As an Orton-Gillingham tutor and classroom teacher with a Master’s degree in Elementary Education, I’ve spent years looking for the right books for my students. I’ve taught in traditional classrooms and worked at a school specifically for kids with Dyslexia, so I’ve seen up close how important it is to have books that truly meet students where they are.
And honestly? They were surprisingly hard to find.
So many decodable texts felt too simple, too repetitive, or just plain boring, especially for older elementary students who want real stories but still need structured phonics practice. At the same time, the books my students wanted to read were often linguistically out of reach, forcing them to choose between something interesting and something accessible.
That’s when I realized there was a gap.
So I decided to write the books my students were missing.
Written Through an Orton-Gillingham Lens
This series was intentionally designed using an Orton-Gillingham approach, with careful attention to:
- Controlled, cumulative phonics patterns
- High-frequency words/Fry Words
- Repeated opportunities for fluency practice
- Decodable text that supports developing readers
Every word choice matters. The goal is to build confidence while strengthening decoding skills, not to create frustration or reliance on guessing.
High Engagement Meets Real Kid Stuff
These books explore the social dynamics of childhood, including friendships, misunderstandings, fairness, and decision-making. Readers see characters navigating situations that feel familiar and relevant, which naturally increases motivation and comprehension.
Key themes include:
- Empathy
- Perspective-taking
- Morality and choices
Students aren’t just practicing phonics—they’re thinking deeply.
An Asset to Any Classroom or Intervention Setting
This series works beautifully for:
- Orton-Gillingham instruction
- Reading intervention and tutoring
- Small groups
- Independent or guided reading
- Classrooms looking for accessible chapter books with substance
- At home fluency practice
- Classroom conversation
Teachers can feel confident knowing the text supports skill development, while students feel proud reading books that look and feel like “real” chapter books.
Looking Ahead
This project is deeply personal and professionally meaningful to me. It grew directly out of my work with students, my love of writing, and my belief that emerging readers deserve rich, engaging stories without compromising instructional integrity.
I’m so excited to connect with other educators, tutors, and schools around this work, share ideas, and continue the conversation about what accessible, high-quality reading materials can look like.
If you’re passionate about structured literacy, student engagement, and books that meet kids where they are—I’d love to connect. To get in touch, you can email me at abby.zwetch11@gmail.com or find me on Instagram @storieswithabby.