Fiction Books for Students with Learning Disabilities

Suggestions for Using Bibliotherapy:
Fiction Books for Students with LD

Bibliotherapy is the use of literature to help heal the emotional wounds of being different. Many students with learning disabilities struggle with a variety of problems. Reading about characters who have the same problems and struggles may help the student come face to face with themselves. Reading can be like attending a support group. For example, students may gain insight into difficulties; they may acquire information that may help them cope with their problems. Hopefully, they may be motivated to persevere. Most importantly, they learn that they are not alone.

The right book can be the key to opening discussion with students who have learning disabilities. You can focus the discussion on similarities between the students and the book's main character. Encourage students to express the feelings the book has evoked. The discussions will give the teacher an opportunity to listen to the various reactions of the students thus enabling the teacher to key into the feelings and needs of her students.

The following are some suggestions teachers might want to consider:

• Read a book yourself before presenting it to the students.
• Read a book with the students and discuss the story with them.
• Have high school students (with learning disabilities) read a book to students in elementary school and/or middle school.
• Have high school students (with learning disabilities) read selected books at a story hour at the public library.
• Encourage parents to read a book with their child.

Adler, C.S. - KISS THE CLOWN - 1986 - gr. 8-12
Viki, who is troubled by unresolved problems with her parents; her boyfriend, Marc, who is self- centered; and his dyslexic brother, who fears rejection; learn to accept themselves and each other. (178 pages)

Adler, C.S. - EDDIE'S BLUE-WINGED DRAGON - 1988 - gr. 4-7
A sixth grader with cerebral palsy becomes the owner of a brass dragon which helps him out in some of the battles he faces due to his handicap. (144 pages)

Aiello, Barbara - SECRETS AREN'T ALWAYS FOR KEEPS - 1988- gr.3-6
After successfully hiding her learning disability problems from her Australian pen pal, Jennifer becomes very apprehensive when her friend announces she is coming for a visit and wants to spend a day at her school. (48 pages)

Albert, Louise - BUT I'M READY TO GO - 1976 - gr. 5-8
Fifteen year old Judy Miller has trouble learning in school as her mind wanders when her teachers are talking. She gets Ds in all her classes except English. Judy does not know why she has trouble paying attention, but she does know that she feels different from other people. (230 pages)

Andrews, Jean F. - HASTA LUEGO, SAN DIEGO -1991 - gr.4-6
ISBN 0930323831
Donald Dunbar is thrilled when, for his birthday, his mother takes him and his boyfriend, Matt, to San Diego along with his sister, Susan. During their stay at the hotel, they meet a new friend, Hector, who has unexplained bumps and bruises. This is a funny tale of intrigue that shows shrewd thinking by Donald, who has trouble learning in school. (94 pages)

Banks, Jacqueline Turner - EGG DROP BLUES - 1995 - gr. 4-6
ISBN 0395709318
Twelve-year old Judge Jenkins has a low science grade because of his dyslexia, so he convinces his twin brother Jury to work with him in a science competition in order to earn extra credit. (120 pages)

Barrie, Barbara - ADAM ZIGZAG - 1994 - gr. 9-12
ISBN 0440219647
Adam, who is dyslexic and has great difficulty with his homework, struggles to find the right school, resist the lure of drugs, and endure the jealousy of his older sister, Caroline.(181 pages)

Betancourt, Jeanne - MY NAME IS BRAIN BRIAN - 1993 - gr. 5-7
Brian is a terrible student. His family thinks he is lazy; his friends think that's just fine. In fact, they think some of the things Brian does are really funny - like writing his name as Brain instead of Brian. Brian is helped by his new sixth grade teacher after being diagnosed as dyslexic, but he still has some problems with school and with people he thought were his friends. (128 pages)

Bezzant, Pat - ANGIE - 1994 - gr. 9-12
Sixteen year old Angie is bright, cute and has a learning disability. Her shyness is overcome when Steven, the best looking guy in school takes an interest in her. (170 pages)

