Books for big boys
Sophie Lombardi
As well as presiding over all things pretty at Poppy and Honesty, I wear the much more serious hat of Teacher of Special Education. I wrote a gigantic thesis on reading development and neural connections. However what I have noticed lately is that quite a few kids stall in their reading simply because they don't have the right books. It's so hard for fiction to compete with the exciting adrenalin fuelled games and films that our kids access on a regular basis.
My own 9 year old hit a stumbling block when he finished the Harry Potters. Damn you JK for being such a hard act to follow! As a tiger teacher/parent I do a lot of digging around for good, exciting stuff for my boys to read. I have made a little list books that are slightly off the beaten track and have the seal of approval of my lively 9 year old boy.
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The Treehouse Series by Andy Griffiths
Two boys develop their own multi-story tree- house. Each floor has its own exciting and imaginative theme; Any flavour ice-cream parlour and a shark tank! There are 6 in the series and they are all fun and engaging. Your kids will love learning about the characters' crazy capers and hair brained schemes.
Big Nate by Lincoln Pierce
Similar to The Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, but more hilarious and gross according to my boy. Loads of cool graphics and cartoons to keep the reader engaged. Kids in Years 5 and 6 will love the kids vs teachers element as well as Nate's failed attempts at tween romance.
Percy Jackson and Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Fans of Harry Potter will love this these exciting adventures. Percy Jackson fights for honour in the ancient greek world and has to fulfil a number of challenges. My boy loved the 'danger' aspect as well as the fighting (obviously) and was lost in these books from start to finish.
Very simple slapstick comedy appealing to kids with a wacky sense of humour. The book is divided into short stories based on the life of an 11 year old boy. He who gets into all sorts of scrapes with his mates and finds himself nude on quite a few occasions. Great comic style illustrations and good for chuckles.
Midnight Creatures by Helen Friel
This interactive pop up book will appeal to kids that like facts and nature. Turn the lights off and shine a torch on to the page to find all sorts of creatures from the fork-marked lemur to the giant squid at the bottom of the ocean. This is a lovely creative for kids who like non-fiction to access reading.
Hopefully you will find something above for a reluctant reader somewhere. Obviously great books aren't the answer to the endemic problem of getting boys to read, but finding stuff that will appeal to them is a darn good start. Please let me know if you have any recommendations, I am always on the hunt for something to keep the boys out of mischief.
Have a top week,
Tiger Mum
xxxx
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