Kids

Books for Boys: Recommended Reads For Kids, Tweens, and Teens

by Kevyn Gohu
November 22, 2024

Here are some books that our boys might be more than happy to read!

One of the most frustrating things for any boy mom or dad is trying to encourage the boys to read when they get older. Sure, there are baby books and educational ones. But there are not many fictional stories on the shelf where the main characters are young boys save for the usual Percy Jackson, Eragon, Artemis Fowl, and Harry Potter which can be frustrating for some of us. So, we dug around a little bit and found some books that our boys may like.

1. The Summoner series by Taran Matharu

If our boys are into magic, dragons, and battle, look no further than The Summoner series by Taran Matharu! The story begins with a young boy named Fletcher who is originally just a blacksmith’s apprentice until he finds out he can summon “demons” or creatures from another world. After a series of mishaps, he’s enrolled in a school where he learns more about his ability to commune with his familiar and his past.

What we love about the book is that there’s not too much romance but the political intrigue is enough to keep people reading. The only issue is that it can’t stand alone as a single book and we need to get all the books to fully appreciate it.

2. Star Wars Legends

While most Star Wars fans are disappointed by the cinematic execution and plot, the light novels still offer a rich story-telling that got them into the franchise in the first place. These books don’t focus on the Skywalkers but instead, focus on the other characters to unveil the different mysteries in the galaxy far, far away. Some of them even come in comic book form and will better explain why the movies played out the way they did. Some of the more recommended ones include the Thrawn Trilogy and Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Unfortunately, the risk we, as parents take, is if we get the boys into reading the Star Wars Legends then they may be disappointed in the movies.

3. Arthas: Rise of the Lich King by Christie Golden

What makes this book good is that the main character is a tragic hero, akin to the classic Shakespearean Macbeth. Prince Arthas, the main character in the book, seeks nothing but the protection of his kingdom only to find himself goaded into relying on dark forces by the dark mage, Kel’Thuzad. He eventually finds the sword, Frostmourne, which fractures his soul and transforms him into the infamous Lich King of the World of Warcraft world.

4. Windwitch by Susan Dennard

Although part of a series, Susan Dennard’s Windwitch can be read as a stand-alone. The story starts with Prince Merik who is allegedly betrayed by his sister. However, he ends up working alongside a disfigured god named Fury and discovers that not everything is as it seems. The book’s plot focuses on sibling relationships which is something that can help us teach our boys to navigate their relationships with their sisters.

5. Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

Known for his storytelling, Neil Gaiman will always have a book or two on a recommended list. In this case, we’d recommend Anansi Boys which is based on the old mythological tale, Sky Stories. Trickster god Anansi, after claiming the Sky Stories and thus renaming them into the Spider Stories, reincarnates into a mortal man named Mr. Nancy who leaves behind his twin sons who find each other after being separated.

It’s more of a slice-of-life story which may not appeal to tweens and teens who are still in their “angry phase” but will be a fun read for those who want life lessons.

6. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

While the book was made into a film, many of Ender’s Game readers will already warn that there are stark differences between the two media representations of the franchise.

Ender’s Game is a sci-fi book wherein Earth finds itself in a war and recruits young children to fight for them but, not in the way we think. The kids join the war as tacticians and are enrolled in a place called “Battle School.” The story starts with Andrew “Ender” Wiggin, the younger brother of two promising individuals — his sociopathic older brother Peter who was talented as a fighter but not a commander, and his deeply empathetic sister, Valentine, who becomes an essayist.

But what we love about the book is the twists and turns it takes, revealing that not all wars are as simple as black and white.

7. The Powder Mage Trilogy by Brian McClellan

If the boys are into their revolution phase or looking for something a little less fantastic then, The Powder Mage Trilogy may be more their fancy. Written by Brian McClellan, the Napoleonic-based novel marries both magic and reality which is something they might appreciate considering video games like Ghost of Tsushima, Bloodborne, Dark Souls, and Assassin’s Creed have become more realistic in their approach to magic.

Getting our boys to read books isn’t easy!

We know it can be hard to get older boys to read because there aren’t many stories that they can relate to. Most of the books usually come from a young girl’s perspective which can be frustrating for some moms who want their boys to be more well-read and learned. While we want our kids to read up the classics, it’s not easy to enjoy those literary pieces right away.

So, if we’re looking for a gift for our boys that will help them become more well-read, some of these books may do. Don’t worry, we’re still searching for more!