Books with Dyslexic Characters

When I was writing my dissertation, I did A LOT of research on how the books we read and the stories we hear shape us.  I learned about how books help us build empathy.  Or how books encourage us to help others.  Or how books can provide us opportunities to think about situations that we may never experience.  I know that stories have the power to shape how we see the world—and how we see ourselves. That’s why it’s so important for children to read about characters who reflect their own experiences, challenges, and strengths. For students with dyslexia, reading about characters who share their struggles can be transformative. These stories not only provide validation and encouragement but also foster empathy in others who may not fully understand what it means to live with dyslexia.

In honor of Dyslexia Awareness Month, let’s take a closer look at why it’s important for students—both those with and without dyslexia—to read books that feature dyslexic characters.

1. Representation Matters: Seeing Themselves in Stories

For children with dyslexia, it can often feel like they are alone in their struggles with reading. They might see their classmates reading fluently while they struggle, leading to feelings of isolation or inadequacy. Books featuring characters with dyslexia allow these students to see themselves in the stories they read, providing a sense of validation that their experiences are real, shared, and worth telling.

Characters with dyslexia, like Percy Jackson in Percy Jackson & the Olympians or Ally Nickerson in Fish in a Tree, show young readers that dyslexia is just one part of who they are—it doesn’t define their intelligence, abilities, or worth. Seeing characters overcome challenges and succeed in other areas of life helps students feel proud of their unique strengths and abilities.

2. Building Empathy and Understanding

For children who don’t have dyslexia, reading about characters who do can be eye-opening. It helps them understand the challenges their classmates or friends with dyslexia might face, fostering empathy and reducing stigma. These books can lead to important discussions in classrooms and at home about learning differences, encouraging children to be more patient, inclusive, and supportive of their peers.

Books with dyslexic characters show the complexity of the struggle—how it’s not about intelligence, but about processing information differently. By seeing these challenges through the eyes of a character they’ve come to care about, readers gain a deeper understanding of dyslexia as more than just a difficulty with reading.

3. Encouraging Resilience and Problem-Solving

One of the most empowering messages that books about dyslexic characters can offer is that while the path to success may look different, it is no less achievable. Stories about characters who navigate their dyslexia while pursuing their dreams offer children a powerful lesson in resilience and problem-solving.

For example, in Fish in a Tree, Ally learns to embrace her strengths and find new ways to overcome her learning challenges with the help of supportive teachers and friends. Stories like these teach students that struggles are a part of life, but they don’t have to define you. By showing characters finding creative solutions and seeking help, these books encourage students to build their own toolkit for success.

4. Promoting a Growth Mindset

Reading about characters with dyslexia can also help students develop a growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort and persistence. Many of the characters in these books demonstrate that while dyslexia presents challenges, those challenges can be worked through and overcome with the right support and determination.

Books about dyslexia often highlight the importance of perseverance, patience, and seeking help when needed. This helps children internalize the idea that it’s okay to struggle, and that success doesn’t happen overnight. For students with dyslexia, this message is particularly powerful, as they often need to work harder than their peers when it comes to reading.

5. Breaking Down Stigma and Misconceptions

Dyslexia is often misunderstood, with many misconceptions surrounding what it is and how it affects learning. Some people mistakenly believe that dyslexia is tied to intelligence, that it’s just about reversing letters, or that it can be "outgrown." Books featuring characters with dyslexia can help dispel these myths by offering authentic portrayals of the condition.

These stories show the day-to-day realities of dyslexia in a way that is accessible and relatable, helping both children and adults better understand the condition. This can go a long way in reducing the stigma around learning differences, creating more accepting and supportive environments in schools and communities.

6. Inspiring Confidence and Self-Advocacy

Perhaps one of the most empowering aspects of reading about characters with dyslexia is the way it can inspire children to become their own advocates. In many of these stories, the characters learn to speak up for their needs—whether it’s asking for help, using accommodations, or finding different ways to learn.

When children with dyslexia see characters who are not only managing their learning differences but thriving despite them, it can help them feel more confident in speaking up about their own needs. This sense of self-advocacy is crucial, as it encourages students to take control of their learning journey and seek out the support they need to succeed.

Final Thoughts: Books as a Bridge

Books about dyslexic characters are not just stories—they are bridges that connect students with dyslexia to a world of understanding, acceptance, and empowerment. They offer a safe space for children to explore their own challenges and see that they are not alone. At the same time, these books open up conversations about learning differences, fostering empathy and support among all readers.

As we observe Dyslexia Awareness Month, let’s celebrate the power of these stories to build confidence, resilience, and understanding for students with dyslexia. By reading about characters who face and overcome challenges, all students—dyslexic or not—learn that differences don’t define us. It’s how we rise to meet our challenges that truly shapes who we are.