65 Favorite Read-Aloud Books for Boys: Reader’s Choice
I asked for you to share your favorite read aloud books for boys and you delivered! Do you know how excited I am to dig into these pages with my four little dudes? I knew I asked the right source! Thank you, Friends! I decided to compile a list with all 65 of our favorites!
1. Little House Series
2. The Bears of Blue River
3. The Mouse and the Motorcycle
4. Encyclopedia Brown Series
5. Sugar Creek Gang Series
6. Jigsaw Jones Mystery Series
7. Hank the Cowdog
8. Nate the Great
9. A to Z Mysteries Series
10. Mrs. Piggle Wiggle
11. Ralph S. Mouse
12. Magic Tree House Series
13. Stuart Little
14. Mr. Putter & Tabby Series
15. The Indian in the Cupboard
16. The Chronicles of Narnia Series
17. The Trumpet of the Swan
18. The Adventures of Tintin
19. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
20. The Giving Tree 
21. Little Men
22. The Hardy Boys Series
23. The Invention of Hugo Cabret
24. Charlotte’s Web
25. The Castle in the Attic
26. Mercy Watson Series
27. The Underland Chronicles Series
28. The Sign of the Beaver
29. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
30. The Hobbit
31. The Egypt Game
32. Sideways Stories from Wayside School
33. Ribsy 
34. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
35. James and the Giant Peach
36. Where the Sidewalk Ends
37. A Light in the Attic
38. The Mysterious Benedict Society
39. Holes
40. King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone
41. Emils Pranks Emil Lonnebergaby Astrid Lindgren (recommended from Sweden)
42. The Bunnicula Series
43. The Tale of Despereaux 
44. How to Eat Fried Worms
45. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh
46. The Incredible Journey
47. A Bear Called Paddington
48. Superfudge
49. Tumtum & Nutmeg: Adventures Beyond Nutmouse Hall
50. The Jungle Book
51. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
52. The Swiss Family Robinson (Classic Starts Series)
53. Frindle
54. A Wrinkle in Time
55. The Wind in the Willows
56. Mr. Popper’s Penguins
57. Frog and Toad Are Friends
58. Winnie the Pooh
59. Stone Fox
60. Old Yeller 
61. The Prince’s Poison Cup
62. Where the Red Fern Grows
63. Bridge to Terabithia
64. The Little Prince
65. The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale
Did I miss any of YOUR favorite boy books? Let’s keep the list growing!!!!
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Mr. V and I think the Time Warp Trio books are pretty hilarious. They would be great for reading aloud – and learning!
This is EXACTLY the one I was thinking. Time Warp Trio books are excellent. It’s one that kids like AND parents like.
Thanks Jen!!! Have just printed this to use for summer reading ideas!
My Father’s Dragon Ruth Stiles Gannett
The Dragons of Blueland (My Father’s Dragon) by Ruth Stiles Gannett
Elmer and the Dragon (My Father’s Dragon) by Ruth Stiles Gannett
I’m excited about this list! I’m always trying to think of good read-alouds for my classroom (even though they don’t give us time with all the curriculum, I still do it!!). A lot of the popular read-alouds aren’t as popular with the boys. They really liked when I read Mysterious Benedict Society though.
My favorite book with upper elementary kids is “Petey”. It’s a MUST read-aloud. I also read aloud every first few weeks of school “Ida B.” And then there’s the Philip Pullman trilogy, “His Dark Materials”. Boys and girls love them equally.
Caution with “His Dark Materials”: This book is amazing and really well written but it is part of a trilogy that should only be read with parent’s consent. The author openly admits to having an anti religion/ God agenda.
Great list!!! There are some real gems on this list! We are reading an awesome book right now. It has the BEST illustrations. There is a really cool back story to the book, so you’ll have to check that out as well. If you are interested in giving it a whirl, it’s called the Chronicles of Harris Burdick. 14 amazing authors have chosen pics from the original book (Mysteries of Harris Burdick) & written short stories for each pic. It’s so magical & we are really enjoying it!
This list is great! I have read majority of these books, and just reading this list made me smile and brought back so many memories! Another great book is The BFG by Ronald Dahl; it had my brothers and I giggling so much!
Detectives in Togas and its sequel, the Mystery of the Roman Ransom by Henry Winterfeld. Also, The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis Mcgraw.
You have put together a great list!
Awesome list! So many of those are our family favorites. I discovered a new series of books that I’m reading to Eli right now : The Knights’ Tales Series by Gerald Morris. Great storylines, funny, and full of things boys love (swords and armor and battles). I’m finding it’s the perfect level and length for boys just getting used to read-alouds that aren’t picture books.
Great list! We’ve read about half and can’t wait to dive into some of the others. You should add “wholesome” to your title because I’ve seen some other lists suggesting books for boys that are not so much! Found this on Pinterest and I’m so glad I did. 🙂
I didn’t see The Whipping Boy on the list, we enjoyed it. Great moral. Even my hubby wanted to hear me read it.
