My 8-year-old son is a reluctant reader, and he tends to stick with things he has already read and knows he likes. So I'm looking for similar books to introduce him to, particularly chapter books since he currently reads graphic novels almost exclusively (but new graphic novel suggestions are also welcome).
He likes Dog Man, Pizza and Taco, Catstronauts, the Warriors graphic novels, The First Cat in Space ate Pizza, Last Kids on Earth, Garfield, and Narwhal and Jelly. His teacher read Because of Winn Dixie to the class, and he loved that one. He likes the Magic Tree House books, but only when I read them to him. So I guess he likes books with humor, animals (especially cats), and adventure. He is also obsessed with video games and anything Mario.
by Merry-Pulsar-1734
5 Comments
The Bunnicula series by James Howe. It’s about a vampire bunny that sucks the juice out of vegetables. Also includes a cat and a dog.
Mercy Watson! It’s a great transition series for those a little reluctant to move to chapter books. So many giggles with that one! Also Roald Dahl books, although I’d let them build stamina within the Magic Tree House series first. I’d encourage loads of read-aloud time to him too, to continue to grow his love of stories. The mechanics of reading chapter books will come with time, but you’ll end up with a reader if he falls in love with stories.
Also- if he likes picture books and will read those, there are endless options there that are far richer in language than many chapter books, so don’t discount those if the pictures keep him hooked!
So you mentioned the Warriors graphic novels. I’m guessing these are the adaptions of the novels. And I’m guessing that, like the Wings of Fire graphic novel adaptions, they leave things out. (Add Wings of Fire to his list.) Adaptions have to trim down. Which means you could try encouraging him to read the regular novel to find the differences. If that helps, I found [this list](https://sfpl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/381551987/1510681019?page=2) of graphic novel/novel pairs. He’s not ready for all of them yet, but it’s a place to start.
I’d also suggest Geronimo Stilton books. They have a lot of illustrations, not only pictures, but illustrations in the text, using fancy fonts and colors to get the feeling of the words. They are nice transition books. And they are animals!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. They are so kid friendly and not difficult reads.
estrangled ( + the changeling) by ethan m aldridge is a cool graphic novel i like
it’s aimed towards late elementary and early middle school readers, i think the comic is a really intricate fantasy adventure
the hilo series by judd winick (really easy to read graphic novel)
a robot boy who landed on earth, i think it’s comedy adventure ( + a little dystopia)
the time museum by matthew luox (another graphic novel)
time-traveling adventures to save the time museum from a villain