Beat of a different drum

Learning With a Divergent Mind

Books

I love to read, and from time to time I come across books that I think are a great source of information and worth recommending to others. Here are my recommended resources for books that I have found particularly interesting or helpful.

Full disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate and if you click on the links below and purchase any of these books from Amazon, I will receive a small percentage of the purchase price.

 

One of the more positive books about dyslexia that I have read over the past few years.  Many books take the approach that there is something wrong that must be fixed and left me feeling rather depressed.  This book, written by someone with dyslexia, helps to explain what dyslexia is, and gives positive steps to support and advocate for your child.  I found it very encouraging.

Referenced in the following posts: Can Someone With Dyslexia Love to Read?; Books: The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan

 

 

 

 

 

An absolutely fascinating read on brain research from over the past 50 years that is only just now beginning to be recognized.  It completely changed the way I understand the brain and what is possible.  It was the catalyst for me to learn as much as I can about neuroplasticity and how it can be used to help those with dyslexia to strengthen specific brain skills and reduce their struggle with language.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the first book in the old hardcover Nancy Drew series.  I do not endorse the rewritten Nancy Drew series that has recently been published in paperback.  This original series, despite being a little old-fashioned in some ways, has a far superior range of vocabulary and much more interesting storyline.  These books are widely available at used book stores or flea markets.

Referenced in the following post: Reading Fluency: Reading Together

 

 

 

Similar to the Nancy Drew series, this original Hardy Boys series has a great range of vocabulary and interesting storylines.  These will appeal equally to girls and boys as I enjoyed both series as a child.  These books are widely available at used book stores or flea markets.

Referenced in the following post: Reading Fluency: Reading Together

 

 

 

The first book in the level 1 series for Dick and Jane.  The books don’t seem to be listed in order of difficulty as the set of books I have, so here is the order I used from 1 – 12: We Look; Something Funny; Jump and Run; Guess Who; Go Away, Spot; Go, Go, Go; Away We Go; Who Can Help?; We See; We Work; We Play; Fun With Dick and Jane.

Referenced in the following post: Phonics? Whole Word? Both? What’s Best?

 

 

 

Amelia Bedelia was a great favourite with my kids, but my husband wasn’t so keen!  The stories are silly, with Amelia Bedelia taking every instruction literally.  We used these books as both readers and to read together.

 

Referenced in the following post: Reading Fluency: Reading Together

 

 

A compilation of 23 stories of people with dyslexia who have become successful in their fields.  A very positive and encouraging book that clearly shows academics is not the only factor to success.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who has dyslexia, or knows someone with dyslexia.

Referenced in the following post: Books: Creative Successful Dyslexic

 

 

 

A great introduction to dyslexia, suitable for both parents and children.  Using plenty of graphics and simple easy-to-read text, it covers the main aspects of dyslexia, profiles 18 professionals who have dyslexia, and gives some great resources for further reading.  I recommend it as a good first book when learning about dyslexia and explaining it to a child.

Referenced in the following post: Books: The Illustrated Guide to Dyslexia and Its Amazing People

 

 

Even though this book was published in 2005 and research has uncovered a lot about the brain and dyslexia since then, this book is still quite relevant and its recommendations are just as valid as when it was first published.  If you are looking for a book that gives you more background on dyslexia and the scientific studies behind the recommended remediation for dyslexia, this is an excellent resource.

Referenced in the following post: Check Reading Development as Carefully as Physical Development