Gonna subscribe and follow on Pinterest for sure, we’ve got a lot in common and tons to talk about.
Mickey and the Night Kitchen, Where the Wild Things Are
What a great list! Many of these are our favorites. Going to check out some of the others!
Because of Winn Dixie & How to Train a Dragon
My Father’s Dragon and sequels!
I would add “Fantastic Mr. Fox” by Roald Dahl. I credit that book with getting two of my sons to enjoy reading. Also, any book by Rick Riordan.
Danny the Champion of the World- Roald Dahl
Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls
The Little Britches Series by Ralph Moody
We are reading The Indian in the Cupboard right now and really enjoying it.
We have read most of those and loved them. Another favorite of ours has been dr. Doolittle. Also- when I taught elementary school, my boys always liked a book called “things not seen”.
“Sounder”, My Side of the Mountain”, “Treasure Island”, Johnny Tremain”, “Island of the Blue Dolphins”, “Snowflake Bentley”, “Shiloh”, “Lassie”, “Flotsam”, “Owl Moon””
Dear Levi by Elvira Woodruff. LOVE that book
Try The Education of Little Tree. One of the best read!
What a great list! I would ditto the My Father’s Dragon series. We also enjoyed some of Dick King Smith’s books. Although Harriet’s Hare was a favorite there are others that the boys would enjoy also
When I was little my mom read The Boxcar Children to my brothers and me, and now I’m reading it my son! I love the series! 🙂
When I taught 4th grade, we read the BFG by Roald Dahl. It was so funny that all of my kids loved it!
Treasure Island
–Gena @ ichoosejoy.org
I would add just about all of Roald Dahl’s novels. I teach 5th grade and my boys (who are all very reluctant readers) really enjoyed James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, and The Witches.
Shiloh is another favorite, so is Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. Though I’m a girl, I enjoyed the Artemis Fowl series, male protagonist, adventure filled, great novel!
Awesome, I’ve read 2 or 3 chapter books to my boys and we are all loving it. I would add The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Because of Winn-Dixie.
As a mom of twin boys, I’m completely in awe of you!!!
Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen is our favorite. We’ve probably read it a hundred times. I agree with the person who suggested The Whipping Boy, and I loved the Homer Price stories as a child and my son does as well 🙂
Absolutely awesome list, I have read all but two of the titles on it and it’s nice to see it all compiled in a list so that I can pick up the ones we don’t have. Thanks for sharing!
My boys love the “Peter and the Starcatcher” series by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson
My boys loved the Redwall series by Brian Jacques. Back when I was clever and could do all of the voices. 🙂
Peter Pan by JM Barrie!!
Saw this on pinterest – a great list, thanks! I would add The Prydain Chronicles. Such a great series!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Chronicles-Prydain-Boxed-Set/dp/1250000939/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336870043&sr=8-1
My husband is pre-reading this right now. He recommends the Binding Blade series over this though.
The Great Brain series by Fitzgerald is fantastic! Fifth-Sixth grade boys will love it.
My 10 year old son loved the “Peter and the Starcatchers” series – the prequel to Peter Pan. How did Captain Hook get that hook?? Who was Tinkerbell really? . . . Very piratey (is that a word?) and full of action!
This is a newer book but a definite must read for all! Wonder by P. J. Palacio.
My classes have loved The Power of Un, Kensuke’s Kingdom, The Legend of Jimmy Spoon, Zach’s Lie, and Running Out of Time.
Agree with the My Father’s Dragon Series. Also, our all time favorite – the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull and also his book the Candy Shop War.
My Father’s Dragon and its two sequels. Of all the books I’ve read to my 3 boys over the years, this is the favorite!
“True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle”
“The Watson’s go to Birmingham”
For grades 5-8 depending on level
For a great fantasy/magic/humorous book try “The Bartimaeus Trilogy”
Thanks for the list. I am a teacher and have read most of these books on your list. The two that are favorites for teacher read aloud in my classroom and not on your list are “Frindle” by Andrew Clements and “Socks” by Beverly Clearly.
night of the twisters is a new fave in my classroom! so hard to find books for boys to enjoy! I love the list and have to go shopping now!
Andrew Peterson’s The Wingfeather Saga!! Awesome read! (then go buy his CD Counting Stars. I could play it all.day.long.)
My son loves Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, anything Roald Dahl, and currently The Trouble With Chickens by Doreen Cronin is a new fave. Thanks for the list. We’ll check out some of the ones we haven’t yet read!
Jeremy Thatcher Dragon Hatcher- totally engrossed our boys and of course Where the Red Fern Grows…
Besides Emil, The Children of Noisy Village, by Astrid Lindgren was my absolute favorite as a kid.
Astrid Lindgren has written a long line of children’s book and I dare say that all of them are worth reading.
