Last week I wrote about how important it is for kids to read. But what do you do with the reluctant reader? The one who just doesn’t like or doesn’t have a lot of interest in reading?

One thing I’ve noticed (and what librarians often say) is that reluctant readers don’t hate reading — they hate books that don’t grab them. Once they find their kind of story, it’s amazing how quickly they can burn through books.

Obviously, this is an “within reason” scenario, but for the most part I am a proponent of the ‘If they can read it, they can read it,’ philosophy. In other words, if they are capable of reading and understanding a book — they are allowed to read that book. Again — parental discretion is advised. Just because I was reading Carrie and It at 10 doesn’t mean all kids should be.

So that begs the question — what are some books to try with the reluctant reader to help them find their literary ‘in?’

I’m glad you asked — I have recommendations!

My first recommendation is a series that I am actually reading right now. It is the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. Probably better for older teens, and especially kids who like video games. Picture The Hunger Games meets Baldur’s Gate. It’s funny, it’s smart, and I am devouring the series!

Action & Adventure:
– The Last Kids on Earth (Max Brallier): A monster apocalypse turns into one giant adventure. Lots of illustrations, short chapters, and tons of humor.
– I Survived (Lauren Tarshis): Each book follows a kid surviving a real historical disaster—the Titanic, Pearl Harbor, Pompeii, 9/11, hurricanes, and more.
– Hatchet (Gary Paulsen): A thirteen-year-old survives alone in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. Still one of the best survival stories ever written.

Kids Who Love to Laugh

These are absolute gold for reluctant readers because they mix illustrations with text.
– Diary of a Wimpy Kid – school life and awkward middle-school moments.
– Dog Man – goofy graphic novels packed with action and jokes.
– Big Nate – mischievous middle-school humor.
– InvestiGators – two alligator detectives solving mysteries with comic-book energy.

Parents sometimes dismiss these because they’re heavily illustrated, but they absolutely count as reading—and they’re often the bridge to longer novels.

Fantasy Fans
– Percy Jackson: Greek mythology meets modern-day adventure. Fast, funny, and packed with action.
– Wings of Fire: Dragons. Political intrigue. Adventure. Hugely popular with middle-school readers.
– Amari and the Night Brothers: A girl discovers a hidden magical world while searching for her missing brother. Think Harry Potter with a fresh twist.
– Keeper of the Lost Cities: A long-running fantasy series that has created some truly devoted readers.

Mystery & Thrillers

These are fantastic for kids who binge crime shows with their parents.
– The Inheritance Games – riddles, family drama, and a billionaire’s fortune.
– A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – a cold case becomes dangerously real. (Older teens.)
– One of Us Is Lying – five students walk into detention; only four come out alive. (Older teens.)
– Greenglass House – a cozy mystery perfect for younger readers.

Science Fiction
– Scythe – one of the best YA sci-fi series of the last decade.
– Skyward – a determined teen dreams of becoming a starfighter pilot.
– Ender’s Game – a classic that still hooks many teens.
– Project Hail Mary – ideal for older teens who enjoy science and humor.

A note for parents: this is the hill I’ll happily stand on: Don’t be a reading snob.

If your child devours graphic novels, let them.

If they love horror, let them.

If they only want books about dragons, sharks, WWII, football, or Minecraft, let them.

Reading is like exercise — the best workout is the one you’ll actually do. A child who reads Dog Man every night is building vocabulary, comprehension, stamina, and confidence. Those skills transfer to every other kind of reading they’ll do later.

Never make a child feel guilty for what they choose to read. The goal isn’t to create literary critics; it’s to create lifelong readers.

Also, if you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m not Jimmy. Jimmy decided it was too nice to work, and you know what? Fair enough. He will be back next week after spending some time in the sunshine and recharging!

I, however, will be off next week. I am having a minor wrist surgery and will be taking a few days off the computer to recover! I will hopefully be finishing book 3 of the DCC series and possibly getting into book 4.

So, enjoy your week, and I will see you back on page 4 on August 12th!