Blue, Rose - ME & EINSTEIN BREAKING THROUGH THE READING BARRIER 1979 - gr. 3-6
ISBN 087705388x
Having tried for years to hide the fact that he cannot read, a nine year old boy finally discovers the reason for his problem. (64 pages)

Brown, Kay - WILLY'S SUMMER DREAM - 1989 - gr. 7-9
Fourteen year old Willy, slow in school and ridiculed by other boys in his Brooklyn neighborhood, faces another dull summer with his mother until tutoring from an older girl and other special experiences help him develop a sense of self confidence. (132 pages)

Bunting, Eve - SIXTH GRADE SLEEPOVER - 1986 - gr. 5-7
ISBN 0590428829
Janey worries that the sixth grade Rabbit Reading Clubs all night sleepover will expose her fear of the dark, but it turns out that she is not the only member with a secret. (96 pages)

Byars, Betsy - THE SUMMER OF THE SWANS - 1979 - gr. 5-9
ISBN 0140314202
Sara's fourteenth summer was turning out to be the most confusing time of her life. Up until then, things had flowed smoothly, like the gliding swans on the lake. She gains new insight into herself and her family when her brother gets lost. (142 pages)

Carris, J. - AUNT MORBELIA & THE SCREAMING SKULLS - 1990-gr. 4-6
ISBN 0671747843
The moment Great Aunt Morbelia marched into their home to stay, ToddÕs life changed. Black-dressed Aunt Morbelia helps Todd a great deal with the problems caused by his dyslexia by turning his difficulties into a game. Her tales of hellhounds and screaming skulls attracts his friends, but the nightmares the stories creates causes problems. (134 pages)

Cassedy, Sylvia - M.E. AND MORTON - 1987 - gr. 4-6
Eleven year old, Mary Ella, ashamed that her older brother, Morton, is a slow learner and longing for a friend of her own, is astonished when the flamboyant new girl on the block picks Morton for a friend. (312 pages)

Cheatham, Karyn F. - THE BEST WAY OUT - 1982 - gr. 5-7
Thirteen year old Haywood has difficulty adjusting to the large junior high school he must be bused to from his inner-city home. (168 pages)

Cleary, Beverly - MUGGIE MAGGIE - 1990 - gr. 3-6
ISBN 0380710870
Maggie resists learning cursive writing in the third grade until she discovers that knowing how to read and write cursive promises to open up an entirely new world of knowledge for her. (70 pages)

Cooper, Melrose - LIFE MAGIC - 1996 - gr. 4-6
ISBN 0805041141
Crystal's strong family helps her deal with being put in a remedial reading class and discovering that Uncle Joe is dying of AIDS. (116 pages)

Corcoran, B. - AXE-TIME, SWORD-TIME - 1976 - gr. 4-7
On the eve of World War II, a young girl handicapped by a reading disability, tries to cope with family problems and the question of her future. (204 pages)

Cutler, Jane - SPACEMAN - 1997 - gr. 4-6
ISBN 0525456368
Ten-year-old Gary, who is failing the fifth grade and has trouble getting along with the other students, tries to adjust to his learning disability and his assignment to a special education class. (138 pages)

DeClements, Barthe - SIXTH GRADE CAN REALLY KILL YOU-1985 - gr.4-6
Helen struggles to deal with her teacher in sixth grade while living up to her nickname of "Bad Helen". Being bad is fun, till Helen finds out she might have to stay back a year. What will it take to get herself out of trouble when she has been in it for so long? (146 pages)

DeWitt, Jamie- JAMIE'S TURN - 1984 - gr. 3-6
ISBN 081722470x - Out of Print
Young Jamie grows up in a hurry when his stepfather is badly injured and Jamie must take his place on the farm. This is a true story of a quick-thinking, persevering boy who is both a hero of the moment and a hero for the long term. This account was written by Jamie himself, who was twelve when he won first prize in the 1984 national "Publish-a-Book Contest". (32 pages)

