It probably comes as no surprise, then, that he's not a big fan of reading. It's a concept that I have a hard time fathoming.
It broke my heart when he was little and wasn't interested in me reading him bedtime stories. He didn't even want to sit still long enough for that. I'd come in with a stack of books, and he'd shake his head. It was such a shock since his older sister was a "just one more" pro. Five or more books a night was the norm.
I'm telling you about this just to say that I am so thankful for books that make him sit up and take notice. Friday he started The Percy Jackson Series and has been completely hooked. He started book 3 this morning. To me that's HUGE! Thanks to Rick Riordan and all the writers out there like him who are writing engrossing things for our boys to read. You are a wonder.
Now that I see it's possible for him to choose reading over everything else, I'm on a mission to find other books that will keep him engaged. Suggestions are always appreciated.
18 comments:
Rick Riordan has done another series about clues that are very popular.
And my friends son ranks Diary of a Wimpy Kid with Percy Jackson...
Beth, Thanks. I'll check out the clues ones. My 9 year old loves the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, but I'm afraid the 13 year old will think they're too young for him, esp. since his little sister likes them. Maybe not though. I'll give it a shot.
I like 39 Clues as well, but they may seem a little young. Also Rick Riordan wrote the first book in the series and planned the whole story but the other books are written by different authors.
Suzanne Collins' Gregor the Overlander may be of interest.
What about Robert Lewis Stevenson? I think I was about 13 when I read "Kidnapped" and "Treasure Island." Or Kipling's "Jungle Book?" I have absolutely no idea what sort of stuff is being written these days.
Yat-Yee, I'll definitely look into the Suzanne Collins book. I loved The Hunger Games, etc.
Scott, It's a good reminder to look back at books that have stood the test of time.
James Dashner's books. I don't know if Maze Runner is too old for your son, but the 13th reality series?
It's pretty dark, but The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness is a great, action-packed read. It ends on a serious cliffhanger, as does the sequel, but luckily the third book will be coming out this year!
That is SO exciting! My boys are a bit younger, so I can't say what your thirteen y/o guy might like, but my guys sure LOVED the Percy Jackson series ~ even my very reluctant reader. Sorry I'm no help, but I'll routin' for your boy!
I've written about this a couple times too, though the books I've found are targeted at a younger age range. It's so important to find something that has that unique hook they need! You are absolutely right. And, I'm taking note of this series for my boy's future reading list! Thank you!
I've written about this a couple times too, though the books I've found are targeted at a younger age range. It's so important to find something that has that unique hook they need! You are absolutely right. And, I'm taking note of this series for my boy's future reading list! Thank you!
You know, Natalie Whipple did a post about this a while back and got TONS of good suggestions. Here's the link:http://betweenfactandfiction.blogspot.com/2009/12/thing-about-boy-books.html
She has a few links in her post, but go to the comments section for more suggestions. Good luck. I truly believe that everybody can like to read if you can find the right books. I learned the same thing with my 11 year old daughter. :)
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to go back and look over Natalie's list again. I forgot about that.
I think a non-reader is just someone who hasn't found the right book yet. This is further proof of my theory. :)
I'm still trying with my sons, so I'll let you know if anything connects. I've boughten The Maze Runner, The book thief and Leviathan. I'm hoping one will connect.
Ooh, I love good book ideas for boys. NOTHING makes me happier than seeing my youngest boy reading. Well, I also like seeing him tire himself out playing outside, but reading is great too!
My son LOVED the Percy Jackson series. So did I! Other good books he recommends are the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz. The MC is like a teenage James Bond. My son also recommends the Skullduggery Pleasant books by Derek Landy. They feature a skeleton who is like a private investigator. They're pretty cool.
Thanks y'all. Sherrie, those sound right down his alley. Thank your son for me.
I've got the same problem here. It's torture getting my son to read. If I find some books that work, I'll be sure to pass them along to you. I've jotted down the above suggestions for my son.
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