Chapter Books for Reluctant Readers

This is a list of fiction recommendations from Read To Me staff and our March/April Reader Around Town, Lee Tonouchi. However, remember to tailor the books you select to fit your reader, and try a variety of reads, including nonfiction (biographies, books on battles, sports studies, and craft-making manuals are just a few options), magazine and newspaper articles, and everything in between.

Holes by Louis Sachar

Stanley Yelnats, an unlucky boy burdened with a family curse, has to choose Camp Green Lake - a juvenile detention center set up in an arid wasteland - or prison because of a misunderstanding. While at camp, Stanley realizes there is something more to the evil warden's task of digging holes than just "building character," and sets off to find out what. Newbery Award Winner.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Ella is a princess that received an unusual "blessing" at birth -- to always obey. Despite this curse, Ella is a fun character full of spunk, and when her mother dies and she's burdened with a mean step-family, she sets off to find a way to release the curse and find happily ever after. An enchanting retelling of Cinderella and a Newbery Honor Book.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson is just a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, until he finds out that he is actually a demi-god and must embark upon an adventure to prevent a war among the gods. Based on Greek mythology -- accompany this read aloud with a collection of Greek myths, or follow up with the next books in the series.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Twelve-year-old Jonas lives in a seemingly utopian society, but discovers its dark underbelly and has to decide what to do about it when he receives his "life assignment," to take over for a man known only as "The Giver." Newbery Award Winner.

Swindle by Gordon Korman

After being conned out of a valuable baseball card he recently discovered in a secret drawer, 11-year-old Griffin Bing goes through great lengths to get it back. Also, check out the sequel, Zoobreak.

The BFG by Roald Dahl

When 8-year-old orphan Sophie is kidnapped by the BFG -- the Big Friendly Giant -- he seems all but friendly. But they quickly become friends, and she determines to help him stop the less friendly, children-eating giants, delivering good dreams and meeting Queen Elizabeth along the way. If this is a favorite, try other books by Roald Dahl.

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos

The Joey Pigza series brings readers deep into the life and mind of a young boy with ADD. Joey's life is a terrifying roller-coaster ride, and Jack Gantos, author of the Rotten Ralph books, drags the reader along. After veering out of control and being put in a special-education program, Joey meets a caring teacher that helps him deal with his disorder, and he returns to his old school full of hope.

Jungle Dogs by Graham Salisbury

Written by an award-winning local author, Jungle Dogs is about a sixth-grade boy from Kailua who learns to face his fear of jungle dogs while showing his troubled older brother that fighting isn't always the answer. Check out other books by Graham Salisbury for additional good reads.

Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher

A new telling of the classic Arabian tale, "1001 Nights." Known for her wonderful stories, but marred by a deformed foot, 13-year-old Marjan is called to the palace to help fabled Shahrazad entertain the Sultan, who has beheaded every wife before her, with a tale.

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

A book about sibling rivalry meets math fun and economics basics. Brainiac younger sister Jamie and people-person older brother Evan declare an all-out lemonade stand war after Jamie is advanced to Evan's class in school.

Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective by Donald J. Sobol

Ten-year-old Leroy, nicknamed "Encyclopedia" is always solving his father's, the chief of police's, cases over the dinner table, so he decides to open his own detective agency. This book includes ten different cases as different stories, complete with clues, Encyclopedia's detective work, and the solution to the mysteries. Loved by RTM Reader Around Town, author Lee Tonouchi.

Read All About It! Great Read-Aloud Stories, Poems, & Newspaper Pieces for Preteens and Teens edited by Jim Trelease

This collection of newspaper columns, sports articles, short stories, and novel excerpts - to name a few - by read-aloud expert Jim Trelease demonstrates how a variety of sources make for productive read aloud sessions. Trelease also prefaces stories with biographical information about the authors. Use this as a stepping stone to creating your own collection of read alouds relevant to your reluctant reader.

Guys Write for Guys Read edited by Jon Scieszka

Well-known guy authors such as Graham Salisbury, Brian Jacques, Avi, Mo Willams, and Garth Nix are featured in this collection of short stories. Full of true stories all about "guy stuff," from fathers to knights to a "guyfesto," to actual drawings by the authors when they were boys, this selection is sure to attract hard-to-reach reluctant readers.

Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate

Written in free verse, this story about Sudanese refugee Kek's move from Africa to snowy Minnesota is not only touching, but humorous and insightful. Kek befriends foster-child Hannah and finds a connection to home through a cow he names "Gol," or family, while wondering if his mother is still alive. A powerful story sure to inspire discussion and reach a wide audience. 2010 Nene Award nominee.

Also, see Lynne Waihee's picture book recommendations for older readers; Read Liane Akana's article on reading aloud to tweens and teens; and see some how-to tips. Also, please let us know if you think of a read aloud we just have to include!