“If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.”
Does this sound like your son? Do you have a reluctant reader at home? the one who prefers to watch a video than to read? take heart, dear father, all is not lost! we just need to find the right book to ignite his love of the written word. and we have just what you need. Here are our recommendations for 5 children’s books that will help them fall in love with reading:
You are reading: Books for boys who don’t like to read
1. fox with socks – dr. seuss
Here’s the note that comes with the book: This is a book you read aloud to find out how smart your tongue is. the first time you read it, don’t go fast! this fox is a cunning fox. he will try to get your tongue into trouble.
This is a great book for you to read along with your reluctant young reader that will make them giggle. Of course, it’s also great for practicing your pronunciations!
why kids love this book: Kids love it when you read to them, and this is a great way to encourage them to start reading too. with the fox in socks, dr. Seuss puts the fun and laughter back into reading, and it doesn’t seem like a chore anymore!
Ages: 2 and up for reading aloud, 4 and up for assisted reading.
2. the adventures of captain underpants – dav pilkey
See Also: The Best Picture Books for Teaching Character Traits – Staying Cool in the Library
The first in this series of books by American author-illustrator Dav Pilkey, it follows the life of Harold and George, a couple of elementary- schoolers who write, illustrate, distribute and sell homemade comic books called “The Amazing Captain Underpants”.
why kids love this book: kids are drawn to the illustrations, the silly jokes, and of course, the hilarious misspellings that harold and george make. they love that the book is both relatable and possibly frowned upon by adults!
ages: 6 and up
3. goth girl and the ghost of a mouse – chris riddell
Meet Ada Goth. She lives in Ghastly-Gorm hall with her father, Lord Goth, lots of servants and at least half a dozen ghosts. The book is beautifully illustrated. The jokes and the fast-moving pace of the book keeps everyone entertained right until the very end.
why kids love this book: the story is unconventional and it’s a picture book for older kids, which is a rarity in itself. the language is simple and easy to read. and of course, the jokes are funny!
ages: 7 and up
4. the name of this book is secret (the secret series, book 1) – pseudonym bosch
See Also: Books by John Muir – From the Writings of John Muir – John Muir Exhibit
Brave 11-year old heroes, Cass and Max-Ernest set out on the trail of a magician who has vanished under strange (and stinky) circumstances. The book is about the hair-raising adventures that follow and the nefarious villains they face.
why kids love this book: isn’t the title just amazing? It instantly engages kids’ curiosity, and 11-year-old heroes Cass and Max-Ernest solve a plot full of puzzles that will set young minds going. the unconventional style in which it is written helps that reluctant reader even more.
ages: 8 and up
5. without speaking – andrew clements
No Talking is a 2007 children’s novel written by Andrew Clements. It is about the noisy fifth-grade boys of Laketon Elementary School, who challenge the equally loud fifth-grade girls to a “no talking” contest. This competition turns out to be really hard.
why children love this book: the book is a light read: it talks about the natural rivalry between boys and girls that arises around that age. it also looks at rules made by adults from the point of view of children, which makes it very relatable.
ages: 9 and up
See Also: Chuck Palahniuk – Book Series In Order