I’m writing a new book(let) about books for boys. I remember learning a long time ago in library school, I think, that someone had done research and learned the not-so-surprising fact that whereas most girls were willing to read books with boys as the main character(s), most pre-teen and older boys were not interested in reading books in which a girl was the protagonist. This finding translates into lots of children’s books with either a boy as the main character or a group of friends, boys and girls, as the characters. I’m making up an annotated list of either 52 or 100 classic and modern books that appeal especially to boys ages 7-11. (That doesn’t mean the girls mightn’t enjoy many of these, too.) I’ve already taken a survey around here, and these are a couple of the books that will be on the list:
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis Computer Guru Son, age 17, says this book and the series are the books that first come to mind when he thinks of his “childhood.” The main characters are four children, two boys and two girls, who travel into another place and time and experience an adventure to be envied by any red-blooded boy. Swords, battles, bravery, treachery, and the admonition “whatever happens, never forget to wipe your sword.”
Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective by Donald Sobol Encyclopedia, whose real name is Leroy, not only reads the encyclopedia, he also solves mysteries–everything from who swiped twenty-five cents to bank robberies and grand larceny. And you get a chance to solve the mystery in each chapter, too, before turning to the back of the book to find out whodunit.
Your turn. What are your boys’ favorite reads? Or what was your favorite when you were a kid of a boy?
When I was a boy, I enjoyed Encyclopedia Brown too. I also loved a book on the 12 trials of Hercules, but I don’t know which book I read. I think I read the Hound of the Baskervilles during that time. Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing was fun.
Oh boy, my favorite subject. Fiction boys will read.
All the Baseball Card books, by Dan Gutman (Honus and Me, Jackie and Me, Babe and Me…)
Johnny Hangtime by Gutman is another favorite book. I need to read it. The story really resonates with guys judging from the requests for it.
The Zack Files by Dan Greenburg
Time Warp Trio books by Jon Sczieska
The Jack Henry books by Jack Gantos
Magic Treehouse (even 5th graders read them)
High level readers love, love, love, Redwall books by Brian Jacques and the Merlin series by T.A. Barron (he is starting a new one too)
They are trying to get me to read this newish series, Guardians of Ga’hoole (about owls)
I just finished Airborn by Kenneth Oppel and, oh my, it is the best “boy” book I have read this year, part Titanic, part Pirates of the Carribean and Treasure Island.
They adore anything Walter Wick has touched (I Spy books etc.–good riddles)
Maybe too YA for your list but Neal Shusterman is great for guys.
Whoops, can’t forget Captain Underpants books by Dav Pilkey. He has done more for boys literacy than all the boy wizards in the library.
By the Great Horn Spoon (aka Bullwhip Griffin) and Mr. Mysterious, by Sid Fleischman. The former takes place during the Gold Rush. The latter concerns a magician and his family who are travelling by covered wagon to California, supporting themselves along the way by giving magic shows. Not deep, but a lot of fun, both of them.
Also, John D. FitzGerald’s “Great Brain” series, starting with The Great Brain.
Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet books and Canyons.
Anyone ever read the Animorphs series?
If a child enjoyed the Narnia books, they probably would also like Lloyd Alexander’s Chronicles of Prydain books.
The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Llyr, The High King, Taran Wanderer and The Foundling
They are based on Welsh legend and other celtic influences. Very readable, I remember ordering them from the book mobile back, back in the day when it’s arrival was an event to school kids. 🙂
Ralph Moody’s “Little Britches”, “Man of the Family”, “Mary Emma and Co.” and four others -Ralph wrote describing his upbringing in Colorado and New England in the early 20th century. Unforgettable, fabulous books! They are great as read alouds for 7 and up.
My son loved “Viking Adventure” by Clyde Robert Bulla when he was in 2nd or 3rd grade.
~Jennifer
Boys (and girls) love the Deltora Quest Series by Emily Rodda