Great books for YOUR boy

When looking for great books for our boys recommended reading lists can be helpful, but beware. It’s how we use these reading lists that determines their helpfulness. Some recommended books will be just perfect for your boy, and others may be not to his liking.

We can generalise and say that there are specific topics and themes that interest boys more than others, but within this vast arena we need to remind ourselves that individual reading tastes and abilities can vary greatly.

Also, what is “cool” or “sweet” (as in the new vernacular of my 7 year-old), may become “babyish” or “boring” as your boy grows older.

I think it’s helpful to consult recommended reading lists, but to then help your child choose something that will be just right for him. It goes without saying that your child should be involved in choosing his own books to read.

To choose a great book quickly and easily we apply two simple rules:

The book must be:
1. really, really, really exciting.
2. at the appropriate reading level.

The first rule is easy. Watching your boy’s reaction when he picks up a book and flicks through it will determine his level of interest. If I hear him say “cool”, “wow”, “awesome” and “sweet” I know it will be a winner.

The second rule requires some more input from you. As a parent you would be aware of your son’s reading ability given that you listen to him read school readers and other books at home. By checking the amount of text, the complexity of the text, the length of the book, the basic storyline and the degree of supporting visuals you can make a pretty accurate judgement as to whether your child will achieve reading success.

We have found that in most cases where our sons’ don’t like a book it’s because of one (or both) of these two rules has been broken. So, armed with your two simple rules, have fun next time you visit the local library, bookshop, on-line bookstore, or your own bookshelf.