These are our current favorite (and tried and tested) books and book series for young boys, aged around 6 to 10, depending on the level of reader you have. You will find everything in this list for the massively enthusiastic NEVER WANTS TO DO ANYTHING ELSE reader to the budding reader who is looking for his reading passion.
If you’re looking to add some diversity to your reading lists, check out Jambo Book Club! Jambo is a monthly book subscription box that sends out books featuring children of color, providing such a great multi-cultural experience. Choose your child’s age and sign up for month to month or for an annual subscription.
We actually purchased the ages 10-13 box for our son for his birthday and for that age group, each box contains a fiction and a non-fiction book around the same topic. His first book was around the Navajo Code Talkers and was so interesting!
1. Minecraft: The Complete Handbook Collection — Contains all 4 of Minecraft’s best-selling handbooks in a pretty awesome gift set. More of a manual than a chapter read, so perfect for those who don’t LOVE reading quite yet.
2. Anything by Roald Dahl — Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, The BFG, The Witches, Matilda and SO many more. These books are SO engaging and entertaining for young readers.
3. Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne — There are a million in the series and all very engaging, good short and entertaining reads for beginning readers! Fantastic “first” chapter series. The library always has several to choose from, if you want to see if they’re a good fit before buying.
4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books 1-15 — These are a pretty good first series for kids because there are a TON of cartoons sprinkled throughout. Kids love the story and the characters, although parents be warned, there are some pretty silly things that happen and you will probably hear ALL about them. Book 15 comes out at the end of this month!
5. Captain Underpants Collection — These are the silliest books. But they can be read over and over and over and still be outrageously hilarious. Pretty easy read and TONS of cartoons and jokes to keep even the most reluctant reader engaged.
6. Calvin and Hobbes — We can not stress enough how entertaining these are for kids. They have a few words in it that we don’t love (stupid, hate), but overall are just the most hilarious and engaging stories for kids. And a little nostalgic for parents.
7. Garfield Fat Cat Volume 1 — THESE ARE THE BEST. Your son will laugh until he cries and will insist on reading you all the strips that are his favorite. Which is all of them. Buy him this classic set and then pick up new books at the library when you can find them. Even a fun read for younger kids as the pictures tell the stories.
8. Harry Potter Books 1-7 — This may be a controversial choice for some, but this is an AMAZING series for kids. Some parents plan to hold off on books 5-7 until they are a little bit older, as they get quite a bit darker towards the end. The first few books are SO engaging and such a wonderful testament to light against dark, good against evil. Watch the movie as a family after he finishes each book! These are also a great choice to read together.
9. Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone Illustrated — If you have a reluctant reader or one who engages more with pictures, you can now get the first book in a beautifully illustrated version. The second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban are now available illustrated as well! Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is now available as well, the cover is amazing.
10. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein — Such a classic and fun read, for kids and adults! If you have a young reader with a short attention span, this is a great choice.
11. The Hardy Boys Secret Files Collection — These are an updated version of the old classics, which have language that can trip up young readers. Easy reads, super engaging and a fun nostalgic choice for parents.
12. The Boxcar Children — Another classic series! Reviewers praised these for being easy to read and a common thread is that they can pull even the most reluctant reader into their stories.
13. Ballpark Mysteries — Simple, easy reads for baseball and/or mystery fans. Several books in the series set in many different ballparks around the country, making for a fun, engaging and mildly historical read. Read about Wrigley Field, Fenway, Yankee Stadium and more.
14. National Geographic Kids Almanac 2021 – Such a fun book! Tons of photos, facts and activities about animals, science, the environment and so much more. Super engaging and a great read that doesn’t feel like a read.
15. Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan – Fantastic books for kids aged 8-10. Modern story based around Greek mythology and SO engaging. Also the author of the Kane Chronicles and the Magnus Chase series.
16. Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Series – My 9-year old LOVED these books so much and burned through them really quickly! Very cute story and a fun, easy read.
17. The Land of Stories – These were recommended to me by a middle school teacher and my 11-year old TORE through them, but they’d be perfect for younger ages too. Based on the fairy tales we grew up listening to, they’re stories about two kids who find themselves in a foreign land with the characters of the stories. My son said they were so super fun and engaging. He couldn’t put them down! Costco has the full set for about $25, but we also found the books at our local library.
18. Who Was? series – These aren’t chapter books, but they’re super fun and easy reads! If your kid has a certain passion like basketball, history, boats, planes, whatever, you’ll find a book in this series. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Michael Jordan, Sally Ride and so many more.
SUGGESTIONS FROM READERS:
1. Stick Dog – These are perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Captain Underpants. Fun comic-style books with lots of pictures, great for those just trying to find their love of reading or reluctant readers. Or even those on the younger end of the age range who don’t quite have the attention span for a full chapter book series. Also check out Stick Cat!
2. Gregor the Overlander – Written by the author of The Hunger Games series and recommended for kids and parents alike!
3. House of Robots series by James Patterson – Gets AMAZING reviews! Recommended for grades 3-6.
4. Dragon Masters series – Another highly reviewed series! Recommended for grades 1-3.
5. Bad Guys series – Recommended for grades 2-4.
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[…] Looking for studying inspiration? Check out this list of great chapter book ideas for elementary-aged boys! […]