I loved reading through your list! As a mom of 2 boys and a volunteer librarian I have read many from your list aloud to my boys. Their 2 favorites are The Mysterious Benedict Society books and the Redwall series by Brian Jaques.
Excellent list. Just adding a few more. The Chet Gekko series by Bruce Hale is great fun, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson is a MUST read, the Septimus Heap series is awesome, The Three Musketeers and all the Alexandre Dumas adventure books shouldn’t be missed, The Gideon Trilogy of time travel and The Shakespeare Stealer series by Gary Blackwood are highly recommended as well. Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarian series is very entertaining, too. I have to stop now; there are just too many great books to fit here!
Why are these boy books? I’m a woman and I loved many of these books as a kid…
I did as well, Lizzy. Thanks for your input. These are just suggestions from my readers for our boys particularly and ones on my list that I intend to read to them – boys are what I know best, so I didn’t think I could write this with girls in mind as well. By all means, feel free to use this list for all kids!
I must also highly recommend The BFG and Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl. I am also a HUGE fan of The Stories Julian Tells by Ann Cameron. Her books are wonderful with beautiful language and wonderful lessons. I used to use them in my class for Literature Circles. There were always so many fun activities we could weave around each chapter. My son also loves the Stink series (Judy Moody’s brother).
I know and love many on your list, and would like to tackle many more with my family. My recommendation to add is “A Diamond in the Window.” It was favorite of mine as a child (older elem./middle school), and just reread it to consider when my kids would be at a good age to read it to them. I decided on the same age range, but still thought it was a wonderful story and very educational.
DO NOT forget the How to Train your Dragon series! Another fun read aloud that my boys loved is Zorgamazoo by Robert Paul Weston.
Seriously? I keep seeing this pinned and it makes me groan every time. How about 65 Read Alouds for KIDS.
Beth, sorry if this was offensive. I wrote this from the perspective of being a mom of 4 boys from reader suggestions for boys. Boys is what I’ve been given and what I know best. If girls enjoy each of these selections as well that’s great!
I have a boy and a girl. They both love books. I feel like I automatically know what she would like being a girl once myself. But, I like this list because I can find books on this list that I might not think to read to him, although would with my daughter. Thanks!
It’s not offensive at all!! I have five girls and one boy, he’s getting to the age now for these sort of books and browsing my bookshelves there’s very very little that he’d be interested in. In spite of what the new gender neutral movement wish to imply, boys and girls are not the same. I worked in the public library service for many years and no matter whether an area was urban or rural, rich or poor there was a definite demarcation between the books boys chose and girls chose. Let’s all stop trying to feminise little boys by refusing to recognise their unique and precious masculinity and stop labelling it as something bad. Boys ROCK, girls ROCK both amazing, both different. I know my son, gentle as he is, has no interest in Malory Towers and Anne of Green Gables.
You are awesome!!!
Jennifer,
Your answer was well written with both experience in your home and in your job. Thank you for taking the time to say what you have seen.
Thanks so much, Charlotte! What an encouragement!
As a teacher, I can say that perhaps many people are pinning this because boys tend to be more reluctant readers than girls. While I have had great success reading these series with boys and girls alike, I personally pinned this as a collective of books that will appeal to boys in particular.
I also keep seeing this pinned and I can see how at a glance it can be taken wrong. However, as a teacher, I find that it is difficult to find high interest stories that capture the attention of boys, specifically. This is a very valuable list. I love it! Girls do enjoy these stories as well. 🙂
Thanks CarrieAnn – that was my intention! Appreciated your input and encouragement!
As a female teacher, I also think this is great! Not only is it good for ideas, but it also lets me know if I have been choosing the right books. Also, I have some of these books in my classroom library, and will use them in the future! Thanks!
Wow! What a great list! I found a lot of favorites on your list. (Some I had even forgotten) My grandson’s favorite is “Chicka, Chicka Boom Boom”. It is so much fun! Thank you for your effort!
My sons love the Geronimo Stilton series! (In fact so do my girls. ; )
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was a must read aloud every year I taught. I really enjoyed the Wayside School books by Sachar, as well. The one all the boys loved but the girls hated (including me) was Shoebag, a story about a roach by that name – too ewww for me, but was great for the boys.
All children love Where the Wild Things Are, and Dr Suess books and every child should read The Paperbag Princess
This is WONDERFUL! Thanks so much!! Love a list for the boys 🙂
Gary Paulsen books..very good books for boys & girls, but espcially relevant to boys..:)
As a mom of two girls I still find this list awesome and really appreciate you putting it together to help others. I also love the book Where the WIld Things Are and The Little Bear Books. Also Where the Sidwalk Ends is a great read aloud of funny poetry.
