Parenting Dyslexia: A Comprehensive Guide to Helping Kids Develop Confidence, Combat Shame, and Achieve Their True Potential

by Lisa Rappaport, Jody Lyons

Licensed psychologist and authority on dyslexia (who is also dyslexic herself) Lisa Rappaport offers a practical guide to help parents and others support dyslexic learners throughout their school years and beyond.

It is estimated that fifteen million children in the United States are dyslexic which can often be a major challenge not only for the kids, but also for their parents, families, teachers, tutors, and therapists. And yet, dyslexia doesn't have to be a disadvantage for kids—if the right tools are available. Parenting Dyslexia fills this critical need, providing prescriptive advice and concrete tips to drive educational and personal growth without any associated stigma. An easy-to-use, comprehensive reference book for anyone caring for a dyslexic child to use at all stages of development, Parenting Dyslexia effectively anticipates and addresses the psychosocial and academic issues that dyslexic learners are likely to face at different stages, including:

Cultivating varied skills to balance out classic deficits.
Developing effective self-esteem and academic habits to help overcome age-specific hurdles.
Establishing individual and family practices to prevent a child's feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.
Survival tools to navigate the predictable challenges a dyslexic learner will likely encounter.
Nurturing independence as well as a child’s ability to ask for help and become a strong self-advocate.

The book provides an accessible roadmap of how to:
Move through the major hurdles of dyslexia.
Reassure children that not only can they survive dyslexia, but they can thrive using sound psychosocial and academic practices.
Avoid typical pitfalls of a well-intentioned campaign to push a child to succeed that can lead to frustration and resistance.
Unite family members to be part of the family “team” to supply special support for their dyslexic learner.
Create an atmosphere of fun and humor to help everybody maintain perspective during stressful moments.

​Dr. Rappaport is not only an authority on the subject, but she also happens to be dyslexic herself. From her unique vantage point, she provides a relatable, sympathetic, and optimistic voice of personal experience to this sensitive topic. Grounded in science but written in non-technical language, Parenting Dyslexia offers a wealth of tried-and-true methods for supporting dyslexic learners of all ages.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2025

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does exactly what the subtitle says it will do, and is a great starting point for parents beginning their journey with a dyslexic child. As a seasoned parent of a middle schooler with dyslexia I appreciated the optimism, but personally have faced a greater struggle then represented in the book despite doing “all the things” along the way. Perhaps the best part of the book is the list of resources at the end which will be useful in anyone’s journey seeking further information on the topic. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I am always looking for an opportunity to further my knowledge on this topic.

[Sue Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Parenting Dyslexia" is the book I wish I'd had a few years ago as my now 24 year old went through the school system. I would have saved us both a lot of heartache.
The author is a psychologist but also has experience with dyslexia. This helps her to explain things from both angles.

She doesn't talk down to the reader, and her focus is to help children become confident, and understand the keys that might help them along the way.

Whether you have just started to learn about dyslexia or you have a child nearing the end of their teens, this book swill be one you turn to all the time.

I will likely order a copy when it comes out so that I can have it on hand for parents I know are struggling.

Thank you to Hachette Books and NetGalley for a digital copy of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

#ParentingDyslexia #NetGalley #HachetteBooks #LisaRappaport #JodyLyons

[Kasey Girdner · Rating 4 out of 5]

One to read again in the future for the HS/YA related chapters

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a compassionate guide for any parent navigating the challenging journey of a dyslexia diagnosis. Drawing from professional expertise and personal experience, the author combines valuable insights with empathy. She demystifies dyslexia in a way that empowers parents while honoring the children at the heart of this struggle. Grounded in research and best practices, the book also addresses the emotional realities of parenting a child with learning differences.

The author recounts her own journey, from nearly dropping out of high school due to undiagnosed dyslexia to earning a PhD. She discusses the emotional toll that learning challenges can impose, the shame often associated with them, and the transformative power of support, humor, and perseverance. Each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of the dyslexia journey, including recognizing early signs, navigating evaluations, collaborating with schools, advocating for accommodations, building self-esteem, and celebrating progress. The pacing is deliberate, featuring summaries, checklists, and real-world examples to make the content accessible and actionable.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to @grandcentralpub + @hachetteus for the gifted copy.


This is a good book for individuals and parents who are going or have gone through their journey with understanding dyslexia. I think that this book is filled with good information that helps not just children or adults with dyslexia, but even parents and individuals with disabilities that might be struggling. Although, this is much more harnessed on the topic of dyslexia, you can also use a lot of the tips and knowledge in this book to help in other aspects in one's life who may be struggling when coping with other disabilities. Parents who are struggling with children with dyslexia can benefit from reading this book very much. It focuses on both sides, which is very much appreciated. As a parent with children with disabilities this book has helped me in different ways. It has also helped me self evaluate on how I handle things with my children in our daily lives and needs. Overall, if you're an individual with any kind of disability it is important to give yourself grace.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing resource for any parent or teacher navigating dyslexia with children. So thoughtfully written. Strikes a perfect balance between academic and personal.