Books for Boys Archives - Reading Middle Grade

High-Interest Books I Recommend for 8th Grade Boys

Afoma Umesi — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 23:46:24 +0000

Many educators and parents tell me that as their kids get older, they read less and less for fun -- especially the boys. Today's blog post highlights a variety of books I always recommend to boys in the 8th grade. You'll find that they're all high interest, very readable, and have a strong sense of plot. They also have a strong thread of action and good pacing to keep even super busy or reluctant readers flipping the pages. I've provided suggestions across several categories including mystery, dystopia, and coming-of-age, so you can find some solid options for your readers.

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Exciting Books for 12 Year Old Boys

Afoma Umesi — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Good books for 12 year old boys can be tough to find -- books that tackle tough topics without being inappropriate. On this list, we've gathered a variety of stories about boys handling challenging circumstances, from moving to poverty to neighborhood drug lords.

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Great Books for 9 Year Old Boys

Afoma Umesi — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 13:26:15 +0000

Whether your 9-year-old boy is a big reader or not, it's possible to get them somewhat interested in a good story. One way to get the ball rolling is by reading aloud to them. The stories on this list of books for 9 year old boys are great because they can be read independently by kids or as readalouds to kids. Whatever your choice, you'll enjoy the variety of books we've curated. There are stories about video games, adventure tales, graphic novels, sports books, science stories, and so much more.

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Enjoyable Books for 11 Year Old Boys

Afoma Umesi — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 09:56:19 +0000

Although middle grade books are targeted toward kids between ages 8-12, most 11 year olds have different interests from their 8-year-old counterparts. We've tried to reflect this in this list of books for 11 year old boys. You'll find a variety of stories about kind boys dealing with family drama, navigating complex friendship issues, going on adventures, and so much more.

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50+ Amazing Books for Tween Boys in Grades 3-8

Afoma Umesi — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 16:44:38 +0000

So many people have told me how hard it is to find middle-grade books with male characters. And yes, all books are for all kids, but it never hurts to have a variety of stories (windows and mirrors!), including those that tackle challenges unique to boys. I read a lot of books by women about women/girls, so for a while, I didn't even pick up middle-grade books about boys. Thankfully, that is changing, thanks to these excellent middle-grade boy books. With more and more male leads showing up in middle grade (thank goodness), I've rounded up my favorites in this post! It goes without saying that girls can (and should) read these books as well if they'd like. I've also split these into books I think would appeal/be more appropriate for elementary schoolers and those best suited for middle schoolers.

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The Best Graphic Novels for Boys

Afoma Umesi — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:58:27 +0000

Boys get a bad rap for not enjoying books and reading, but I think what happens over time is that there are fewer and fewer books made for boys in mind as they get older. Yes, all kids can read all books, but often, boys gravitate toward stories with a similar wacky humor, books with

Awesome Books for 10 Year Old Boys

Afoma Umesi — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 08:15:48 +0000

Ages 10-12 are prime middle grade reading years and my favorite age group to recommend stories to. For this list of books for 10 year old boys, I rounded up some of my favorite stories featuring boys between the ages of 9-11 finding their way in the world. Some of these kids are learning to stand up for themselves, pursuing their passions bravely, going on global spy missions, taking eye-opening road trips, and dealing with difficult life situations. There's a story for every reader!

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15 Best Books for 3rd Grade Boys

Afoma Umesi — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:29:00 +0000

Third grade is such an exciting age group for reading because most kids get into chapter books around this age. If you're looking for books for 3rd grade boys who are resistant to titles that don't have boys on the cover, this is the list for you. As readers, we all know that kids can and should be open to reading any and all good books, irrespective of their gender, but sometimes it's not that simple. Often, newer readers (with unconscious bias) are drawn to books with characters who look like them on the cover, and because we want them to fall in love with reading, we need to meet them where they are. That said, these are some of my favorite 3rd grade books that appeal to boys the most!

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Great Books for Teen Boys

Afoma Umesi — Thu, 18 May 2023 21:32:48 +0000

I've received several messages from parents of teens asking for books for teen boys. Although I already have a list of books for teens, I understand the need for books starring teen males. On this list, I've rounded up several great options, including one mystery-thriller starring a girl (ha!). You'll find a range of genres including romance, mystery, sports, fantasy, and dystopian fiction. Hopefully, there's something for your teen boy on here.

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Best Books for 8 Year Old Boys

Afoma Umesi — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Boys get a bad rap as being poor or hesitant readers (which, honestly, isn't a bad thing -- not everyone HAS to be an avid reader). BUT many parents and seasoned librarians (and I) have noticed that some boys are more drawn to books with male protagonists. I'm a firm believer that all kids should read any kinds of books they like, but sometimes you need an in -- and that's feeding the kids the books they're actively interested in. This list is full of books about different kinds of boys: readers, funny dudes, adventurous boys, foodies, and so much more. If your kids are into books with male protagonists, they'll enjoy these delightful books for 8 year olds!

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