picture books about dyslexia, books about dyslexia

Celebrating Strengths: 6 Picture Books About Dyslexia That Encourage Self-Esteem

Table of Contents

Introduction to Picture Books About Dyslexia

When a child struggles to read, it can impact far more than just their academic performance—it can affect their confidence, relationships, and sense of identity. For students with dyslexia, these challenges can feel overwhelming, especially when their strengths aren’t always recognized in traditional classroom settings. That’s where picture books can play a powerful role. Stories that celebrate diverse learners help children see that they’re not alone—and that their brains aren’t broken, just brilliantly different.

 

In this post, you’ll find six thoughtfully chosen picture books that do more than explain dyslexia—they encourage children to see themselves as capable, creative, and worthy of success. These books support not only students but also the caregivers and educators who walk alongside them. Whether you’re just starting the conversation or looking to foster self-esteem in a struggling reader, these titles offer empathy, hope, and a reminder of how magnificent our differences can be.

 

For some of the books on the website, I have created interactive read-alouds to enrich their use in the classroom. These interactive read-alouds include discussion questions, activities, and prompts that engage students and deepen their understanding of the book’s themes. More interactive read-alouds are on the way. If there are specific books for which you would like to see a read-aloud created, please contact me using the form at the bottom of the page.

 

To learn more about supporting social-emotional learning and using interactive read-alouds in the classroom, check out these posts:

 

 

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Book Recommendations

Aaron Slater, Illustrator - Andrea Beaty

Summary: Aaron Slater dreams of becoming a great storyteller, just like the ones he hears in his favorite books. But when he looks at the words on the page, all he sees are jumbled squiggles. As he falls behind his classmates in reading and writing, Aaron begins to wonder if his dream will ever come true. When his teacher assigns the class to write a story, Aaron is filled with dread—until he discovers a way to express himself that doesn’t require perfect spelling. With vibrant artwork and heartfelt rhymes, this inspiring story celebrates the power of visual storytelling and the many ways children can find their voices.

 

Description: Printed in a dyslexia-friendly font, Aaron Slater, Illustrator is a beautiful tribute to perseverance, creativity, and self-acceptance. It introduces children to a protagonist with dyslexia who learns that his challenges with reading do not diminish his talent or worth. Andrea Beaty’s poetic text, paired with David Roberts’ expressive illustrations, offers both representation and encouragement for students who may struggle with traditional literacy. This title is part of the bestselling Questioneers series, making it an excellent addition to classroom libraries and a natural companion for teaching about learning differences and embracing individual strengths.

 

Reviews and Considerations: Teachers and parents alike praise this book for its inclusive message and emotional resonance. Many reviewers highlight the thoughtful choice of font and how it opened up conversations about learning differences in their homes or classrooms. Others note how deeply the story resonated with students who feel discouraged by academic struggles but shine in other areas. Educators especially appreciate how it models empathy, celebrates diverse talents, and encourages children to keep trying in the face of difficulty. This standout title is often named as a favorite in the series and a must-have for any child who learns differently—or any classroom that values inclusion.

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Brilliant Bea - Shaina Rudolph

Summary: Beatrice has a gift for storytelling—but struggles with reading and writing make it hard for her to share her imagination in the classroom. With the support of a compassionate teacher and the help of an old tape recorder, Bea discovers a new way to tell her stories aloud. This creative workaround not only helps her succeed in school but also reveals her talents to her classmates, who finally get to see the brilliant Bea she’s always been.

 

Description: Set in a dyslexia-friendly EasyReading font, Brilliant Bea is a heartfelt story that showcases how the right tools and support can unlock a child’s potential. The story emphasizes that learning differences do not diminish creativity or intelligence. With vibrant illustrations and a relatable protagonist, the book also highlights the power of student-teacher relationships and the importance of recognizing every child’s strengths. It’s especially well-suited for children navigating their own dyslexia journey or classrooms learning to embrace diverse learners.

 

Reviews and Considerations: Parents, educators, and students describe Brilliant Bea as empowering, encouraging, and deeply relatable—particularly for children newly diagnosed with dyslexia. Many readers appreciated how Bea’s story validates the emotions that come with struggling in school while celebrating her resilience and talents. Some families gifted the book alongside a real cassette recorder to mirror Bea’s creative solution. While the vast majority of feedback is glowing, a few reviewers noted that the illustrations or subtle inclusions of diverse representation may prompt questions for younger readers. Overall, the story is widely praised as a valuable resource for promoting empathy and building confidence in students who learn differently.

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Finding My Superpower - Sarah Prestidge

Summary: Finding My Superpower is a heartfelt and uplifting picture book written to encourage children with dyslexia—and their families—as they process the emotions that can come with a diagnosis. Rather than focusing on deficits, this story highlights the unique strengths of dyslexic thinkers and shares examples of world changers who didn’t let learning differences hold them back. Through vibrant illustrations and a reassuring voice, the book reminds readers that thinking differently can be a superpower in its own right.

