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Reading Tips and Book Suggestions for Boys - Grades 3-7

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Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.

I was downstairs in my office one day, and it got WAY too quiet upstairs. Those with young kids know that this is almost never a good sign! So up I went to try to catch my 2 boys doing whatever it was they were doing. And what I caught them both doing is reading! I would have to say that was one of my proudest moments as a mother.

I think the two things that played a role in getting my boys to love reading was having a love of reading myself and getting them books they were excited to read - starting with fun baby board books from the moment they were born.

Below you will find the books that my boys really enjoy, and I hope your own children will get the same enjoyment out of them!

Because each child has different likes, you may have to try a few different types of books to find one that is right for them.

If you're buying a book gift for kids, find out what subjects the child enjoys reading about.

Some children do better with books that illustrate the story, while others get caught in a gripping plot.

I find that series are a good choice, because your child comes to know the character - they almost feel like a friend, so they're excited to get the next book to continue to follow them on their adventures.

If they're having a problem getting into the book to start, it might be a good idea to read the book together, and don't be afraid to throw in some funny voices - anything to make the book more exciting!

Big Nate

Big Nate!

Appeals to Grades: 3 - 6

Type of Books: Uses a mix of prose and cartoons to tell a quick story about a day in the life of Nate.

Big Nate is based on an American comic strip written and illustrated by Lincoln Peirce. The strip revolves around Nate Wright, a rebellious sixth-grader, and his classmates and teachers. Nate is portrayed as a boy with little interest in studies or conforming to standards. Because of this, he often ends up in detention. These books will have kids laughing and learning some important life lessons!

Visit Big Nate Online!

Try Audio Books

Audio books are a great tool in getting children interested in reading. Have them follow along in the book while listening to the recording, so they're getting the benefit of hearing and seeing the word.

Most teachers agree: listening to unabridged recordings (books that are recorded word-for-word from the print version) is NOT considered cheating, and is beneficial to getting your children to love books.

You can purchase audio books from Amazon or download audio books from places like itunes and audible.com. Many libraries have audio books available to check out or even download for free.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Appeals to Grades: 4 - 7

Type of Books: Descriptive adventure story, little to no pictures.

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. When his mom tells him the truth about where he came from, she takes him to the one place he'll be safe--Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods. There, Percy learns that the father he never knew is actually Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon Percy finds himself caught up in a mystery that could lead to disastrous consequences. Together with his friends--a satyr and other the demigod daughter of Athena--Percy sets out on a quest to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Appeals to grades: 3 - 7

Type of Book: Written in journal form with lots of fun comic-type illustrations.

Middle school student Greg Heffley is being forced by his mom to keep a journal and in it he loosely recounts each day's events. Follow him as he ponders what makes someone popular, how to deal with the school bully and all the other daily trials of a middleschooler.

Have a favorite book for boys?

Add it to the list!

I find that recommendations from other parents help us find more exciting books for my boys to read. Add yours here!

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Boys don't keep diariesor do they?The launch of an more...0 points

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Percy Jackson and the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-3) by Rick Riordan

Humans and half-bloods alike agree-Percy Jackson and more...0 points

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Black Lagoon Series

Black Lagoon Chapter Books

Appeals to grades: 3 - 5

Type of Book: Short chapters with lots of fun illustrations on every page.

Follow Hubie as he deals with the fears and hopes that any kid could have. What if his teacher is a fire-breathing monster? What is he going to build for the science fair? Will he be able to perform at the talent show with all those people looking? His imagination runs wild and will keep you laughing!

Ripley's Believe it or Not

Just the Facts

Appeals to Grades: 4 - 8

Type of Book: Lots of pictures and short articles.

There is nothing stranger than truth! Check out Ripley's Believe it or Not books to read about fascinating people, places and things. The Guinness World Record books are filled with amazing facts like what is the world's deadliest snakes? Which state has the largest water park? And much much more! Do Not Open takes an entertaining look at oddities, mysteries, and unexplained phenomena.

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The Encyclopedia of Immaturity

Boys will (and should) be Boys!

Appeals to Grades: 4 - 8

Type of Book: Lots of pictures and short articles with "how to" instructions on magic tricks, paper airplanes and more.

Learn to juggle, tie a knot, write in invisible ink and more! These books have a few life lessons and a whole lot of fun!

Gregor the Overlander

Underland Chronicles

Appeals to Grades: 4 - 8

Type of Books: Descriptive adventure story, little to no pictures.

What if Alice fell down an air vent in a New York City apartment building instead of down a rabbit hole? Eleven-year-old Gregor expects a long, boring summer of baby-sitting his two-year-old sister, Boots, and his senile grandmother. Distracted with thoughts about his father, who disappeared three years ago, Gregor belatedly notices that Boots has crawled into an air vent in the laundry room. He dives in after her, and the two are sucked downward into the Underland, a fantastic subterranean world of translucent-skinned, violet-eyed humans, and giant talking cockroaches, bats, spiders, and rats. Eventually, the terrified Gregor is transformed into a warrior hero who battled against an army of invading rats while finding clues about his missing father.

Gift the Gift of Reading.

Books make wonderful gifts! Consider making up a book gift basket for a birthday or any other special occasion. You could include a couple books, a book light, some tasty snacks and a fun shaped pillow - or add things that go along with the theme of the book you're including.

For a bigger gift idea, consider personalized rocking chairs or book shelves to give them their very own book nook to read in!

Another great gift idea is a Book of the Month Club for kids. Each month they will get a new exciting book delivered to their door!

Something as simple as a new bookmark or personalized totes for kids can get a kid excited to start reading!

What books do your boys enjoy? Do you have more suggestions? Leave them here!

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janices7 Jun 6, 2011 @ 9:16 am | delete

Great list of books! Love series for getting kids hooked on reading.

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Serenia Jan 11, 2011 @ 9:27 am | delete

My son is not into chapter books yet. He loves books with lots of pictures. He loves Captain Underpants and the Diary of a Wimpy kid. If the Black Lagoon books really have as many pics as you say they do, then I might try them next. I am so tired of reading the same books over and over again. We also read Robert Munsch books too.

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azpoppy Oct 29, 2009 @ 6:52 pm | delete

My son likes the Wimpy Kid series. He reads very well, but doesn't really get into reading. *sob* So, I was ecstatic that he voluntarily read those books. When the latest one came out, we bought it right away! Anything to encourage his reading. :-) Thanks for the suggestions. I will look into the Black Lagoon series.

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JenniferAkers Oct 29, 2009 @ 7:30 am | delete

Fantastic lens! It's helpful to get recommendation on good books, and your book selections are spot on. I have a son and nephew who enjoyed many of the books listed here. Thanks for your hard work in creating a wonderful resource for parents, grandparents, friends, etc to help them find books for boys in grades 3-7.

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midnightdreamer Oct 27, 2009 @ 9:22 pm | delete

This is such an awesome Lens! 5 ***** for sure and faved! I am so happy and proud to say That I have two boys who love to read too! My 9 year old LOVES Goosebumps! Those have been around a long time, I remember reading them too ;) My 7 year old is at the top of his class for reading, its easy to instil a love for reading as long as you do while they are young and make it fun, awesome and worth it for them, a good story is always key! Thank you for this bit!
Peace,
Leah
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