Guys in Let the Games Begin! (Book 17) AR Level: 2.2
The Bad Guys in Look Who’s Talking (Book 18) AR Level: 2.9
The Bad Guys in The Serpent and the Beast (Book 19) AR Level: 2.2
The Bad Guys in One Last Thing (Book 20) AR Level: 2.2
More Dyslexia Friendly Books For Kids!
PRESS START! Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy – by Thomas Flintham
A bunny with super powers? And he’s stuck in a video game? Sounds like fun to me. And yes, my sons love this one. This series is part of Scholastic’s early chapter book line, “Branches,” aimed at newly independent readers. Amazon says, “With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina.”
There are 17 books in the “Press Start!” series.
The Press Start! graphic novel series by Thomas Flintham includes: Press Start! #1: Super Rabbit Boy Powers Up!, Press Start! #2: Super Rabbit Boy Blasts Off!, Press Start! #3: Super Rabbit Boy vs. the Gigabot, Press Start! #4: Super Rabbit Boy vs. the Mega Mirror, Press Start! #5: Super Rabbit Boy vs. the Fearsome Giga Guinea Pig…
The Press Start! graphic novels by Thomas Flintham generally fall in an Accelerated Reader (AR) level range of about 2.0 to 2.6. They are good for early readers and kids with dyslexia, typically in grades 1-3.
The rest of the collection includes:
Press Start! #6: Super Rabbit Boy vs. the Ultimate Robot Apocalypse, Press Start! #7: Super Rabbit All-Stars!, Press Start! #8: Super Rabbit Racers!, Press Start! #9: Super Rabbit Boy and the League of Heroes, Press Start! #10: Super Rabbit Boy vs. Super Sidekick, Press Start! #11: Super Rabbit Boy World!, Press Start! #12: Super Rabbit Boy: The Glitch, Press Start! #13: Super Rabbit Boy and the Great Computer Crisis, Press Start! Super Sidekicks #1: Noob Powers, Press Start! Super Sidekicks #2: Level Up, Press Start! Super Sidekicks #3: Rise of the Hero Bots, and Press Start! Super Sidekicks #4: Attack of the Mega Mech.
Dyslexia Friendly Books that make Kids Love To Read!
Narwhal and Jelly – by Ben Clanton
Boys and girls alike will enjoy the 10 books of the Narwhal and Jelly series. Narwhal is a relentlessly cheerful narwhal and Jelly is a jellyfish who has absolutely no time for nonsense. They don’t have much in common—except for their deep, serious love of waffles, parties, and going on ridiculous adventures.
This silly early graphic novel includes three short stories, so it makes it a more dyslexia friendly book and easier for early readers to handle in smaller chunks. The first book in the series, Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea is AR level 2.4 (so theoretically second grade, fourth month.) Most of the books in the series are between 2.4 and 2.8 AR level.
Dyslexia Friendly books for Kids Who Aren’t Quite Ready for Chapter Books
Magic Treehouse Graphic Novels – by Mary Pope Osborne
The Magic Treehouse books are so excellent for teaching history to kids in a fun and memorable way. However, if your child isn’t yet ready for the chapter book versions of “Magic Treehouse,” there are graphic novels! The books and graphic novels have the same titles, and the same basic story lines. Luckily, the graphic novel versions are easier for reluctant readers and dyslexic readers due to the drawings and formatting.
The Magic Treehouse graphic novels include:
Dinosaurs Before Dark: The Graphic Novel – AR 2.0
The Knight at Dawn: The Graphic Novel – AR 2.4
Mummies in the Morning: The Graphic Novel – AR 2.3
Pirates Past Noon: The Graphic Novel – AR 2.3
Night of the Ninjas: The Graphic Novel – AR 2.1
Afternoon on the Amazon: The Graphic Novel – AR 2.2
Sunset of the Sabertooth: The Graphic Novel – AR 2.2
Midnight on the Moon: The Graphic Novel – AR 2.8
More Graphic Novels from the author of Big Nate
Max and the Midknights – by Lincoln Pierce
If your dyslexic reader enjoyed Big Nate, she or he (or they) will enjoy taking a small step up in reading level with “Max and the Midknights.” This set is also by Lincoln Pierce. My son devoured these three books in about three days.I personally enjoy that the protagonist is a girl, which you don’t see as often in graphic novels.
Book 1: Max and the Midknights
It’s the Middle Ages, and Max wants to be a knight! Now Max and her band of brave adventurers are on a thrilling, funny quest to save the mighty kingdom of Byjovia.
Book 2: Max and the Midknights: Battle of the Bodkins
Max didn’t expect knight school to be so difficult. Luckily, her friends—the Midknights, have her back. But when Byjovia is under attack, the Midknights will have to face their greatest foe yet—themselves?
Book 3: Max and the Midknights: The Tower of Time
Everyone’s favorite knight-in-training is back…in double? Max’s twin is public enemy number one, and it’s up to the Midknights to find her before time runs out! Can Max and her band of loyal friends unlock the mystery of her past?
Chapter Books that are Dyslexia Friendly
Diary of a Wimpy Kid – by Jeff Kinney
This is probably the most dyslexia friendly book for kids who have moved on from graphic novels. The Diary of A Wimpy Kid has so many things going for it. Not only is the story funny, but there are lines on the pages (like notebook paper) which can be really helpful for dyslexic students. There are also pictures on EVERY single page. That really helps to break-up the text for kids who have trouble following along in a chapter book. I mean, it says on the cover, “a novel in cartoons.”
If your reluctant reader enjoys this book (which I can almost guarantee) then they are in luck, because the series has 21 books!
These are definitely more advanced than the graphic novels. Most of the AR levels are 5.1, 5.2, or 5.3 for books in the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series.
The Owl Diaries – by Rebecca Elliott
Similar to the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” this series is super great for kids just starting on chapter books. “The Owl Diaries” pages have lines like a notebook (since it’s a diary) which makes it much easier for kids with dyslexia to follow along. The illustrations are adorable, and they are on almost every single page, sometimes two illustrations per page. My niece enjoys this one because it’s so cute! I enjoy it because it’s one of the best dyslexia friendly books for kids!
Most of the “Owl Diaries” books are around the 3.0 AR level.
Dyslexia Friendly Picture Books
If you are looking for dyslexia friendly picture books, there is a great series by Andrea Beaty that uses the OpenDyslexic font. It’s “The Questioners” series, and includes some excellent tales about using the scientific method, being creative, and staying resilient. These include: “Rosie Revere, Engineer,” and “Iggy Peck, Architect,” and “Ada Twist, Scientist” among others.
Whatever You Do- Keep Those Kids Reading!
I know it can be difficult to find dyslexia friendly books for kids. Especially when you are trying to stick with physical books instead of e-readers, Kindles, and more screens! I’m hoping that more authors get on board and start publishing their books in a dyslexia-friendly font, but until then, the books mentioned above are probably your best option.
The hope is if children can get hooked on the concept of reading with some fun books, they will stick with it long enough to improve their skills, and move on to chapter books. By then, maybe we will have more authors joining the movement, or maybe Amazon will give us an option to print one-off copies of titles in a helpful font. But stick with it! Reading is SO important for SO many reasons!
If you have other titles to add to this list, please email me! I’d love to hear your recommendations!
Thanks for reading Dyslexia friendly books for kids!!
