Spooky season is almost here and many of our little ‘ghouls’ look forward to Halloween. Here at Dyslexia First we love Halloween, the dressing up and all those sweets are obviously fun but we also love it for the learning opportunities it presents.
In previous blogs we have highlighted how important it is for dyslexic children to keep practice reading during school holidays. Not only does this help develop their English skills but improves their reading and recall.
In this blog we have collated our top Halloween themed books for dyslexic learners.
(Please note, none of these links are affiliate links, Dyslexia First receives no monetary benefit through subsequent purchases of these books).
The Halloween Parade: A (Dyslexia Adapted) Monstacademy Mystery by Matt Beighton
Recommended age range: 6-12 years
If you give ‘dyslexia friendly Halloween books’ a Google search, this might be one of the first recommended books that comes up (and for good reason). Not only is there a dyslexia friendly version (with enlarged text), but the book also tells a compelling and fun story suited for young readers of any gender aged 6-12.
The book follows Trixie Gimble, a perfectly ordinary girl. What isn’t ordinary however, is her new school, ‘Monstacademy’ a school for monsters! Funny with some great characters, It is also well illustrated with visuals that help tell the story.
The book has garnered a 4.6-star rating on Amazon
There also follow on books in the same series which is always a bonus when you find a book your child loves!
Link: https://shorturl.at/bfEG3
The House at the Edge of Magic by Amy Sparkes
Recommended age range: 8-9 years
The House at the Edge of Magic is the first book in a trilogy that follows the story of ‘Nine’, an orphan pickpocket determined to escape her life in the Nest of a Thousand Treasures. Embarking on a mission to save the imprisoned residents of a magical ornament she steals that transforms into a mysterious house, Nine is promised that once she breaks the spell locking them inside, her life will be transformed. The book follows her trials and tribulations as she embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.
Although there are no illustrations, the book has enlarged text and a simple font style making it easier to read. The book scored 4.8 stars on Amazon.
Link: https://shorturl.at/eCIM0
Demonata Series by Darren Shan
Recommended age range: 12-17 years
For tweens and teens, the Demonata series offers something a little bit scarier and with a bit more gore! Darren Shan, the ‘master of horror’, is an expert story teller who will have older readers on the edge of their seat. The books are a little more advanced, and are suggested for young adults aged 12-17, but follow a simple font style perfect for dyslexic readers.
The stories follow the character Grubitsch Grady (Grubbs Grady for short) who appears at first to live an ordinary life with an ordinary family. What Grubbs doesn’t realise is that his world is about to change, and not in a good way. It all begins with his family acting odd. Grubbs’ curiosity for the sudden change leads him into a situation no one would want to be in…he discovers the reality of demons and terror.
The first book ‘Lord Loss’ is one of 10 books in the Demonata series. After the first book the story diverts into the stories of two other key characters, alongside Grubbs, reaching an exciting pinnacle in the final book ‘Hell Heroes’.
The instalments are thrilling, exciting, fun, enjoyable, and a little bit scary – perfect for tweens and teens.
The books have a 4.8-star rating on Amazon.
Link: https://shorturl.at/dkmI9
Conclusion:
Using themes and events that our children are already interested in, such as Halloween, is a good way to encourage them to read more. Encouraging reading even during school holidays with books that are fun, exciting and link to other activities they might be doing is really important to maintain good habits and keep up progress.
At Dyslexia First, we’d like to see more accessible books for dyslexic learners using fonts, illustrations and layouts that make the content more engaging and less ‘daunting’ for readers. If you know of any great books, we’d love to hear your recommendations!
About Dyslexia First
At Dyslexia First we want to help those who are living with dyslexia to enjoy life and the opportunities it brings. We are relentlessly positive about dyslexia.
If you would like to talk further about dyslexia and discuss assessment for children or adults, please get in touch.
Getting assessed by a qualified practitioner is crucial to getting the correct diagnosis and accessing the help and support you need for your child. Always check an assessor’s qualifications at: SpLD Assessment Standards Committee website.