My kids (one girl & one boy) both loved “The Giver,” by Lois Lowry. Also, it might be good to put a general age range. I know that different kids can handle things at different ages, but a general guideline on age range might be helpful. Also, it might be good to list anything that might be controversial or difficult in the books, if there is anything – for instance, if it deals with the death of a loved one, younger listeners might be too young for the concept. Obviously, a parent is the best judge of what’s appropriate, but it could be awkward if something like that unexpectedly shows up during reading aloud.
Did you get appropriate ages for any of these books? Just wondering when these should be read?
Seems about the only time I really read is on vacation. When I’m home I use what time others read to knit or crochet or update blogs, or read blogs, or comment on blogs, etc.
Got one here a friend sent me about homelessness. I do plan to find some time to read it.
My boy and girl love Flat Stanley, Horrible Harry, Choose Your Own Adventure books, Cam Jensen, The Puppy Place books and Lucy On The Loose(more dog books)
Dr.. Seuss, The Cat In The Hat (per my son) or any Seuss book for that matter.
I’ve got 2 boys and 1 girl and when they were 7, 9, 11 we read the Spiderwyck Chronicles. They all loved it (quite the feat to find a series for all 3 of them).
Another one my boys really enjoyed was the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series.
This is a great list for boys and girls 🙂 I didn’t end up reading all the comments, so don’t know if anyone recommended the Tashi Series. The first one we read was The Big Big Big Book of Tashi – which has a number of stories in it. I have two girls (3yrs and 5yrs old) and they absolutely LOVED Tashi. They would literally cry when I would say it was time for bed, more tomorrow. But, I would only recommend to kids who do not freak out over monsters, ghosts, demons, etc, because there are a lot in the books. My kids know these things are make believe. I really think boys would be especially drawn to these books because Tashi is a boy who goes on great amazing adventures. I will definitely be printing out your list. We love the Magic Tree House and Narnia series – lots more good ones on there 🙂 I have found that reading to my kids from Day 1 has immensely helped them read – and they both can read 🙂
I really loved the list I have a boy and a girl. One of my kids favorite books is I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont.
Thanks for this. As a new mother of a little boy, I have been worried about finding books that he would love (when he’s older of course). Where the Red Fern Grows and The Castle in the Attic were two of my favorites growing up and I’m so glad they’re on your list. One you have missed is most definitely Hatchet by Gary Paulson. I know there is a sequel to it as well. It is a winner for sure. Thanks again.
The Lightning Thief series! All of my boys (students, that is….I teach 6th, 7th, and 8th grade English) LOVE that series, and it’s a great read-aloud! The Alex Rider series is another popular series with boys, too!
THANK GOODNESS FOR LITTLE BOYS!! I have three girls and a one boy, and I have had such a hard time finding things for him to enjoy. I was delighted to see Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle!! It was a favorite of mine growing up, but most people I talk to haven’t heard of it. When your boys get older, try the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull and the Percy Jackson series by Riodrian. Both of these series are fantastic for boys and girls alike, but I wouldn’t try them until they can sit for them, or read them on their own. We also like King Jack and the Dragon but I don’t remember who wrote it off the top of my head. My son is still a young one, so that one is a picture book. Good luck with four boys!
I’m a mom of five boys, great list !
I would add the 39 Clues series.
I love this list. I have two little boys, and am so excited to start reading with them. I think you could add “The War with Grandpa” by Robert Kimmel Smith.
Thank you for this! I heartily agree with what I’ve read, and am excited to explore those I haven’t with my two boys.
I have to request a correction to the entry for Tintin, though. The Tintin book you have listed is some novelization of the recent Spielberg movie. I think what you really want on a list like this is the original cartoon books by Herge. He was a Belgian writer/artist that wrote and illustrated twenty or so of these fun adventure comics during the first half of the 20th century. They are exciting and wonderful and perfect for young boys. The movie novelization might be interesting after having gone through all the original comic books first (haven’t read it myself) but certainly not before!
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
The Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan is a wonderful series too!
Repinning & thank you for this. My almost 6yr old is ready for a bigger book & with summer coming, im excited to start. This list was a great reminder for me of what i enjoyed as a young reader! Cant go wrong with a Judy Blume book 🙂
Hi Jen, this is my first time hearing of your site, and this is such a fabulous post to introduce me to you. I have five kids, oldest a girl and then four young boys to follow. My daughter reads anything and everything, and my oldest boy is always complaining about have NOTHING to read! The funny thing is we own probably 80% or more of these books. I am really excited to print this list and help him work his way down. I agree that many of these books appeal to my daughter as well. However, like another mom mentioned in her comment, as a young girl once myself, I can remember many great books to introduce to my daughter, but my boys have WAY different opinions on many of those titles! This is truly fantastic! Thanks so much for this great too, it was very well received from this mom!!!!
The Great Brain series by John Dennis Fitzgerald.
I agree.
That’s the one I would suggest – I have many fond memories of my mom reading that series to me and my sibs!