Evernden, Margery - THE KITE SONG - 1984 - gr. 6-9
After his mother's death, eleven year old Jamie is put in the care of his half brother and with the help of a special education teacher begins to come to terms with the things that have made it difficult for him to speak up and love. (186 pages)

Fassler, Jean - ONE LITTLE GIRL - 1969 - gr.2-4
While Laurie was slow at doing some things, she was fast at others. When the grown ups around her finally realized that fact, Laurie was at last happy to be herself. (24 pages)

Foley, June - FALLING IN LOVE IS NO SNAP - 1986 - gr. 6-10
A photography loving fifteen year old and a Greek grocery clerk in Manhattan meet and help each other assert themselves with their parents. (139 pages)

Froelich, Margaret - REASONS TO STAY - 1986 - gr. 6-9
Three children grow up in poverty in 1906. The oldest girl, Florence does not like to go to school because she cannot read. The three siblings are raised by loving and caring foster parents who accept them for what and who they are. (181 pages)

Fullen, Dave - THE MOUNTAIN SONG - 1992 - gr. 2-6
ISBN 1881650006
This is a story about the courage to try and how the ability to climb and reach are essential. It is about how self esteem can grow with each step in the climb to the peak of the mountain. (book, audio, and parent/teacher activity guide)

Fullen, Dave - A NEST IN THE GALE - 1993 - gr. 3-6
ISBN 1881650014
A story about finding a safe harbor in the midst of change. This lesson in nature encourages parents and teachers to create a secure foundation for children so that the uncertainty of change won't keep them from growing, learning and building their own nests in the gale. book and audio tape)

Gehret, Jeanne - THE DON'T GIVE UP KID - 1991 -gr. 1-3
ISBN 1884281109
What's a kid to do when reading problems get him in trouble and make him the target of teasing? As Alex becomes aware of his different learning style, he realizes that his hero, Thomas Edison, faced similar problems. Together they try new solutions until they succeed at their dream to create things that no one ever thought of before. (26 pages)

Giff, Patricia R. -THE BEAST IN MS. ROONEY'S ROOM-1984-gr.2-4
ISBN 0440404851
Held back for a year in second grade, Richard can't seem to help getting into trouble, until he gets really interested in reading and helps his class in a special way. (76 pages)

Gilson, Jamie- DO BANANAS CHEW GUM? - 1980 - gr. 4-6
ISBN 0688152945
Just when Sam is about to give up on his fifth school in seven treasure underneath Mrs. Glass's tree and taking all those weird tests. For the first time in his life, Sam Mott-not Dumbhead, Tinselteeth or Cutie-is learning to read and spell. (158 pages)

Greenwald, Sheila - WILL THE REAL GERTRUDE HOLLINGS PLEASE STAND UP?
1983 - gr. 4-6
An eleven year old child with a learning disability spends several weeks with an overachieving cousin. They learn a lot about themselves and each other. (162 pages)

Griffith, Joe - HOW DYSLEXIC BENNY BECAME A STAR
A Story of Hope for Dyslexic Children and Their Parents
1997 - ages 9-12
ISBN 0965937909

A touching account of one youngster's struggle in learning to read and the painful journey that he took to gain self-confidence, self-respect, and tremendous success as a human being, as a student, and as an athlete. Benny's story stands as a tribute to the human spirit and should serve as an excellent resource for students with dyslexia, their parents and their teachers.
Sneak Preview: Read Chapter 1

Hall, Lynn - JUST ONE FRIEND - 1985 - gr. 7-9
Just as sixteen year old Doreen who has learning disabilities, is about to be mainstreamed into a regular school, the loss of her best friend to another girl drives her to a desperate act. (118 pages)

Hansen, Joyce - YELLOW BIRD AND ME - 1986 - gr. 4-6
ISBN 0395553881
Doris becomes friends with Yellow Bird as she helps him with his studies and his part in the school play and discovers that he has a problem known as dyslexia. (155 pages)

