One of the most common concerns parents share with me is:
“My child hates reading.”
But after working with struggling readers and students with dyslexia-related reading difficulties over the years, I’ve learned something important:
Many children do not actually hate reading.
They hate the frustration that often comes with reading.
They hate feeling overwhelmed by long pages of text.
They hate struggling through every sentence.
They hate feeling behind their peers.
They hate being handed books that feel impossible to get through.
And eventually, many students begin protecting themselves by avoiding reading altogether.
But something powerful can happen when a child finds a book that feels accessible, engaging, and manageable.
Suddenly:
- they want to keep reading
- they begin laughing during reading
- they start talking about characters
- they build stamina without realizing it
- they begin experiencing success
For some students, the “right” book becomes the doorway back into reading confidence.
Why Book Choice Matters for Struggling Readers
Students who struggle with:
- decoding
- fluency
- reading stamina
- comprehension
- dyslexia-related reading challenges
often need books that reduce overwhelm while still feeling age-appropriate and engaging.
That does NOT mean students should only read “baby books.”
In fact, many older struggling readers become discouraged when books feel immature or disconnected from their interests.
Instead, many students benefit from books that include:
- shorter chapters
- supportive text structures
- humor
- illustrations
- high-interest topics
- fast-paced storylines
- relatable characters
The goal is helping students experience successful reading opportunities while continuing to strengthen foundational skills.
Chapter Book Series Many Struggling Readers Enjoy
Every child is different, but these are some chapter book series many developing readers have connected with over time.
Hank Zipzer Series by Henry Winkler
The Hank Zipzer books follow a bright student with dyslexia who constantly finds himself in humorous situations while navigating school, friendships, and learning challenges.
Many students connect deeply with Hank because he learns differently and often struggles in ways that feel familiar to them.
The humor and relatability help students feel seen while still enjoying the story.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
This fast-paced adventure series mixes Greek mythology, humor, action, and relatable characters.
Many students with dyslexia feel connected to Percy because the character also struggles in school and learns differently.
The suspense and adventure often motivate students to continue reading even when reading feels challenging.
Stink
These shorter chapter books are filled with humor, quirky facts, and manageable text.
They work especially well for students transitioning into chapter books or needing confidence-building reading experiences.
Jake Maddox Sports Stories
For students who love sports, these books can be a game changer.
The chapters are shorter, the storylines move quickly, and the sports themes help keep students engaged while practicing reading stamina and fluency.
Judy Moody
These humorous stories focus on friendships, emotions, school life, and everyday adventures.
Many students enjoy the relatable situations and approachable text structure.
More Great Book Options for Struggling Readers
Dog Man
Graphic novel elements, humor, and illustrations help reduce overwhelm while still building reading engagement.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
The combination of illustrations and text helps students stay engaged without feeling intimidated by large amounts of text.
I Survived
These suspenseful historical fiction books often hook readers quickly while keeping chapters manageable.
The Bad Guys
Humor, illustrations, and shorter text make this series especially helpful for reluctant readers building confidence.
Dragon Masters
Fantasy-loving readers often enjoy this early chapter series because of its supportive structure and engaging storylines.
Reading Confidence Often Starts with Success
One of the most important things parents can remember is this:
A child reading below grade level still deserves books that feel exciting, interesting, and respectful of their age and interests.
When children repeatedly experience failure during reading, they may begin believing they are not capable readers.
But when they experience success — even small success — their mindset can begin to change.
Sometimes confidence grows before reading skills fully do.
And that matters.
Supporting Reading Without Adding Pressure
Children struggling with reading often need:
- encouragement
- consistent support
- accessible books
- repeated practice
- opportunities for success
- patience
Not pressure.
Not shame.
Not constant comparison.
The goal is not perfection overnight.
The goal is helping children slowly move from:
“I hate reading…”
to:
“This book is actually interesting.”
And eventually:
“I think I can do this.”
Because sometimes the right book becomes the first step toward rebuilding a reader’s confidence. 💜
Learn More about book choice and it's impact on student reading development and comprehension with this min E-Book: Book Choice Matters:
#StrugglingReaders #DyslexiaSupport #ReadingConfidence #ReluctantReaders #ChapterBooks #ParentsOfReaders #ReadingGrowth #LiteracySupport
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