Our top dyslexia-friendly books for struggling readers

The Ghost Garden by Emma Carroll

When Fran uncovers a bone in the garden of Longbarrow House on the same afternoon that Leo breaks his leg, it is just the first in a series of strange and unsettling coincidences.

Leo is left immobilised for the rest of the summer and Fran is roped in to keep him company, forced to listen to his foolish theories about the looming threat of war in Europe.

Suddenly the garden she has loved all her life seems to hold threatening shadows of the future, and Fran starts to fear what she and Leo might find next…

Tom Gates: Five Star Stories by Liz Pichon

Q: Who wants their FIVE STAR funny story included in Oakfield School’s story book? A: EVERYONE! But what will Tom write about? Inspiration strikes when he looks at his excellent collection of ODD OBJECTS and remembers the funny stories behind each one.

Starting with Great Great Aunt Aggie’s fake bird hat, the weird stone with a hole and his very special doodle pen. Marcus wants to write about Tom (which is annoying), Amy’s got a funny poem and Norman’s story is all about… cheese. But Mr Fullerman can only choose the FIVE STAR STORIES – will Tom get his work in on time?

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Frankie’s World #2: Finding My Voice by Aoife Dooley

How do you find your voice when everyone around you is telling you to be quiet? Frankie is different, and so is her best-friend, Sam. So when they both start secondary school, it’s tough. Particularly when there are so many rules to follow, like: No talking in class! Be quiet in the hallways! Silence for assembly! Frankie doesn’t know how she’ll manage, because constantly talking is how she copes.

So when she gets the chance to compete in a Battle of the Bands contest, Frankie couldn’t be more excited. Except, to have a band, you need to have band members. And to have band members, you need to be good at making friends… Can Frankie learn to find her voice and stand out?

Lark by Anthony McGowan

Things are tense at home for Nicky and Kenny. Their mum’s coming to visit and it will be the first time they’ve seen her in years. A lot has changed since they were little and Nicky’s not so sure he’s ready to see her again.

When they head for a trek across the moors to take their minds off everything, a series of unforeseen circumstances leaves the brothers in a vulnerable and very dangerous position. There might even be a chance that this time not everyone will make it home alive…

Second Best Friend by Non Pratt

Jade and Becky are BFFs. They like the same stuff. They wear the same clothes. They even look alike. But when a spiteful remark hits home for Jade, she realises that though they’re besties, she’s always been second best. Then the school election offers her the chance to come first for once. Suddenly Jade will go to any lengths to outdo her best buddy…

A superbly taut and realistic tale of friends/rivals from the Carnegie Medal nominated author of Trouble.