We’ve read most of these and thoroughly enjoyed them. You’ve covered most of our favorites, but I’d add The Chronicles of Narnia series and Homer Price.
Great job!
I haven’t read all the comments, but my seven year old son loves the Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon.
My boys love the Brian Jaques books. They are all over an inch thick, so they look intimidating at first. But once they started reading them, they were checking them out of the library three or four at a time.
Old Classics. My son (just turned 5) has loved the Thorton Burgess books. ie the various animal tales have been so fun for us.
We also enjoyed (more than once) My Father’s Dragon.
The Secret Zoo series by Bryan Chick – great one for reluctant readers and an awesome read-aloud for everyone!
When we were young, my brother loved reading some of the classics like Treasure Island, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Robinson Crusoe, Robin Hood, Black Beauty, The Call of the Wild, Swiss Family Robinson, etc.
Touching Spirit Bear was a favorite among my 5th graders. Tells a beautiful story of courage and change as well as being just dangerous enough to keep them rapt!
“Nick of Time” and the sequel “Time Pirate” by Ted Bell
oh! and “Michael Vey” series!
Would it be possible to make your list easily printable? That would be really helpful.
My additions to the list are:
Anything from the You Choose Interactive History Adventure series by Capstone Press. My boys, ages 6 & 8, have LOVED The Attack on Pearl Harbor, WW II, WW II on the Home Front, The Battle of the Alamo, and many others. Besides being fun, it’s a great way to learn history from many different perspectives. My boys like to pretend they are soldiers and being the heroes and saving the day, so these have been great for their education and their creative play time.
The Guardians of Ga’Hoole series by Kathryn Lasky is awesome for 6-12 year olds (I love reading it to my child, so maybe even older). It is a mythical world of owls with one species trying to take over the world and has epic good versus evil…kind of like the Lord of the Rings for younger kids. This series spans 15+ books and is great for gifted readers because of all of the additional, in-depth information…maps, character indexes, guide books, etc. Lasky also has another series called Wolves of the Beyond (which we have not read yet) that stems from the Ga’Hoole series.
For math, The Cat in Numberland by Ivar Ekeland (2nd grade-ish) is a chapter book that explains infinity well and is funny. All of the Sir Cumference series is great for explaining math concepts in a fun way with knights and castles. My kids loved these starting at age 4. I wish that someone had explained the math concepts to me that way.
Some of our favorite poetry is Thomas and Friends Railway Rhymes, Jon Scieszka’s Truckery Rhymes by David Shannon, and Once Upon a Poem by Kevin Crossley-Holland.
As a mom to 3 boys, this list is invaluable. One book series I didn’t see that my brothers and I loved as a kid is the Boxcar Children. They are really a great transition to the longer novels for younger boys, and they hold their attention well.
We are enjoying the Magic Treehouse stories as a transition to the longer books, we even enjoy re-reading ones we’ve already read!
Great list! My son loves The Cricket in Times Square by George Seldon. He’s only 6, but reads well enough to read it himself, though I imagine it would be fine as a read-aloud book. There are also a few other “Chester Cricket” books by the same author that I just purchased for him.
I think boys and girls could get into the Magic School bus books. At least my little boy is nuts for them!
Great list – thanks! One of my favorites that I can’t believe wasn’t listed yet….Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Classic boy book! 🙂
Guys Read deserves a look — I was just exploring
http://guysread.com/index.php/books/genres/category/beginning_readers/
for my guy. Best wishes!
Some of my son’s favourites in the five and under category.
1. Any of the Mungo books by Timothy Knapman
2. Any of the Commander Toad books by Jane Yolen
3. Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
4. Percy the Park Keeper by Nick Butterworth
5. George and the Dragon by Chris Wormell
6. Anything by Oliver Jeffers (Up and Down)
7. Bear Snores On series by Karma Wilson
8. Elephant and Piggy series by Mo Willems
9. Little Bear Series by Else Minarik
10. The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame
Hatchet is a great one…
Didn’t see it in your list, but maybe someone has added it already: Watership Down by Richard Adams. Wonderful story to read aloud – it usually makes it onto Best Of lists.
Great list! We have read most of it. Geronimo Stilton books are a favorite of all my children 14, 12, 10, 7. They also love The Rangers Apprentice Series by John Flanagan (11 books). My 2nd graders loved to listen to Number the Stars by Lois Lowery and any poems by Jack Prelucksky
Great list! I would add “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint -Exupery and “The Velveteen Rabbit” by Margery Williams.
Absolutely have to add The Velveteen Rabbit…definitely a tale for boys! My favorite all-time children’s book!
I didn’t see any Gary Paulson books. probably for older elementary boys, but the Hatchet, The River, Brians Winter and Brians return were my sons’ favorites. Very outdoorsy books, so if they aren’t into hunting fishing, might not be their thing,
They were my son’s favorite too 🙂
My third grade boys always love “Danny, the Champion of the World” by Roald Dahl and the “Series of Unfortunate Events” by Lemony Snicket.
