7 Summer Reads For Kids With Dyslexia Or ADHD (Featuring Characters They Can Relate To)

By Ginny Osewalt

In books, the most compelling characters often remind us of ourselves. These great summer reads may resonate with kids with dyslexia or ADHD . Thats because the heroes in these books share those challenges -- and the triumphs that come with them.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

What was so great about me? A dyslexic, hyperactive boy with a D+ report card, kicked out of school for the sixth time in six years. Thats what 12-year-old Percy used to think. But that was before he discovered his true identity -- as a demigod. The Lightning Thief throws a modern-day twist into ancient Greek mythology. And this popular, action-packed adventure story helps kids rethink their own abilities. Plus, theres a movie version that could help spark the interest of reluctant readers.

Typically recommended for kids: Ages 9+

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

In Fish in a Tree, sixth grader Ally Nickerson is clever at hiding her reading and writing issues. How? She acts out in class and creates distractions so people wont figure out whats really going on. But with the help of her teacher, Mr. Daniels, Ally discovers that she has dyslexia. She gets the support she needs, and her self-confidence skyrockets. This New York Times best-seller sends kids an uplifting message as Ally begins to recognize her own strengths.

Typically recommended for kids: Ages 10+

My Name Is Brain Brian by Jeanne Betancourt

Brian thinks hes dumb. It doesnt help that kids laugh when he reads aloud and writes on the board at school. But Brians sixth grade teacher notices him reversing the letters of his name. That makes her suspect he has dyslexia -- and shes right. With more help from his school, Brian finally comes to realize that hes a smart kid who learns differently. My Name Is Brain Brian reinforces the idea that kids can learn to work around their issues and achieve their goals.

Typically recommended for kids: Ages 812

Clementine by Sara Pennypacker

Life can be tricky for 8-year-olds. Just ask Clementine, who has a really bad week in this first book in the series named after her. On Monday, she gets in trouble for cutting her friend Margarets hair off. (Margaret got glue in it, and Clementine was just trying to help!) Every day after that gets worse, and Clementine starts to worry that her parents are going to label her the hard one. (Her brother would be the easy one.) This book never uses the term ADHD, but Clementine has many characteristics of kids with attention issues, so they are likely to relate to her challenges and creative, comic solutions.

Typically recommended for kids: Ages 68

Playing Tyler by T.L. Costa

Tyler MacCandless has adult-sized problems. A drunk driver killed his dad. His big brothers in rehab. And his ADHD isnt helping matters, especially at school. But just when things seem unbearable, Tylers given a flight simulator video game to beta test. If he does well, he might have a shot at getting into flight school. But what if the games not really a game? This twisty, technology-rich plot (which includes a bit of romance) will keep teens on the edge of their seats.

Typically recommended for kids: Ages 13+

The Alphabet War: A Story About Dyslexia by Diane Burton Robb

Adam has been having trouble with reading for a while, and in third grade he still cant read on his own. Adam is finally diagnosed with dyslexia and his teachers put a plan in place. In The Alphabet War, kids get to see how Adam learns to match letters to sounds. Its not easy, but he works hard. He also starts focusing on what hes good at -- and realizes hes smart in other ways besides reading.

Typically recommended for kids: Ages 710

Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco

Trisha struggles to read, and shes ashamed about it. Kids at school call her dumb, and she thinks theyre right. She feels lonely and rejected . But then, in fifth grade, a very special teacher recognizes her amazing artistic talent -- and her reading disability. He steps in to gently guide and support her. Slowly, Trisha begins to blossom -- hence the gratitude of this touching best-sellers title, Thank You, Mr. Falker. The story may be especially poignant because its autobiographical.

Typically recommended for kids: Ages 58

More from Understood.org:

-- Summer Reading Lists for Kids with Learning & Attention Issues -- 8 Types of Camps That Can Be Good for Kids With Learning and Attention Issues -- Preventing Summer Brain Drain

Talk with other parents of kids with learning and attention issues about summer reading challenges and triumphs in the Understood Community .

This post originally appeared on Understood.org .