Ideas for Reluctant Tweener Readers

Do you have a reluctant reader in the family?

Let me guess-- it's a boy. That may be generalizing, but in my own personal experience, it's my son who doesn't like to read much, and my daughter who just can't get enough of books.

It can be hard to understand....

It is a complete shock to my system that I, I of all people, could have a child that does not like to read! The very idea is anathema to me! For proof, check out my LibraryThing page (where at 315 books, I have only just begun to catalog my own library)!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

This "novel in cartoons" is a sure bet for reluctant readers. My son flew through the first book in just over a day, asked for the second one immediately, and read that just as quickly!

They're smart, funny, and really pick up on the whole middle school experience.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

by Jeff Kinney

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Amazon Price: $10.15 (as of 10/06/2008)
List Price: $12.95

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (Diary of a Wimpy Kid)

by Jeff Kinney

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Amazon Price: $10.15 (as of 10/06/2008)
List Price: $12.95

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw (Diary of a Wimpy Kid)

by Jeff Kinney

Th final book in the trilogy is not out yet, but you can pre-order now (we've had it on order since the minute my son finished the second book!)

Release Date: 01/13/2009

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Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 10/06/2008)
List Price: $12.95

Not yet published

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book

by Jeff Kinney

Release Date: 10/01/2008

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Amazon Price: $8.76 (as of 10/06/2008)
List Price: $10.95

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History Dudes!

OK, I have to admit that I thought these would be a slightly bigger hit with my son than they were, but he did read through (meaning heavily skimmed) most of both of these cool books.

History in a cartoon form, these two books show REALLY cool things about the Vikings and the Eygptians.

Vikings (History Dudes)

by Laura Buller

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Amazon Price: $11.04 (as of 10/06/2008)
List Price: $12.99

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They can't resist.... books about themselves!

At this age, they scramble for all the info they can get.

American Medical Association Boy's Guide to Becoming a Teen

by American Medical Association, Kate Gruenwald Pfeifer

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Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 10/06/2008)
List Price: $12.95

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Links to more ideas to get your child reading!

Introducing Chapter Books to 8- to 10- Year Old Reluctant Readers: A Listmania! list by Slatternly Jones "Authority on boys up to age nine"
Keep 'em reading -- for 9-11 year-old boys and wannabe tweens: A Listmania! list by Slatternly Jones "Authority on boys up to age nine"
Books for Boys blog: On National Stamp Out Reluctant Reader month.

Read to them

You hear it again and again... the importance of reading to your child. My RR has truly enjoyed the Harry Potter series, but never would have read them on his own.