Many parents might feel as if their son doesn’t like to read. They struggle to find the right books for boys and, in turn, their child might not be developing a love for reading. But when you find the perfect book, you’ll see that love emerge.
What are boys looking for in a book? Look for funny, familiar and factual reads, says Pam Margolis, a librarian and blogger at An Unconventional Librarian. “This is just a guideline, not a hard and fast rule. Reading levels of kids aged 5 to 10 can vary so you’ll have to do a bit of research before buying. But that’s the only place you should draw the line. Let your son read a book, even if you feel like it’s not a good fit for him. He’ll feel good about himself for finishing a book and will want to move onto another similar book.”
Heather Schugar, an associate professor of literacy at West Chester University, agrees. “Good boy books tap into boys’ interests. Sometimes it is assumed all boys are into all stereotypical boy themes. It is important to find what your child is interested in, whether it’s sports, humor, realistic fiction, etc.”
Start your son’s library here and enjoy a collection of books for boys that you and your son can enjoy together.
- “Fly Guy” by Tedd Arnold
If you want to get your son hooked on reading, hand him a “Fly Guy” book! He’ll fly through the adventures of Buzz and his pet fly. This series is perfect for the early emerging reader.
- “Captain Underpants” by Dav Pilkey
With this silly superhero as the star, you would be hard pressed to find a boy who doesn’t love to read about the adventures of Captain Underpants.
- The “Magic Tree House” by Mary Pope Osborne
The “Magic Tree House” series has dinosaurs, knights, mummies, pirates and ninjas! Your son will fly through this series about a magic tree house filled with books that take children on adventures.
- “My Weird School” by Dan Gutman
Second-grader A.J. doesn’t like his school, Ella Mentary, which is filled with crazy characters and silly teachers. The age-appropriate vocabulary and fun illustrations will keep your kid interested.
- “Goosebumps” by R.L. Stine
This popular series of children’s horror fiction novellas includes over 62 books, so your child will never run out. Don’t worry about them being too scary, since there is an element of humor in the books as well.
- “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” by Jeff Kinney
Your kids may have seen the movie, but now it’s time to read the book. They will love the everyday hero in these original “novels in cartoons.”
- “I Survived” by Lauren Tarshis
The “I Survived” series tells thrilling stories based on historical events through the eyes of a boy who lived to tell the tale.
- “Geronimo Stilton” by Geronimo Stilton
“Geronimo Stilton” is a best-selling children’s book series written as an autobiographical adventure stories of a talking mouse who lives in New Mouse City.
- “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan
This fantasy-adventure novel is based on Greek mythology but set in a modern environment.
- “The Lemonade War” by Jacqueline Davies
A brother and sister battle it out with their competing lemonade stands. Not only does the novel tell the story about their war, but also offers marketing tips through the siblings’ business styles.
- “Invasion of the Overworld: An Unofficial Minecrafter’s Adventure” by Mark Cheverton
Boys who are obsessed with Minecraft will eat up this story of Gameknight999, who gets teleported into the game and must learn the value of teamwork to escape.
- “Al Capone Does My Shirts” by Gennifer Choldenko
“Al Capone Does My Shirts” is a historical fiction novel about Moose Flanagan and his family, who have just moved to Alcatraz Island. The story follows Moose and his sister and how they adjust to life on Alcatraz.
- “Play Ball” by Matt Christopher
If your son is into baseball, he’ll love reading about Liam and Carter and their journey to the Little League World Series.
- “I Funny” by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
This realistic fiction novel is about Jamie Grimm, a middle-schooler who dreams about being a stand-up comedian.
- “Shark Wars” by E.J. Altbacker
Crazy about sharks? Introduce your son to the “Shark Wars” series, which are jam packed with action that will appeal to even the most reluctant reader.
- “Warriors” by Erin Hunter
“Warriors” is a series of juvenile fantasy novels that follow the adventures of four clans of wild cats.
And check out these books for kids of all ages.
Stephanie Glover is the writer and photographer behind A Grande Life. When she doesn’t have her camera in her hands, you’ll find her with a cup of coffee.