Are you searching for Wilson decodables that your students can confidently read at home or in their general education classrooms? I’ve done the research for you! In this blog, I’ll share some of the best decodable storybooks and chapter books designed to support Wilson Reading System instruction. Plus, you’ll get access to a detailed spreadsheet with essential information—each book’s Substep alignment, average cost, and where to purchase them—so you can easily find the right fit for your students.
How can we use Wilson-aligned decodables?
Implementing the program with fidelity is essential for student progress, but there are times when additional materials can provide extra support. For example:
- Parents want extra practice activities for home.
- They’re asking what books their children should read outside of school.
- You need something for your sub plans, but the substitute isn’t familiar with WRS.
- A classroom teacher wants recommendations for independent reading bags.
In these situations, having the right resources on hand can make all the difference!
Are you a parent looking for Wilson-aligned decodables?
You’re in the right place! Start by asking your child’s teacher or tutor what Substep your child is working on. They can help you decide whether to choose books at that level or from a previously mastered Substep. Reading books from a previously mastered Substep may allow your child to read with more confidence while reinforcing previously learned skills.
Why is it challenging to find Wilson decodables?
Every reading program follows a slightly different scope and sequence. When I first started using WRS, I quickly noticed how its sequence differed from the Orton Gillingham approach I was familiar with. After introducing CVC words and closed syllables with blends, Wilson moves into multisyllabic words and syllable division before teaching one-syllable words with silent e. As a result, Step 4 materials mix basic silent e words like stove and pile with more complex multisyllabic words like transatlantic and establish. Because of this structure, finding Wilson decodables beyond Step 3 can be especially challenging.
Which books made the list?
This list, which will be updated periodically, features the most frequently recommended Wilson decodables from social media discussions among Wilson teachers. I reviewed both Amazon listings and publisher websites to determine their Step alignment, browse the reviews, and consider the affordability for teachers and schools.
Note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links.
What about decodable books for older students?
You’ll find them here! Several of the books and series are chapter books, even if they are written with CVC words and align with Substep 1.3. Older readers will love that they, too, can read “real” books and chapter books. Many of these titles feature age-appropriate storylines, engaging characters, and themes that resonate with older students—without looking or feeling too “young.” This makes them a great fit for striving readers who need structured support while still enjoying a more mature reading experience.
Ready to dive in?
First things first: bookmark this spreadsheet! While this blog provides anecdotal details about each book series, the spreadsheet gives you a quick reference for key information—including Step or Substep alignment, approximate cost, page count, and available formats. Plus, it includes direct links for easy purchasing.
Okay, now let’s check out some books!
Pat & Pals Series
The Pat & Pals series by Sue Marasciulo tops the list for several reasons. These graphic novels each contain five engaging stories with appealing illustrations. Marasciulo provides a scope and sequence chart on her website clearly outlining the phonics skills covered in each book, making it easy for teachers to choose the right fit for their students. There are currently six titles available that align with Steps ranging from 1 through 3.
In addition to the graphic novels, Marasciulo also offers something harder to find— decodable readers theater scripts! The Pat & Pals Decodable Readers Theater Scripts include 11 scripts that align with Steps 1 and 2, focusing on CVC words and closed syllable words with blends.
Where to Purchase: Amazon or SueMarisciulo.com
Youkan Reading Decodable Books
Youkan Reading Decodable Books is another set of decodable chapter books with interesting stories and vibrant illustrations. Aligned with Steps 1-3, each book in the series includes five stories.
The books have glowing reviews on Amazon, like this one from Marcus: “So many great things to say about this series! Children get to hold an actual book in their hands, which is hard to find in a decodable series. The comprehension questions are well thought out and are inquiry-based. The illustrations are beautiful and the storylines are interesting. The skill development follows Wilson’s scope and sequence, which makes for a perfect supplement to Fundations.”
Where to Purchase: Amazon
Dog on a Log Books
Dog on a Log offers both decodable books and decodable chapter books for early readers. The decodable book series, called Let’s Go!, aligns with various Substeps within Steps 1 and 2. Each Let’s Go! book includes five short stories with only a small amount of text per page, providing an easy-to-follow structure for early learners.
The decodable chapter books—simply titled Chapter Books 1, Chapter Books 2, and so on—also contain five stories each and align with various Substeps within Steps 1, 2, and 3. These chapter books are great for students who are ready for more text but still need decodable, skill-based practice. Though the stories and illustrations may not be as engaging as others on this list, they serve their purpose well in providing consistent practice for early readers and have many positive reviews on Amazon.
Where to Purchase: Chapter Books on Amazon; Let’s Go! Books on Amazon
Simple Words Books
Simple Words is a bookstore offering a wide range of decodable chapter books that align with various Wilson Steps and Substeps. Shopping is easy on the Simple Words website. Once you know which levels correspond to which Substeps (for example, “Kickoff” level books are perfect for students at the end of Step 1), you can filter the results to view all titles within that level. Not sure which levels align with which Substep? That’s what the spreadsheet is for! If you haven’t already, make sure to bookmark it—you’ll definitely want to keep it handy.
Simple Words also provides detailed information about the words in each book, including the percentage of irregular words and those that follow specific spelling patterns. This data helps you ensure your students are ready for each book by confirming that the content matches their current decoding skills.
Where to Purchase: SimpleWords.com or Amazon
Rex Runs Off Series
The Rex Runs Off series by Larissa Phillips offers seven decodable chapter books that align with Substeps 1.3 and 1.4. In each book, Rex, the mischievous dog, embarks on a new adventure. Dog-lovers and adventure enthusiasts will find this series appealing as it offers a fun, engaging way for early readers to practice their decoding skills.
Where to Purchase: Amazon
Ready Reader Decodables
If you follow Science of Reading content on Instagram, you’re likely familiar with the authors behind the Ready Readers Decodables: Jennie (also known as Carolina_OrtonGillingham), Amy (OGTutor), and Pryor (OrtonGillinghamMama). Together, they’ve teamed up to create these affordable decodable readers.
Instead of chapter books, Ready Readers Decodables offer shorter stories that can be completed in a single class period. Set 1 and Set 2 each include ten books that align with Substep 1.3, while Set 3 covers various skills across Substeps 1.4, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, and 3.1. (Don’t forget to bookmark this spreadsheet to easily reference which books align with which Substeps!) Available in both digital and printed formats, Ready Readers Decodables allow you to purchase a set for your classroom or buy digital copies to print for sending home or adding to classroom book bags.
Where to Purchase: ReaderReaderDecodables.com
Moon Dogs Series
The Moon Dogs series is great for older readers who are just mastering CVC words. These quick, funny stories focus on a group of teenage friends who play in a band, making the reading experience relatable and fun. The eight books in Set 1 gradually introduce more consonant sounds and then bonus letters. Set 2 incorporates blends and digraphs in an order that does not match Wilson’s sequence. However, the anime-style illustrations and mature storylines could be a motivating factor for hesitant older readers who are working within Step 2.
Where to Purchase: Set 1 on Amazon; Set 2 on Amazon; High Noon Books
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Related Post: Wilson Reading System Lessons: Strategies for Small Group Success
What a wonderful resource of so many excellent decodables! This blog will be so helpful to many teachers and parents! Thanks so much for including my Pat & Pals Series! I’m so very honored!