[tps_header] I posted my 20 of my favorite girls’ chapter books a few weeks ago, and now I’m excited to share my favorite chapter books and series for boys! It’s most definitely not just for boys (nor is my girls list just for girls), but these are books that generally appeal to boys. This age range is vital for boys and reading–it can really set the tone for how they feel about books going forward. I think the key is to find a series or genre that they can get into, and often it will take a few tries until you find one that clicks. Whether they like adventure, action, mystery, or fantasy–it’s on this list!!
I decided a long time ago that I would read the books that my kids were reading, so not only would I know what was in them, but so that we could have conversations about them. Even better—we could read them together! Many of the books on this list I had already read as a child, but several have been published since I had kids, and I read them at the same time as my son. What FUN! We eagerly pass copies back and forth, talk about what we think is going to happen, and then discuss what we think should have happened. ☺
Here we go… [/tps_header]
Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective
Donald J. Sobol
Leroy Brown, a.k.a. Encyclopedia Brown is a star detective in his neighborhood, and solves crimes using his uncanny ability to retain all sorts of trivia. His dad is the chief of police, and every night at the dinner table, Leroy helps him solve puzzling mysteries. SO fun! I think you could start this even at 7–2nd grade and up.
Fablehaven Series, Brandon Mull
What a fun series this is! It’s my favorite (and my son’s favorite) series since Harry Potter. It’s the story of Kendra and Seth Sorenson, who find out that their grandparents are the caretakers of a secret preserve of magical creatures–and it’s not the only one! They discover magical abilities, and Kendra and Seth must face challenges such as defeating an evil witch and a powerful demon, defending the preserve from an evil society, and ultimately, protecting the world from a horde of imprisoned demons.
Harry Potter, J.K.Rowling
Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)
How can you have a list like this and not include Harry Potter? What I love so much about JK Rowling is something difficult to accomplish–her books appeal to the young as much as they do the “not so young”, and it’s been one of my personal favorites for a long time. It’s funny–I resisted this series until the 4th book came out, and then I was so curious I decided to try it. I was immediately hooked! My son loved it too, and my girls are almost old enough to start the first book.
Hardy Boys, Franklin W. Dixon
This series most definitely takes me back to my childhood! LOVE the Hardy Boys!! Originally written in 1927, the stories revolve around two brothers, Frank and Joe Hardy, who solve even the most baffling of mysteries. Yep, it might seem a little old-fashioned in today’s world, but I love that these boys are respectful to their parents, there isn’t any bad or crude language, and you don’t have to worry about one word that’s written in the pages. They’re adventurous, fun, and have gotten many boys interested in reading that haven’t been interested before. Definitely worth a try!
Percy Jackson series, Rick Riordan
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)
When Percy Jackson finds out he is the son of the Poseidon, his whole world is turned upside down. He ends up in a special training camp for demi-gods–other children of the gods–and learns to adjust to this new knowledge. He’s soon thrust into adventures and a quest to beat the evil lord Kronos, and save Olympus with the help of his two friends, Annabeth and and Grover. ***Rick Riordan has also written two other series: The Red Pyramid and The Heroes of Olympus, which are very good as well.
The Mouse and the Motorcycle
Beverly Cleary
Ralph is no ordinary mouse, and he lives in the knothole of a hotel room. He’s seen plenty of guests come and go, but there is one young guest named Keith that will change his little mouse life when he introduces him to a motorcycle. Curiosity overcomes caution, and soon, Ralph is in for an adventure! Such a fun book–and a favorite in this house!
Hannah says
Feb 20, 2014 at 11:12 amThank You for these recommendations. And for the Girls list you posted earlier.
I appreciate all the good “old time” books and when I go to the library I can never remember which ones they are.
Loving having this to reference.
Thank YOu, Thank You, Thank YOu.
Simply Kierste says
Feb 20, 2014 at 11:11 pmYou are so welcome!!! I love the good “old time” books the best. :)
sharon says
Feb 20, 2014 at 11:44 amJohn Grisham has a series for kids – Theodore Boone – Kid Lawyer. Great series! As one of my favorite authors, he’s fast becoming my son’s favorite, too!
Simply Kierste says
Feb 20, 2014 at 11:11 pmI’m glad you and Angela mentioned this series! Thank you!!
Angela says
Feb 20, 2014 at 12:05 pmI was just going to comment on the same series that Sharon mentioned above. We love Theodore Boone!
Simply Kierste says
Feb 20, 2014 at 11:11 pmThank you for adding that one!!! I need to go check it out…
melle e says
Feb 20, 2014 at 4:02 pmJames Patterson has a really good series about/for the middle school set, also. :)
Simply Kierste says
Feb 20, 2014 at 11:09 pmI haven’t read it–I’ll have to go check it out, thank you!!
melle e says
Feb 20, 2014 at 4:06 pmAnd the unabridged version of Call of the Wild was really rough still for my 13 yr old/8th grader. But he’s also muddled through Animal Farm this year. Up next is Tale if Two Cities. Can you tell how excited I am? Lol I wasn’t reading these books until high school. When did this become standard for Jr. high? He’s n ot even in the high school credit class… (He is in the HS credit classes for science and algebra, but we didn’t put him in the ELA high school credit class… I’m really glad, too, about now… Yikes.)
Simply Kierste says
Feb 20, 2014 at 11:08 pmIt’s true–every grade seems to have been pushed forward, and I think the same thing about my girls in second grade!! The unabridged version is definitely more difficult, so I hope the classic starts version will work for those younger than that. It’s such a great story–I love introducing the classics at young age. Animal Farm in 8th grade? That does seem young!
Jeanine says
Feb 20, 2014 at 4:36 pmI loved The Great Brain! I can’t wait for my oldest to get just a little bit older because I’m hoping he’ll love it too!
Simply Kierste says
Feb 20, 2014 at 11:06 pmI just laugh thinking back to when I read them…SO fun!! I think my girls are going to love them too—I hope so!!
Crystal says
Feb 20, 2014 at 5:20 pmGreat list!!
Simply Kierste says
Feb 20, 2014 at 11:05 pmThanks, Crystal!!!
Gina says
Feb 20, 2014 at 6:18 pmYou should really try the book “Peter and the Starcatchers” by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson. My kids have all loved this book (both boys and girls) and the other books in the series. I think there are 4 books in the series. I am not a huge fantasy fan, but really loved these books. It kind of tells the story of how Peter Pan came to be.
Simply Kierste says
Feb 20, 2014 at 11:05 pmThose are great books, thank you for listing them here!! I probably should have made a longer list, lol. :)