5 Extraordinary Characters Who Struggle With Dyslexia
One of the most common learning disabilities, dyslexia affects many young people but can often go misdiagnosed and mistreated. From the gates of Olympus to the Kansas prairie, these five novels feature main characters who learn to overcome their reading struggles and challenges and, in the process, discover that learning differently can unleash a rare and powerful potential in life.
{{ product: 9780786838653 }}Percy Jackson and the Olympians, by Rick Riordan
This best-selling, blockbuster series from Rick Riordan is a modern-day tale about the children of the great Greek heroes of Olympus. When Percy Jackson discovers that his dyslexia is actually proof of his demi-god status (he’s the son of Poseidon, God of the Sea) he sets off on a quest to find the Underworld and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.
Fish In A Tree, 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.” Every time she starts a new school, Ally Nickerson’s been able to hide her reading struggles with clever distractions in class. That is, until Mr. Daniels sees through her to the tough, creative kid inside. While he helps her understand her dyslexia, Ally is able to see past labels of ‘smart’ and ‘dumb’ and discover what’s possible.
Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest Underachiever, by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
Created by Happy Days star, Henry Winkler, this series follows the bright, spirited, underachiever Hank Zipzer, who, like Winkler, is diagnosed with dyslexia. With humor and creativity, this fun, fast-paced series follows Hank through everyday adventures in school and beyond, as he learns to live and thrive with his learning differences.
My Name is Brian, by Jeanne Betancourt
Based on the author’s own experiences with dyslexia, this simple but sensitive story follows sixth-grader Brian, as he navigates friendships, changing relationships, and his struggles in school. No matter how hard he works, he’s accused of being lazy and can’t seem to get things right in class. When he is diagnosed with dyslexia, he discovers a new way to learn and survive sixth grade.
May B., by Caroline Starr Rose
This beautiful novel in verse is about May, a young girl helping out on a Kansas prairie homestead, who gets stranded, alone, in a sod house during a snowstorm. As she fights to survive, May is haunted by her struggles to read. Perfect for readers who love the Little House On the Prairie series, this powerful novel is ultimately about fighting against the odds and realizing your greatest and truest potential.