My son loved all of Roal Dahl’s books when he was in 3rd grade. He couldn’t get enough of Roal Dahl’s books and I had to check out every single book he wrote. His favorite was Matilda and my favorite was Charlie and the chocolate factory. Roal Dahl’s wicked humor and his punishing attitude toward harsh adults was very appealing to boys.
My son also loves:
– Harold and the purple crayon by Crockett Johnson
– Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
– The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by John Scieszka
– Iggy Peck Architect by Andrea Beaty
These are not just for boys; mom would read these aloud to my brothers and me.
Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day by Judith Viorst
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
Poem- Casey at the Bat by Ernest Thayer
I love the list but it is lacking one of the best books that will have them hooked after just two short chapters and have them begging you to keep reading.
Goblins in the Castle by Bruce Coville
Awesome list!! My boys love the Skippy Jon Jones books.
Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and Black Arrow – all by Robert Louis Stevenson. Great read-alouds for younger boys, and older ones will read them independently.
Indian in the Cupboard by Lynn Reid Banks. Excellent! Such a fun story!
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli is a great story for boys between 8 and 10ish! I also recommend The Watsons Go To Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis!
My son loved the Dav Pilkey books as well as Jon Scieszka. I also seemed to remember the Magic Treehouse series. My Teacher is an Alien series (Bruce Coville). More than a few of Daniel Pinkwater, and one I vaguely remember about a rabbit and evil vegetables.
p.s. the book I was thinking of is Bunnicula by James Howe, the bunnie sucks the juices out of the vegetables. It is told from the point of view of the family dog.
I also forgot to mention that my children enjoyed several Shakespeare plays that were adapted for children.
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is a touching book about a boy and his dog! My grade 3-4 students loved it!!!!
Reading expert Jim Trelease (sp?) spoke to our PTA years ago and gave some pointers that I followed and am so glad I did. First, stock your bathroom with books – just put them in a basket. He suggested putting fun reads there, so I put in comic books (which are usually quite well written!), collections of Peanuts or Family Circus comic strips, an atlas, and when they were older, any of the Bathroom Reader series.
Also, Mr. Trelease suggested reading out loud to your kids even after they have learned to read themselves. Each day I would read to each of my three kids separately, and it was our alone and quiet time – no one else allowed. I chose books that were just beyond their reading level, which usually generated some good conversations. The last book I read to each kid was To Kill a Mockingbird when they were in junior high. Their reading scores were always off the charts.
One boy loved quest stories, and the Black Cauldron series was one of his faves (ages 8-12). Someone mentioned Brian Jacques, and they are right on. The Redwall Series, featuring Martin the Warrior (Mouse) was perfect for the boy who loved whimsy along with his battle scenes (ages 7-12)
And, finally, for the Star War lovers out there, I’d suggest the Young Jedi Knight series for the early elementary years, if they are still in print. All about Han and Leia’s three kids.
OH!! Little Britches–great adventure about a boy in the west in the early 1900s –such a great read-Lots of books in the series and they are autobiographical
to boot
I’d add anything by Bill Peet (http://www.billpeet.net/PAGES/booklist.htm) – great stories and awesome pictures.
My guy is tearing through the warrior cats series and is already on series 4. He was never a reader till he discovered this series and now I have to beg him to stop to come eat supper.
Flat Stanley
The Boxcar Children
The Cul de Sac Kids
Me and Caleb by Franklyn Meyer and The Liberation of Gabriel King by K.L. Going.
Harry Potter, Ella Enchanted (seriously, my boys loved it!), the Great Brain books, Encyclopedia Brown books.
Gregor the Overlander series, same author as Hunger Games but written for younger audience than HG. Suzanne Collins.
also a little old fashioned, but the Boxcar Children series is simple and quick.
also the City of Ember series, can’t recall the author.
My side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
This one tempts my non-reader 9th grade boys and keeps them interested throughout–but only if they are the outdoorsy type. Others that age love The Chronicles of Prydain–which would be a great read aloud for elementary children–and The Ranger’s Apprentice series, which I would not read to younger children.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats,
Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Definitely these two!
“My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George.
Great list thanks! I’m always looking for good books for boys. A few I didn’t see: Where the Red Fern Grows, Incident at Hawks Hill, Hatchet, The Giver….
Great list! Thanks for sharing it. I would add Where the Red Fern Grows. It was a favorite of both my son and me. The My Side of the Mountain trilogy is great for older boys too.
Someone mentioned Where the Red Fern Grows–which is wonderful and sad, but I’d like to add Summer of the Monkeys also by Wilson Rawls–which is wonderful and not sad!
I agree – one of my favorites!
Red Dog by Bill Wallace
True Confessions of Charlotte Doyal by Avi
Can anyone suggest a few of these books for a 4 year old? We are flying in a few days and it would be helpful to have longer books to read. THANKS!