Herold, Ann B. -THE HARD LIFE OF SEYMOUR E. NEWTON- 1990 - gr.2-5
ISBN 0836135326
A third grader with learning difficulties is heartened by a spider he names Seymour, who rebuilds his web as necessary and by finding out his father has a problem similar to his own. (95 pages)

Janover, Caroline - JOSH,A BOY WITH DYSLEXIA - 1988 - gr.2-5
ISBN 0914525107
Josh struggles to live down the stigma of his learning disability,dyslexia, and receive both respect and friendship from his peers. The book includes information on the characteristics of dyslexia and a list of organizations that deal with learning disabilities. (99 pages)

Janover, Caroline - THE WORST SPELLER IN JR. HIGH-1995-gr.6-9
ISBN 0915793768
Starting out in the seventh grade, Katie Kelso finds herself trying to cope with her dyslexia and forms a friendship with a very bright boy at school. She also has to cope with problems at home caused by her mother's illness. (200 pages)

Kennemore, Tim - WALL OF WORDS - 1982 - gr. 6-9
When Mr. Tate had announced that he must leave home so he can have peace and quiet to write his great novel, his eldest daughter, Kim, was upset. Meanwhile, Mrs. Tate, worked full time to support her four daughters. Their worst anxiety was over the third child, Kerry, who suffered from a panic fear of school and spent more time being questioned by psychiatrists than learning to read and write. (173 pages)

King, Clive - ME AND MY MILLION - 1976 - gr. 4-7
When Ringo, a young Londoner, finds himself in sudden possession of a stolen painting worth a million pounds, his life turns into a series of wild adventures. (180 pages)

Kirby, Susan - CULLIGAN MAN CAN - 1988 - gr. 4-6
Competing with older brothers who are more talented and surrounded at school by others who seem to excel where he cannot, Eli finds friendship with his neighbor, Mr. Murphy and his rabbits, especially the buck rabbit, Culligan Man. (126 pages)

Kline, Suzy - HERBIE JONES - 1985 - gr. 4-6
ISBN 0140320717
Herbie's experience in the third grade include finding bones in the boy's bathroom, wandering away from his class on their field trip, and being advanced to a higher reading group. (95 pages)

Konigsburg, E. L. - ALTOGETHER, ONE AT A TIME - 1971 - gr. 9-11
ISBN 0689712901
"Inviting Jason", the first narrative in this collection of four short stories, introduces Stanley, whose mother tells him he must invite Jason to his birthday party. Stanley fears that Jason, who has learning disabilities, will ruin the games he had planned. A guest with some influence improves everybody's understanding and tolerance of dyslexia. All four short stories show that even a good situation may have its bad aspects, and that good can come from bad situations. (79 pages)

Kraus, Robert - LEO, THE LATE BLOOMER (a picture book) - 1971
ISBN 006443348x
Leo, a young tiger, finally blooms under the anxious eyes of his parents. (32 pages)

Lasker, Joe - HE'S MY BROTHER - 1974 - gr. 1-3
ISBN 0807532185
A young boy tells about his brother, Jamie, who has a learning disability. Jamie has trouble at school and on the playground. However, his brother tells about the support Jamie receives from his family who value him for what he can do as well as what he is. (40 pages)

Levinson, Marilyn - AND DON'T BRING JEREMY - 1985 - gr. 4-6
New in the neighborhood and eager to be part of a new crowd, sixth grader Adam finds it difficult to come to terms with the needs of his older brother who has a learning disability and often seems younger himself. (122 pages)

Lewis, Marjorie - WRONGWAY APPLEBAUM - 1984 - gr. 3-6
A boy with a learning disability that makes him physically awkward and uncoordinated finds that because of his tremendous effort he does have athletic ability, even if his family's beloved baseball isn't his sport. Readers will delight in his efforts, sympathize with his feelings, and appreciate his triumph at discovering that even if he runs in the wrong direction, he runs fast. (63 pages)

