Readers, I need your help. I have a twelve year old son who hates to read! He has struggled with learning disabilities over the years, dyslexia being one of them, and I think all the struggles have led to a complete dislike of the written language.
He and I went out tonight and talked about how we could improve his reading this year. He told me that he didn’t like to read, and especially didn’t like to read stories that are boring. He said he would like to read stories that are exciting and full of adventure.
This is where you come in, I need some good book ideas for boys that are action packed, full of adventure, and guaranteed to keep this guy’s attention for more than five minutes. My only stipulations are the books need to be easy for him to read (about a fifth grade level) and no books about magic (that’s dad’s rule). He is an outdoors type of kid that would rather be hiking, bike riding, or swimming than any thing else. His favorite fiction book is My Side of the Mountain if that helps you learn a little more about his personality.
The boy, doing what he loves to do…
Please leave me your suggestions in the comments section or email me.
Thanks!
Editor’s note: Thank you all so much for your great suggestions. I will be compiling all of them into a potential reading list. Keep them coming, I am learning about many great books!
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Oooh oooh oooh Mr. Kotter! (Sorry, Toni, you were two when that show was on!)
Alvin Fernald books!!! By Clifford B. Hicks. Alvin’s an inventor (with a best friend and annoying little sister who’s very cool) and they get into all kinds of scrapes and mysteries. My brother (reluctant reader) LOVED them at your son’s age. They’re back in print now, too!
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I only briefly perused the comments above…
Anthony Horowitz’s “Stormbreakers”, a juvenile spy thriller.
Clay Morgan’s “The Boy Who Spoke Dog” as well as the sequel…
My 12yo son enjoyed these recently, and he is not a “reader” by any means. A couple of years ago I finally figured out he would read graphic novels — I was desperate. He, too, loves Calvin and Hobbes. I also got him the “Picture Bible” a couple of years ago and he devoured it. Recently his dad, military himself, is getting him into age-appropriate WWII non-fiction. Whatever it takes, is where I’m at.
Good luck! Have been enjoying your blog for a few weeks now. If you have a chance, I am wondering — do commissaries price match? I’ve always assumed they don’t, but can never remember to ask when I’m there…!
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http://www.graceandtruthbooks.com/young_men/default.asp
I did a search and of the books I found I really like the way these sound. My son will be 10 soon and likes adventure and some fiction but likes to relate to real life. This look right on taget.
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I hope I am not repeating, or maybe it’s good that I am. Anyway, my son sounds very much like your son, and he loved the Dunc & Amos series. It is a very silly, very adventurous series – by either Sacher or Paulsen. I can’t remember which. They are also quick and easy!
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Many classic books are written in comic book format and are a great jumping off point for those reluctant readers. Build skill with something enjoyable and then increase reading level.
I also didn’t see the White Mountians books listed by John Christopher. They include The White Mountains, The City of Gold and Lead, and Pool of Fire. Heroic boys, adventure, courage and action. Great stories. Best of Luck. A reader for life is a worthy goal.
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Several great books have been mentioned, but without knowing his reading ability, I don’t know what to suggest. My guess is books like Box Car Children might be good, but Summer of the Monkeys (which is a great book) might be pretty difficult for him. It is a large book with very small print. Which is so hard when you are dyslexic.
My daughter has dyslexia and for a long time it was a huge struggle to get her to read. Then we had her tested and she tested as reading at a 2nd grade level even though she was almost through 3rd. Once we got her reading books that she could read without struggling on ever other word, she really started to enjoy it. What else I have been taught, is that it is very important that a dyslexic child read everyday. I use to give my daughter large breaks in the summer, because I know how hard it is for her. But the doctor explained that everyday she doesn’t read, she back tracks. If she goes a few weeks, she could lose everything she gained that year. Now she reads every night before bed and loves it.
I know I didn’t address your question, but hope it helps.