Frog and Toad
I found this through Pinterest. What a great list, including lots of levels, as well as lots of classics! I would add My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Ganett, which my students love listening to every year. It was one of my favorites as a kid, too!
My students also LOVE My Father’s Dragon. It’s a first grade staple!
What a great list! I am going to start reading the older ones now to myself and the younger ones to him (and her).
Rikki tikki tavi by Rudyard Kipling
The Secret Zoo series by Bryan Chick – published by HarperCollins Greenwillow. Awesome read-aloud for boys (and girls!) Book 1, 2 (Secrets & Shadows) and 3 (Riddles & Danger) are already out – Book 4 will be out in September.
The Littles, by John Peterson! 🙂
I didn’t read through all the comments, so this book might have been mentioned, but _Charlie Wilcox_, by Sharon McKay, is both a great read-aloud and a book that boys will read cover-to-cover, even if they’ve never done so before. I wouldn’t recommend it for struggling readers (it has a bit of Newfie in it, as well as a few French sentences), but it’s absolutely riveting. I discovered it when my Adolescent Lit prof recommended it to the class.
Oh, and Touching Spirit Bear, by Ben Mikkaelson (sp?). Fantastic read-aloud…and it deals with a number of serious issues in a non-preachy but also very real way (juvenile delinquency, violence, physical abuse, alchoholism, taking responsibility for your own actions, healing from past trauma…)
I always read Owls in the Family, by Farley Mowat. The kids love it.
Great list! I would add Roxaboxen, by Alice McLerren.
The boys in my fourth grade class love the Percy Jackson series.
I second Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis. Also, The Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan series are good for older boys (and girls!)
For sports lovers–anything by Matt Christopher. The Eragon books. The Neverland Adventure series by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. R.L. Stine books–Goosebumps series. Anything by Jack Prelutsky really gets them giggling. Not fiction, but my son loved the DK books, especially Big Cats, Dinosaur Hunter, Ency of Space and the Universe. Somebody asked for books for a 4-yr old–Curious George books, Katy and the Big Snow, Brothers at Bat, anything by Syd Hoff, Dr. Suess. Prelutsky good for this age, too. Believe it or not, if you’re a really engaging reader, your boys may love T.S. Elliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
We need Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner to this list.
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes. Great historical fiction set during the time of the American Revolution. I can’t wait to read it to my boy!
My son and I have fond memories of reading The Puppy Sister together many times when he was little
The Mysterious Benedict Society is a series, the stories are very intriguing.
spiderwick chronicles, fablehaven series by Brandon Mull (little older), key to the treasure (older book -think it was part of a series) bobbsey twins, the days of Laura Ingalls Wilder series by Tedrow (what happens after the original series) the BFG and the Witches by Roald Dahl, nancy drew series (there are tons of them) if they are fans of mysteries
I just remembered – the three investigators was also a fun series
The secret life of Dilly McBean and the Magic Bicycle series (mildly religious – have to know that it is otherwise you don’t even see it) were also really good reads
John Flanagan’s books for upper elementary through junior high school age. He has the Rangers Apprentice series and has just started another series called Brotherband Chronicles.
The Phantom Toolbooth by Norton Juster
My husband teaches first grade and all of his kids, boys especially, loved reading the Hatchet and the others in that series. They also loved the Redwall series of books.
Great list! I agree, Hatchet is a good one.
The Barn by Avi….they can’t get enough!
My boys and I loved the book, The Silver Spoon of Solomon Snow. Awesome, awesome!! Very suspenseful, and creatively written.
We are enjoying the Judy Moody series. We love her brother Stink’s series, too. They crack us up. Next we will try Junie B Jones. We tried Henry and Ribsy when my son was too young, but I know he would love it now.
My Father’s Dragon, Elmer and the Dragon, and The Dragons of Blueland are excellent books for boys that girls enjoy as well.
Danny the Champion of the World
By Roald Dahl
wonderful book
Yes! And “The Twits” by Roald Dahl. Excellent.
I teach sixth grade and the boys in my class love the Percy Jackson books.
Enders Game is another great one!
The Great Brain Series! Loved those books!
I second “The Great Brain” books.
My son, when in 3rd grade, and my former fifth grade students loved Peter and the Starcatchers series.
My boys loved Ralph Moody’s Little Britches.
For your book list: (my absolute favorite) Owls in the Family by Farley Mowatt
My kids love Owls in the Family too!
Any tips for reading to small boys. I have 4 under 5, so trying to read to them is like trying to brush your teeth while you are still eating.
That’s funny, Andrea! Have you tried audiobooks? My son loves to listen to books, and has from a young age. His dad is the same way. I, however, must have print in hand! Anyways, the library offers both audiobooks on CD as well as books accompanied by cassette tapes (& CDs, I believe).