Lowry, Lois - US AND UNCLE FRAUD -1984 - gr. 4-7
ISBN 039536633x
Mysterious things begin to happen after Uncle Claude comes to stay with his sister's family. Is Uncle Claude a thief, an impostor, or just a dream weaver? (148 pages)

Mark, Jan - THUNDER AND LIGHTNINGS - 1976 - gr. 3-6
Shortly after his family moves to the Norfolk countryside, Andrew is befriended by a local boy with a passion for airplanes. (181 pages)

Mark, Jan - HANDLES - 1983 - gr. 6-9
Erica, a lover of motorcycles, finds her country holiday dreary until she runs into a cat with false teeth, new friends with interesting names, and a lot of motorcycles. (162 pages)

Martin, Ann M. - YOURS TURLY, SHIRLEY - 1988 - gr. 3-6
ISBN 0823407195
Shirley Basini hates school. She always does poorly - no matter how hard she tries. So Shirley fools around in class and makes everyone laugh. When her adopted sister from Vietnam turns into a super student, school isn't the only thing Shirley hates. ( 133 pages)

Martin, Ann M. - CLAUDIA'S FREIND FRIEND - 1985 - gr. 6-8
If Claudia fails one more English test, she is not going to pass the class. No one seems to understand how hard it is for Claudia to do well. No one except Shea; Shea has a learning problem which makes schoolwork extra frustrating for him. Shea hates feeling stupid just as much as Claudia does. But together, they're going to show those teachers how smart they can be! (151 pages)

Matthews, Ellen - PUTTING UP WITH SHERWOOD - 1980 - gr. 4-7
Young Diane has trouble fitting in and making friends, and for a while she is convinced that other people are at fault. But a lonely boy who has learning disabilities, shows her the error of her ways. Learning to accept others and to cooperate puts her well on her way to a happier life. (137 pages)

Morton, Jane - RUNNING SCARED - 1979 - gr. 5-8
Dave Miller is fifteen and is frustrated by his learning disabilities and inability to communicate. An understanding counselor discovers and encourages Dave's running ability which gives Dave new feelings of pride and purpose. (118 pages)

Nelson, Theresa - AND ONE FOR ALL - 1989 - gr. 7-12
ISBN 0531058042
Geraldine's close relationship with her older brother Wing and his friend, Sam, changes when Wing joins the Marines and Sam leaves for Washington and joins a peace march. (182 pages)

Nesbitt, Barbara - THE TWO QUARTERS - 1989 - gr. 7-10
The friendship of two boys begins with two quarters. Both boys have problems at school and think of themselves as adolescent misfits. (150 pages)

Peterseil, Tehila - THE SAFE PLACE - 1996 - gr. 4-7
Kinneret, a fourth grader with learning problems, struggles with the tension and shame that make everyday in school a neverending disaster. She meets a special education teacher in fifth grade who changes her life. (143 pages)

Pevsner, Sheila- KEEP STOMPIN TILL THE MUSIC STOPS - 1977 - gr.4-6
Twelve year old Richard struggles to achieve independence in spite of a learning disability, while his great grandfather defies the family's plans to curtail his independent lifestyle. (136 pages)

Philbrick, W.R. - FREAK THE MIGHTY - 1993 - gr. 7-10
ISBN 0590474138
At the beginning of eighth grade, learning disabled Max and his new friend, Freak, whose birth defect has affected his body but not his brilliant mind, find that when they combine forces, they make a powerful team. (169 pages)

Quinn, Patrick - MATTHEW PINKOWSKI'S SPECIAL SUMMER-1991-gr.5-8
ISBN 0964504812
Personal challenges such as learning disabilities and deafness do not prevent thirteen year old Matthew and his friends from having a summer filled with adventure. (188 pages)