 

Description: Designed to validate and uplift, Finding My Superpower focuses on possibility and pride. It’s ideal for children who may be feeling discouraged, especially in the early stages of understanding what dyslexia means. This book doesn’t minimize the challenges dyslexia presents but offers hope by showcasing real-world role models—from Leonardo da Vinci to Dav Pilkey—who used their creative thinking to achieve great things. With minimal text on each page and eye-catching visuals, it’s well-suited for younger readers and offers a powerful conversation starter between parents, teachers, and students.

 

Reviews and Considerations: Many parents and educators consider this book an essential tool for boosting self-esteem and sparking important conversations. Families shared that their children were thrilled to recognize names of famous dyslexic individuals and left the book feeling seen and encouraged. Teachers appreciate how it normalizes learning differences and provides a positive tone without overwhelming details. While a few reviewers wished for more depth or practical strategies, the vast majority describe it as a confidence-boosting read perfect for early elementary students navigating dyslexia with fresh eyes and hopeful hearts.

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If You're So Smart, How Come You Can't Spell Mississippi - Barbara Esham

Summary: Katie knows her dad is brilliant—he’s a successful lawyer and a trusted advisor in their community. So she’s shocked when he struggles to help her spell the word “Mississippi.” As Katie digs deeper, she discovers that her dad has dyslexia, which changes how he processes words. Through this eye-opening experience, Katie begins to see that intelligence comes in many forms and that learning differences don’t have to limit success.

 

Description: Part of The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses series, this book takes a thoughtful and accessible approach to explaining dyslexia in a way that affirms both the challenges and strengths that come with it. By highlighting a capable adult who still grapples with spelling, the story offers powerful reassurance to children that they are not alone—and that their difficulties don’t diminish their potential. With its gentle humor, bright illustrations, and growth mindset message, this book is especially effective for classroom discussions or read-alouds during Dyslexia Awareness Month.

 

Reviews and Considerations: Educators and parents appreciate this book for its ability to open conversations and shift perceptions. Many families were touched by the way the story validates kids’ experiences while reframing dyslexia as a difference, not a deficit. Some reviewers felt the story leaned more informative than narrative, but praised it as an excellent resource for raising awareness, promoting self-worth, and helping classmates understand their peers. Teachers report that students enjoy the engaging illustrations and that the book sparks empathy, especially when paired with classroom activities or follow-up discussions.

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Did You Say Pasghetti? - Tammy Fortune

Summary: Danny is having a tough time in school, and his best friend Dusty—a lovable, loyal dog—wants to help. As Dusty narrates the story, readers follow the pair through the ups and downs of dyslexia, from frustrating school days to the triumph of discovering new ways to learn. With Dusty’s unwavering support and a little creativity, Danny begins to realize that everyone learns differently—and that’s perfectly okay.

 

Description: Told through the eyes of a charming canine companion, Did You Say Pasghetti? offers a kid-friendly, humorous take on what it feels like to struggle with dyslexia. This story gently addresses real emotions like low self-esteem and frustration, while also modeling support, encouragement, and problem-solving. It includes interactive elements like hidden “letter bones” that form a secret message, discussion questions for readers, and a free online teaching guide. This award-winning book is especially effective in helping all children—those with learning differences and their peers—develop empathy and a positive outlook on learning.

 

Reviews and Considerations: Teachers and parents call this book both entertaining and impactful. Many noted how relatable Danny’s story was for their own children with dyslexia and appreciated Dusty’s voice as a playful yet compassionate guide. Kids especially enjoyed the interactive elements and illustrations, which kept them engaged while subtly reinforcing key messages about perseverance and individual learning styles. While a few reviewers commented on the simplicity of the story, most found it to be a helpful, age-appropriate introduction to dyslexia that sparks important conversations at school and home.

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Magnificent Meg - Andra Harris

Summary: Meg is a bright and creative girl who finds reading overwhelming—but that doesn’t stop her from being magnificent. With the support of her family and strategies that work for her unique learning style, Meg begins to embrace her strengths and face her reading challenges with confidence. Her story offers young readers a hopeful reminder that they, too, are capable of doing hard things.

 

Description: Magnificent Meg is a warm, empowering story that gently introduces the experience of dyslexia without labeling it outright—making it a great starting point for conversations with children who may be struggling but haven’t yet received a diagnosis. With bold, easy-to-read text and relatable scenarios, Meg’s journey encourages both self-awareness and self-esteem. The book includes helpful parent tips and conversation starters at the end, offering practical support for caregivers navigating early reading difficulties. A recipient of the Mom’s Choice Award, this book is both a celebration of resilience and a resource for families and educators.

 

Reviews and Considerations: Readers consistently describe this book as uplifting, relatable, and beautifully written. Many parents shared that their children saw themselves in Meg and felt reassured by her story. Teachers and professionals praised the built-in strategies and the emphasis on perseverance and positivity. The book’s inclusive tone—acknowledging challenges while emphasizing capability—makes it a favorite among families beginning the journey of understanding dyslexia. For children feeling discouraged by reading, Meg’s voice is a powerful reminder: they are not alone, and their strengths matter.

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