Reading finally clicked for my son when he was around 7. It was a struggle for a long time. His reading skills were fine, he just didn’t have the interest or confidence. Now I find him sneaking a book under the covers, he loves going to the library and he reads books in the car instead of playing video games on his iPod. Happy Mom!
Since my son was an infant, we have read to him every night. We started reading chapter books to him when he was in 1st grade. We transitioned to where we would read a few pages and then he would read a few pages. Any even though he could read fine he just didn’t have the interest, and definitely no interest to just pick up a book and read it on his own. His school required 20 minutes of reading every day with a reading log and he would do the 20 minutes, but never anything beyond that.
Choosing books that really piqued his interest helped us to reach each milestone. The first time we read Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt
Best Beginner Chapter Books for Boys Ages 6-10
- Stink Moody Series
by Megan McDonald
- The Magic School Bus Chapter Books
by Eva Moore - Magic Tree House Series
by Mary Pope Osborne
- Ballpark Mysteries Series
by David A. Kelly and Mark Meyers - Flat Stanley
by Jeff Brown
- Hank Zipzer series
by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
- Ghost Buddy series
by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
- The BFG and other books by Roald Dahl
- Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle series
by Beth MacDonald
Every kid reads at a different level. These are great first chapter books. My son is ready for a higher level right now but he really enjoys the accomplishment of being able to finish an entire chapter book in a day or two. Series such as Flat Stanley and Magic School Bus are definitely more of a beginner chapter book. And all of these books are great for girls too!
Best Books for Tween and Young Teen Boys
Is your son ready for more advanced books (ages 10-14)? Here are a few he loved once he was ready for more