(affiliate links)
Homeschoolers are supposed to all be voracious readers, right?
All homeschooled children walk around with their nose in a book – at least that is the stereotype. Somehow my teenage boy missed that memo!
I haven’t given up hope that someday my son will enjoy reading, maybe even love it? Until then I will continue to put great books in his path, require books to be read and see what happens. I also don’t have a problem with audio books. My main goal is to get good words and good stories in his head.
I asked around to a couple of (very!) reliable sources for great books for teenage boys. Especially boys who are reluctant readers. Here is a list of over 40 books that should keep you and your teenager from saying “what should I read next?”.
We have not read all of these books so please use your own judgement and discretion. You know your child best!
By the way, girls can read these books too, this list is in no particular order and the categories can be subjective.
Classic Books for Teenage Boys
The Chosen – I’ve read this book twice. So good!
Â
To Kill A Mockingbird – A classic not to be missed. We also watched the movie when we finished reading the book – excellent material for discussion.
Of Mice and Men – Another classic that contains much to discuss. Plus this book is very short for those reluctant readers!
Animal Farm – This book is fantastic for discussion! Plus it’s short which is very appealing for a reluctant reader.
Huck Finn – We have not read any Mark Twain yet, but have heard that this is a good story for an audio book due to the dialect.
The Jungle Book
Old Yeller
A Separate Peace – I read this and enjoyed it. Great read for boys, particularly high school age.
Adventure Books for Teenage Boys
Hatchet – Jonah and I are currently reading through this book together. Action, adventure, and ingenuity.
The Call of the Wild – Jonah and I read this book together. Great adventure story!
Captain’s Courageous – I’ve heard this is best as an audio book.
My Side of the Mountain – Adventure and nature all rolled into this classic.
Treasure Island – I read this with my oldest and while we liked the story, I believe this would be better as an audio book.
Robinson Crusoe
Carry on Mr. Bowditch
Â
The Boundless
Fantasy/Sci Fi Books for Teenage Boys
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness – We are anxious to start this series, saving it for our road trip in June.
Â
The Hobbit
Ender’s Game – I’m not big into Sci/Fi, but my husband is reading this to our oldest (yep, I’m fine with that too!) and they are both enjoying it.
Â
Inspirational Books for Teenage Boys
Little Britches Series – Such a great series, particularly for boys!
Â
Freckles – This book is by one of my very favorite authors.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Medieval Books for Teenage Boys
Â
The Chronicles of Pyrdain
Â
Eagle of the Ninth
Â
Mystery Books for Teenage Boys
Sherlock Holmes – This is on my own TBR list for 2016
War/History Books for Teenage Boys
The Bronze Bow – We read this during our ancient studies this year. Made the time of Jesus’s ministry even more vivid.
Â
John Adams
A Bridge Too Far – World War II story
A Higher Call – True story during World War II
What are some of your favorite recommendations for teenage boys?
Hi! I think you have some great reads on here… I personally really enjoyed The Chosen and A Separate Peace as well. I dislike Huckleberry Finn, but it’s an important one…and (as a teacher) I have had many students who enjoyed it, so I think it’s subjective (as is always the case with books) :).
As for “getting” someone to read…I have found that giving students a choice as to what to read helps a LOT. Rather than reading lists, letting kids read whatever they please (from comic books to magazines and novels) often means they come to experience reading as an enjoyable pastime rather than a chore (of course, if you deem fit, you can still discourage the books you don’t think are appropriate, depending on the kid’s age).
I like this list you put together!
Great list Jennifer! My 14 year old son is a reluctant reader and he has read a few of these books on your list. We’ll have to check out your recommendations, especially The Chosen. Thanks!
Thank you for all of the suggestions! Grant reads when I tell him to — but he doesn’t crave a good book like Anna does. Maybe some new choices will change that a bit!
Great list! Need to save it for Sam, who loves to read.
nice books. very much interesting and more useful books. keep sharing more useful books.