Sunshine Reading Road Books Review
What this resource is
The Reading Road series by Sunshine Books is a fully decodable intervention series designed for older students who require continued support with reading.
The series includes five levels and progresses at a faster pace than early decodable books. It is intended for students who have already developed foundational phonics knowledge and are ready to extend their reading into longer, more complex texts.
Who this may be suitable for
This resource may be suitable for:
- Older students who are still developing reading skills
- Students working within Tier 2 or Tier 3 intervention
- Learners who have completed early decodable sequences
- Students needing support transitioning to longer texts
It is important that students already have a secure understanding of:
- Short vowels
- Consonants
- Consonant digraphs
- Vowel digraphs
- Trigraphs
- Schwa
Without this foundation, the books may be too challenging.
What I like
Age-appropriate and engaging
A key strength of this series is its age-appropriate content. Older struggling readers often disengage from texts that feel too young. These books include factual and interesting topics, support curiosity and knowledge building, and feel more appropriate for older learners.
Some titles (particularly in Level 3) include a graphic novel-style format, which may increase engagement for reluctant readers.
Supports knowledge and vocabulary development
These books help address gaps that can develop when students read less over time.
This connects to the Matthew Effect – Students who read less often have fewer opportunities to build vocabulary and background knowledge. This is particularly important for dyslexic learners, as many experience this effect, where reduced reading leads to reduced exposure to words, knowledge, and language.
Factual and engaging reading like this plays an important role in helping to turn that around. It provides students with access to new vocabulary, ideas, and information while still working within a decodable framework.
This means students are not only practising reading skills, but also:
- Building vocabulary
- Expanding background knowledge
- Strengthening comprehension over time
At the same time, success with texts like these can help rebuild confidence, which is often a key barrier for older struggling readers.
Builds reading stamina
The length of the texts is a valuable feature. Students can become comfortable reading short decodable texts but may struggle when moving to longer passages.
These books gradually increase text length, support reading across full paragraphs, and help build stamina and confidence. They act as a bridge between early decodable texts and more complex reading.
Things to consider
- This is not a beginner resource and should not be used for initial instruction
- Students need a strong phonics foundation before starting
- The pace may be too fast for learners still consolidating earlier skills
- Books are only available in hard copy
Additional features
AI tutor
Access to an online AI tutor is included with the books. This allows students to read aloud and receive feedback on fluency, pronunciation, and accuracy.
This may be useful, but it is recommended that parents and educators review its suitability for their individual context.
Supporting resources
The series includes printable worksheets, teaching tips, and fact sheets. These may support both classroom use and home practice.
Access
Hard copy books are available for purchase.
There is an online reading library available through Sunshine Books. Schools and registered homeschoolers can access the online library free through the Wendy Pye Foundation
It is important to note that the Reading Road books are not available in the online library. However, the library does include a wide range of other decodable and authentic texts that may still be useful for students and worth exploring.
Parents may be able to access this through their child’s school.
Overall
The Reading Road series is a strong option for older struggling readers who are ready to move beyond early decodable texts but still require structured support.
It is engaging, knowledge-building, age-appropriate, and supports confidence and progression. This resource is best used as practice and consolidation following explicit, systematic instruction.
Disclosure
A small number of books were provided for review.
Note
Original review with photos was shared on Facebook on 31 October 2025 with photos and transferred to the website on 5 April 2026.
Created by Sharon Scurr, Founder of DEB