Reluctant readers are a group of books authors write to snare Middle School children’s interest. This type of children's literature is for children between eight and twelve-years-old who avoid reading like the plague. Reading to them is a school activity, not something done for pleasure. Learning reading is fun is an important lesson.

Reluctant readers are for the young adult/teen. Subject matter ranges from mystery to adventure to sports. They include online material, graphic novels and comic books. Chose any type of literature to capture the reluctant reader’s interest.

Parents and teachers search for these reluctant readers because they know reading is an important part of life. They want children to enjoy reading. This is the mission of the authors. Plenty of talk, suspense and adventure to engross the readers. Reluctant readers do not want to put the books down. Many authors pen a series. This is because readers read the entire series by their favorite author. Remember the popularity of the Harry Potter books and Lemony Snickets’ A Series of Unfortunate Events. Children rushed to bookstores for the latest copy.

Mystery series, Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Trixie Belden and Encyclopedia Brown, are favorites for generations. Max Elliot Anderson pens an adventure and suspense series for a new generation. Gloria Skurzynski and Alane Ferguson writes a National Parks series. Reluctant readers will visit every U. S. National Park before ending their series. Young Cam Jansen, Junie B. Jones, Judy Moody and the Blast to the Past series are for younger children between four and eight-years-old.

Books, magazines and other reading material are available for reluctant readers. Tie-in books to recent movies are in book stores. The Chronicles of Narnia is available for those who like the movies. Spider Man, Batman, Iron Man and other comic books interest those who love the action movies. Children’s cartoons such as Arthur, Curious George, Care Bears, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Maisy are based on children books. Also, don’t forget the perennial favorites by Dr. Seuss. Try the books with the appropriate age group. Just remember parents and educators to never stop trying.





Reluctant Readers Books Selection

Dr. Seuss Picture Books
Don Freeman's Picture Books
Stan Berenstain's Picture Books
Magic Tree House Early Chapter Books
Chronicles of Narnia Juvenile Fiction Books
A Series of Unfortunate Events Books

Note: Review copies are from Max Elliot Anderson, the public library and my private library.