Guidelines for Creating a Book for Reluctant Readers
Understand Why they’re Reluctant
Reluctant readers are not all the same. Common causes:
- Low reading confidence
- Dyslexia or processing difficulty
- Boredom with traditional stories
- Preference for visual/digital media
- Limited vocabulary exposure
- Anxiety about “failing”
Your book must reduce cognitive load and emotional resistance.
Keep Text Manageable (But Not Babyish)
✔ Short chapters: 2–5 pages per chapter for ages 7–11.
✔ White space: Wide margins, shorter paragraphs, clear breaks.
✔ Simple sentences: Average 8–12 words per sentence for early reluctant readers.
✔ Controlled vocabulary: High-frequency words dominate, but include a few stretch words in context.
Font & Layout Matter more than Authors Realise
Many publishers follow principles similar to those recommended by the British Dyslexia Association:
- Sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Verdana)
- 12–14pt minimum (often 14pt for KS2)
- 1.5 line spacing
- Off-white or cream paper
- Avoid italics and ALL CAPS
- Avoid justified text (ragged right edge is better)
Readable design increases success rates dramatically.
High-Interest, Low-Reading-Level (Hi-Lo)
This is the golden rule. Study publishers like:
- Barrington Stoke – market leaders in dyslexia-friendly fiction
- Orca Book Publishers – strong Hi-Lo catalogue
- Scholastic – accessible commercial series
Notice:
- Mature themes for age group
- Fast plot movement
- Strong hooks in first 2 pages
- Short total word counts (8k–20k depending on age)
Front-Load Engagement
Reluctant readers decide whether to continue within 1–2 pages, so pen with:
- Immediate action
- A problem
- A mystery
- A surprising voice
Avoid:
- Long backstory
- Slow world-building
- Too many characters introduced early
Illustration Strategy
For reluctant readers, illustration is not decoration, it is scaffolding, so use:
- Spot illustrations to break text blocks
- Visual clues to support comprehension
- Graphic-novel techniques (even in prose books)
Study the hybrid model popularised by authors like Jeff Kinney: the diary style dramatically reduces intimidation. If you’re developing illustration skills, focus on:
- Expressive character faces
- Clear action beats
- Visual humour
- Consistent character silhouettes
Chapter Rhythm Formula (Very Effective)
A strong structure for reluctant readers:
- Hook/problem
- Complication
- Mini cliffhanger
- Resolution (partial)
- New hook
Every chapter should end with forward momentum.
Word Count Guidelines (UK Market) for Reluctant Readers
- Age 5–7: 1,000–3,000 words
- Age 7–9: 5,000–12,000 words
- Age 9–12: 8,000–20,000 words
Shorter is often better.
Themes That Work Especially Well
- Humour (embarrassment, chaos, exaggeration)
- Mystery
- Survival
- Animals
- Football / sport (especially boys 7–11)
- Slightly gross elements
- Competence fantasy (child smarter than adults)
Reluctant readers often respond strongly to agency-driven plots.
Emotional Safety
Avoid:
- Dense emotional introspection
- Ambiguous endings
- Heavy moralising
Reluctant readers need:
- Clear stakes
- Clear resolution
- Emotional clarity
Test With Real Children
Before publication:
- Read aloud and watch body language
- Time how long attention holds
- Ask what they “remember”, not what they “liked”. The memory test reveals clarity.
Commercial Positioning (Important if You Want to Sell Well)
In the UK, schools are a primary market. Position your book as:
- Dyslexia-friendly
- Hi-Lo
- Short chapter fiction
- Accessible for struggling readers
Librarians and SEN coordinators actively search for these categories.
If You’re Planning to Produce Your Own
Given the PYA CAG's interest in children’s book illustration and improving our craft, a strong strategy would be:
- Write 8,000–10,000 words
- Break into 20–30 short chapters
- Add 1 illustration every 3–4 pages
- Design with dyslexia-friendly layout
- Print proof copies and test with 3–5 children
