Understanding dyslexia, reading levels, and how Every Reader helps
Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects how the brain processes written language. It's one of the most common learning differences, affecting up to 20% of the population.
Children with dyslexia are just as smart as their peers—often exceptionally so. Their brains simply process written words differently.
Dyslexia is based in brain differences in how language is processed. It's not caused by lack of effort, poor teaching, or vision problems.
With proper support and tools, dyslexic children can become successful readers and thrive academically.
The sooner a child receives appropriate support, the better their reading outcomes.
Children with dyslexia typically face these challenges:
A 7-year-old with dyslexia has the brain of a 7-year-old. They think like a 7-year-old, have the interests of a 7-year-old, and enjoy stories appropriate for 7-year-olds.
Option 1: Books at their reading level → Simple sentences they can decode, but plots for younger children → Boredom
Option 2: Age-appropriate books → Engaging stories, but vocabulary beyond their skills → Frustration
Every Reader's Solution: Age-appropriate stories with text adapted to current reading ability → Engagement AND Success
The Lexile Framework is the most widely used reading metric in U.S. schools. It measures both reader ability (how well a child can read) and text complexity (how difficult a text is to read).
Lexile levels are expressed as numbers followed by "L" (for Lexile). For example: 200L, 350L, 500L.
| Levels | Typical Lexile Range |
|---|---|
| Beginning readers | 0L - 300L |
| Elementary readers | 300L - 600L |
| Advanced readers | 600L - 900L |
When a child reads books at their Lexile level:
Most children receive Lexile scores through school assessments:
If you don't have a Lexile score:
Most important: Watch your child read. If they're successful and engaged, you've found the right level.
Every Reader uses artificial intelligence to adapt popular children's books to different reading levels while preserving the story's heart.
Classic stories children love with age-appropriate themes
Analyze plot, characters, themes, and emotional beats
Adjust vocabulary and sentences to target Lexile level
Same plot, characters, themes, and emotional impact
What changes: The complexity of the language
What doesn't change: The story itself
"Benjamin Bunny cautiously approached the garden gate, his whiskers twitching with both excitement and trepidation as he contemplated the adventure that lay beyond the weathered wooden fence."
"Benjamin Bunny walked slowly to the garden gate. His whiskers moved as he felt both excited and nervous. He thought about the adventure waiting for him past the old wooden fence."
"Benjamin Bunny walked to the gate. He was excited. He was also nervous. An adventure was past the fence."
Same story moment. Same character. Same emotions. Different reading levels.
Start with your child's Lexile score if you have it. Every Reader offers standard levels:
Beginning readers, simple sentences
Early readers building fluency
Growing readers, longer sentences
Developing readers, more complex text
Can't decide between two levels? Start with the lower one. Success builds confidence.
Every Reader books are designed to complement structured reading instruction, not replace it.
Every Reader's philosophy aligns with the research championed by Dr. Sally Shaywitz in "Overcoming Dyslexia." We share key principles:
Still wondering how to get started or how to best support your child?
Remember: Every child is a reader. Sometimes they just need the right book.
