Books We Recommend for Parents -
Literacy Support
Explore our carefully curated selection of evidence-based books and guides. These resources are designed to empower families, educators, and advocates in supporting individuals with dyslexia.
Author: Australian Federation of SPELD Associations (AUSPELD)
Why it’s helpful: This nationally respected guide helps parents recognise signs of learning difficulties, understand diagnostic reports, and navigate school support systems. It explains dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and related challenges in plain language, and includes practical advice for working with schools and supporting children at home.
Focus: Broad learning difficulties, advocacy, early identification
Evidence-based: Grounded in current research on cognitive science and evidence-based instruction
Publisher: AUSPELD (2022)
Website: https://www.uldforparents.com
Author: Tiffany James (for Nessy Learning)
Why it’s helpful: This short and powerful book gives educators and parents insight into what it feels like to be a child with dyslexia in the classroom. Written in the child’s voice, it highlights everyday challenges and makes clear, heartfelt requests for understanding and support.
Focus: Dyslexia, student voice, inclusive teaching, school communication
Evidence-base: Drawn from lived experience and classroom insight
Publisher: Nessy Learning
Website: https://www.nessy.com/en-us/dyslexia-explained/free-learning-resources/what-i-need-ebook
Author: Sally Rippin, Australian Children’s Laureate for 2024–2025.
Why it’s helpful: A powerful mix of personal story and research, this book explores what happens when schools miss or misunderstand reading difficulties. Sally Rippin shares her son’s story with honesty, helping parents feel seen and better equipped to advocate.
Focus: Dyslexia, literacy difficulties, ADHD, emotional impact, school experience
Evidence-base: Informed by structured literacy experts and real-world experiences
Publisher: Hardie Grant Books
Website:
https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-au/books/wild-things-by-sally-rippin/9781760507640
Author: Kelli Sandman‑Hurley, Ed.D
Why it’s helpful:This eye-opening book delves into real adults’ experiences of dyslexia, highlighting the emotional aftermath of being misunderstood in school and how it shapes life, identity, and self-esteem. Through interviews and stories, it offers parents insight into supporting older teens or adults on their journey
Focus: Adult dyslexia, mental well-being, self-advocacy, long-term impact of schooling and diagnosis
Evidence-base: Informed by structured literacy experts and real-world experiences
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Purchase: https://www.dymocks.com.au/the-adult-side-of-dyslexia-by-kelli-sandman-hurley-9781787754751
Evidence-based support for children and young people with additional needs
The Roadmap
Authors: Caroline Bowen and Pamela Snow, with Philippa Brandon
Foreword: Heidi Gregory
Why it’s helpful: This book provides a practical, evidence-based guide for families, educators, and professionals supporting children with additional needs. It cuts through jargon and misinformation, offering clear direction grounded in research and real-world practice.
Focus: Communication, learning difficulties, inclusive support
Evidence-base: Based on decades of clinical, educational, and academic expertise
Publisher: J&R Press
Author: Lyn Stone
Why it’s helpful: This witty and practical guide helps parents and educators recognise what good reading instruction looks like—and spot what doesn’t work—arming them with the right questions and tools.
Focus: Reading difficulties, phonics, school advocacy
Evidence-base: Grounded in the science of reading and research‑informed strategies
Publisher: Routledge
Website: https://www.silvereye.com.au/reading-for-life/prod7309
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