My boys are 4 and 6. The few chapter books they have been able to make it through are The Mouse and the Motorcycle, The Boxcar Children, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, A Grain of Rice, and a bit surprisingly, Little House in the Big Wood. Even then they more tolerated than loved it. It is fine to stick with shorter books when they are this young. Try subjects they are interested in – I have one that loves learning about animals and another that will sit and listen to me read short history books about wars. The both loved Saint George and the Dragon by Margaret Hodges, and asked me to read it over and over and over again! Definitely try that one!
Pinned the pic so I could refer back to this great list!
You forgot I Am David by Anne Holm 🙂 Awesome novel any child would love.
Peter pan! Also the precious memories collection.
My son loves the Geronimo Stilton series
Ooooh. I remembered another favorite: Bud not Buddy! Make sure to put an inflection in your voice when reading it. It really makes it fun and brings it to life. Bud is looking for his father, whom he thinks might be the leader of a popular jazz band.
The Wingfeather Series by Christian author/singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson. I read these books to my 3rd grade class and they loved it! The 4th and final book in the series is due later this year, I hope! The first book is called On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness.
The ‘Little Tim’ series by Edward Ardizzone – my brother loved these books about a little boy who goes to sea, then my daughters, and now I’m reading them to my grandson.
Check out the Bunky books @ bunkybooks.com and thebobetteartco.com.
Great positive affirming books with fun adventures and beautiful illustrations.
Charlie and the chocolate factory!
My son liked”Alexander and the terrible horrible no good very bad day!” It made him feel like we all have bad days but there’s always tomorrow.
I cant believe The Boxcar Children didnt make the list!
My older son loved
the Narnia Chronicles. The other son’s absolute favorites were The Diggingest Dog form ages 3 to 6 and How To Eat Fried Worms at about 8. Both loved the
Harry Potter series and wanted to know what was happening so badly that they each began reading them independently. My first grader boys always liked Captain Underpants. There are so many good books and so many different
interests for each child that the library should be your best friend. Then when you find special one you can buy it.
I just read Inkheart to my boys (5 & 7) and they were hanging on every word!
I saw two Dahl entries, but I would also like to add Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Magic Finger to the list. Any Dahl is a hit with children! I teach third grade, and my students last year loved those books.
How is My Side of the Mountain not on the list?
And:
Owls in the Family
Where the Red Fern Grows.
Old Yeller.
The Incredible Journey.
Gentle Ben
Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls
My husband insists that the Boxcar children series must be on the lis and we hope to read to our son someday
Books not mentioned that I have read with my 9 year old son in the last year – The Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander (this reads more upper grade school to me), Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene Du Bois and we just finished 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Great Illustrated Classics edition). The last one he finished under the covers with a flashlight because he couldn’t wait to find out how it ended =)
The Box Car Kids were a favorite of my kids around 2nd grade. So many adventures!
Where the Red Fern Grows – I read this book aloud to my 13 year old girl, 10 year old boy, and 6 year old girl. They were so in love with the story that we ended up with a rescue dog shortly after we finished the book!
Hank Zippzer series written by Henry Winkler akaThe Fonz!
The Dragon Keepers series: Dragon in the sock Drawer, dragon in the driveway, dragon in the library.
Wonder
The Julian Chapter
Little House series
James and the Giant Peach
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
The Year of Billy Miller
My all time favorite is “Because of Winn Dixie”
My Father’s Dragon (3 book series)
For older boys, some older books:
Anything by Joseph Altsheler (many can be downloaded free at Gutenberg.org)
Historical novels by Stephen W. Meader (being reprinted now; Google him, you’ll find the site)
“Chingo Smith of the Erie Canal,” Samuel Hopkins Adams
My preschool age grandsons & I found some great ideas from the area librarians and from book stores that had storytimes.
Pete the Cat series by James Dean is a big hit since the first title (I Love My White Shoes) came out. Starting with picture books and flowing into My First I Can Read! titles — my oldest “reluctant reader” moved right through these on his own! Suggested ages is 4 to 8 years.
ANYTHING by Mo Willems has been a big hit. His first in one series (Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale) for ages 3 to 6 years is something my now 9 year old grandson STILL likes to look through and read to his younger cousins.
Willems’ first in another series (Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!) for ages 2 to 6 years is another favorite. We looked forward to each new title release for this series!
Willems’ Elephant & Piggie series launched two inaugural titles on the same day (My Friend is Sad) and (Today I Will Fly). These are also early readers for age 4 to 8 years. Hint: the pigeon can be found hiding somewhere in each book!
Tedd Arnold has two series for early readers, ages 4 to 8 years. The first in the Fly Guy series (Hi! Fly Guy) features a boy and how he meets his pet fly. The first in the Fly Guy Presents series (Fly Guy Presents: Sharks) takes this concept a step further as the Fly Guy pet introduces young readers to a non-fiction source of learning — in this case, about sharks. Also for ages 4 to 8 years.