Rylant, Cynthia - EVERY LIVING THING: STORIES - 1985 - gr.5-7
Twelve stories in which animals change people's lives for the better. (81 pages)

Sachar, Louis - THERE'S A BOY IN THE GIRLS' BATHROOM-1987-gr.4-6
ISBN 0394805720
Bradley Chalkers is the oldest kid in the fifth grade, and he tells outrageous lies. He picks fights with girls and the teachers say he has serious behavior problems. No one likes him - except the new school counselor. Carla knows that Bradley can change, but Bradley isn't so sure. (195 pages)

Shreve, Susan - THE FLUNKING OF JOSHUA T. BATES-1985-gr.2-5
ISBN 0679841873
This is the story of Joshua T. Bates who was held back in the third grade even though he was a lot smarter than Billy Joel or Tommy Aiken. It is also about a teacher who knew that was unfair and did something about it. (90 pages)

Sinykin, Sheri Cooper - ALISON WALKS THE WIRE - 1996
ISBN 1575130661
After Allison discovers that her problems with reading are due to a learning disability, she travels through the attic and learns tightrope walking with a circus. (74 pages)

Smith, Doris B. - KELLY'S CREEK - 1979 - gr. 2-5
Nine year old Kelly can't ride a bike, catch a football or even write his own name because his learning disabilities make it hard for his eyes, hands, and brain to coordinate. Kelly's parents and teacher think he isn't trying. Only at the creek does Kelly, with the help of his friend, Phillip, study the fascinating creatures who live there. When he has to prove the importance of what he has learned in the marsh, Kelly is able to take an important step in conquering his problems. (71 pages)

Smith, Mark - PAY ATTENTION, SLOSH - 1997 - gr. 3-5
ISBN 0807563781
Eight-year-old Josh hates being unable to concentrate or control himself, but with the help of his parents, his teacher, and a doctor, he learns to deal with his condition, known as ADHD.

Suzanne, Jamie -DANNY MEANS TROUBLE - 1990 - gr. 3-6
ISBN 9992595140
Jessica Wakefield can't wait to get to class to see what Danny Jackson will do next. He's only been at Sweet Valley Middle School for a couple of months, but he's already well known as the best runner on the track team and as a major troublemaker. His sister, Elizabeth, is worried that Danny's behavior will get him thrown off the team, but then she discovers the real reason he's been getting into trouble. (138 pages)

Swarthout, Glendon F. - WHALES TO SEE THE - 1975 - gr. 5-9
A group of children with learning disabilities have problems coping with the many social pressures they face everyday. (121 pages)

Thomas, Ruth - THE RUNAWAYS - 1987 - gr. 4-9
Having found an enormous sum of money and having been threatened with punishment by their parents for not turning it in to the police, gawky eleven year old Julia and her bad tempered friend, Nathan, flee London for Brighton and the open countryside. (297 pages)

Voigt, Cynthia - SEVENTEEN AGAINST THE DEALER - 1989 - gr. 8-12
ISBN 0449703754
Dicey struggles to make a go of a boatbuilding business while facing family concerns, romantic problems, and the uncertainties of a drifter who offers to help her in her work. (181 pages)

Waldorf, M. - JAKE McGEE AND HIS FEET - 1980 - gr. 4-7
A ten year old with a reading disability takes an important step toward dealing with his problem on the day he runs away from school. This tale of where Jake's feet led him is filled with excitement and humor as well as an understanding for a very real boy's concerns. (82 pages)

Wolff, V. E. - PROBABLY STILL NICK SWANSEN - 1988 - gr. 6-12
ISBN 0590431463
Sixteen year old Nick has a learning disability and struggles to endure life in which the other kids make fun of him. He has to take special classes, his date for the prom makes an excuse not to go out with him, and he is haunted by the memory of his older sister who drowned while he was watching. (144 pages)

PLEASE NOTE: Some of these titles are out of print so are unavailable for purchase, however they may be available at your public library.

ERIC Digest on Bibliotherapy