Dyslexia Awareness

Published on 30 October 2019

Not everyone finds reading easy, that's why we have books that are specially designed to help readers build their confidence.
Our Reluctant readers collection contains engaging stories and books specially designed to help make reading a little easier for people with Dyslexia. This collection also contains books that may spike their interest such as those with popular themes like Minecraft and books a part of series.

Coincidentally, October is Dyslexia awareness month, so we thought we would tell you a bit more about them!

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a common learning difference where people may have difficulties with reading, spelling, writing and pronouncing words. However, people with Dyslexia have many strengths and can be creative, innovative and good problem solvers! It can present differently for individuals and is genetic.

Microsoft have a free short 'course' with information and videos of first-hand accounts.

Dyslexia awareness: In partnership with Made by Dyslexia

There is lots of information online such as the International Dyslexia Association and Australian Dyslexia Association

A first-hand account from a Broken Hill City Council employee

“Discovering I have dyslexia as an adult was a watershed moment for me; suddenly so many of my childhood challenges made sense. As I come to better understand the strengths and weaknesses associated with my dyslexia, I also better understand those around me. I understand now that other people can’t see the way seemingly unrelated things connect, just like I can’t read movie subtitles in the time they are on the screen. Learning to understand my dyslexic experience has been akin to unlocking a superpower. Realising that some of the things I was really good at are actually things most people aren’t good at helped to frame dyslexia for the strength it is. Perhaps most crucially, learning how to learn as a dyslexic has been instrumental in my success in higher education.”

Luke

What makes a book Dyslexia friendly?

Increased spacing between the letters and words.

Illustrations complementing the storyline.

Unique font that emphasises shapes, length, and increases spaces. Find out more about Dyslexie font here

Some have tinted or cream coloured pages which may ease visual stress.

Available resources

For a picture book that children with Dyslexia can identify with, Indigo solves the pzulze tells the story of Indigo, a young girl with Dyslexia and overcoming reading challenges. As well as, The illustrated guide to dyslexia and its amazing people by Kate Power & Kathy Iwanczak Forsyth, The alphabet war by Diane Burton Robb and The map challenge a SEN Superpowers book by Dr. Tracy Packiam Alloway.

Books by publishers 4U2READ and Barrington Stoke (Little Gems) in the reluctant readers (RR) collection have some of the features mentioned above, examples include;

I killed Father Christmas by Anthony McGowan

The snake who came to stay by Julia Donaldson

Dead cat by Michael Rosen

You can find more titles on the library catalogue by searching for 'Dyslexic' which will bring up titles with Dyslexic friendly font.

There are also teen and adult books which have the Dyslexic Books logo to distinguish them.

Don't forget eBooks

All library members can access Borrowbox and Wheelers eBooks with their membership number. Font size and background colour can be adjusted to suit your reading preferences!

Don't forget borrowing is free with your free library membership!