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Scouting Magazine this month has an article on Guys Read Guy Books. Check it out; maybe you’ll find something to peak his interest.
http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0809/a-guys.html
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Try Hatchet, Gary Paulson. Sure to please.
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My son loves the Deltora series. He also loves the Narnia stuff too.
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My Side Of The Mountain was one of my favourite books as a kid as well!
My brother read a lot of Matt Christopher books as a kid. They were all about sports and he devoured them.
He also read The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle series by Bill Myers, a Christian author.
I echo that Calvin and Hobbes is a great reading experience, even if it isn’t a “book” per se. So funny!
Hope these help!
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I know some have already mentioned FRANK PERETTI so I am just agreeing. Neither one of my children liked to read but they sure were glued to his books (and so was I and still can be). ALL CHRISTIAN so don’t be scared when you go to this website
! http://www.frankperetti.com
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My son has similar interests to yours. He loves The Great Brain books and Hank the Cowdog.
Also, We found The Field and Forest Handy Book and The American Boys Handy Book. They show how to make rafts, traps, shelters, etc. These are excellent if he’s into My Side of the Mountain and only require reading the section he’s interested in.
Wilson Rawls books Where the Red Fern Grows and Summer of the Monkeys are also WONDERFUL!!
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I didn’t scan all of the others, but some favorites of my students have been the books by Will Hobbs. They’re outdoor adventure books, and they keep it moving.
The Joey Pigza books are also hilarious.
Happy reading!
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Boy, I’m just a commentin’ fool tonight, ain’t I?
(I really have better grammar than that!
The American Adventure series is a set of historical fiction books that go through all of American History in small sections: from The Mayflower Adventure to either the Korean or Vietnam war (I can’t remember which).
The best thing about them is that they are all written from a Christian perspective of American History, and from the eyes of the children in the stories. Great series!
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I tried to browse through the comments to make sure I don’t repeat.
By the Great Hornspoon was a lot of fun to read with my son and has become one of my favorites! You can also find decent children’s versions of classics like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Robinson Crusoe. Homer Price was fun and Judy Blume’s Fudge series is too.
There are so many quality books I had never heard of and just have not read with my son (8) yet. I like the looks of Clyde Bulla’s works and well too many to really mention I guess. The Minstrel in the Tower is supposed to have a fast plot (not sure about magic-we haven’t read yet).
I would also recommend checking out Honey for A Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt and Books Children Love by Elizabeth Wilson as a resource for helping you choose books for your son. I love both of them.
Sorry, can you tell this is something I get excited about? Happy reading and I hope this helps.
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I really disliked reading as a child until I discovered Enid Blytons Famous Five series. These great books are about the adventures of a group of kids that love to solve mysteries ect.
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Two things that work here are turning on the TV to a show they LOVE… turning the captions on and turning the TV down…. They watch their fav. shows while reading…. =-)
I go to the library and borrow books and borrow the CD of the book at the same time… My son listens to the story on CD as he reads along….
Hope that helps =-)
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Hi Toni!
Love your blog! I have the same trouble with Quentin reading. He loves adventure/nature stories also! My Side of the Mountain, Call it Courage…. I like to look on the Sonlight reader list and always find good adventures story ideas, then try to find them at the library. Hope all is well with you. Blessings, Lori Phillips
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I don’t konw any specific books but maybe graphic novels would work. They are written in commic book style, but significantly longer
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On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer is one I used for reluctant readers when I was a 6th grade teacher. It’s short and a fairly easy read, but a good story that could lead to lots of “what would you do?” discussions.
Gary Paulsen is favorite author of mine from my teaching days. There are a variety of reading levels, so you might want to check out a couple to peruse yourself first. They are very good for outdoorsy boys. Hatchet and The Haymeadow are two I used regularly.
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My 8 year old loves Time Warp Trio Series and some titles like “The War of the Worlds”, “The Threee Muskteers” in Great Illustrated Classics.
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