Chapter books for boys

Reading chapter books is a great way to get children to use their imaginations and to develop their vocabulary.

I usually get chapter book ideas from fellow moms or reviews online. If our boys are interested in a chapter book that I am not familiar with, I have even been known to read the book ahead of time. I know that sounds crazy. I am a bit particular about the kinds of books our boys read; I want them to learn positive character traits, to grow from the pages of their books and to establish a love of reading.

Reaching low

There has been much discussion in recent years about the “dumbing down” of books for boys.

Lately, more and more book authors and publishers are gearing books for boys toward gross-out or toilet humor. Back in 2010, AP reported that one school librarian treats her pupils to ‘grossology’ parties. “Just get ‘em reading,” she said. “Worry about what they’re reading later.”

Sadly, I find this to be true, but I am trying not to fall into the trap. The following list of chapter books will not include gross-out humor, but it will include loads of adventure, strong messages and characters your children will remember for a lifetime!

Aiming higher

My beginning chapter book readers all start out with the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne. In this series, Jack and his younger sister Annie find a magic tree house, which whisks them back to different time zones. The Magic Tree House books are full of educational facts and introduce children to different cultures and times in history.

Check out a few more of our favorite chapter books for boys.

These book series are best suited for boys ages 6-9.

• Nate the Greatby Marjorie Weinman Sharmat (Amazon, $5)
• Ballpark Mysteries by David A. Kelly (Amazon, $4)
• Little Britches by Ralph Moody (Amazon, $11)

For boys ages 8 and up, these chapter books and series are terrific choices.

• Little Menby Louisa May Alcott (Amazon, free Kindle version)
• The Chronicles of Narnia(series) by C.S. Lewis (Amazon, $15)
• Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (series) by Rick Riordan (Amazon, $5)

More about reading

Catch up on children’s classics
Board books for the artsy mom and creative toddler
Benefits of chapter books to young readers