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Children's books

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Original poster

Books for year 9 boy who has never read a book

36 replies

geogteach · 09/02/2011 16:42

I am working with a boy at the moment who admitted today he has never read a whole book. We are talking about using language for effect and his lack of vocabulary is a big sticking point. He agreed today he might give reading a try but i don't know what to recomend, his functional reading ability is fine, don't want anything too long but need some suggestions. He is able but behind, fairly streetwise and into football. Has anyone got any recomendations?

OP posts:
Katisha · 09/02/2011 20:04

ALex Rider books by Anthony Horowitz.

earwicga · 09/02/2011 20:03

Does it need to be a fiction book?

coastgirl · 09/02/2011 20:01

Holes is brilliant, and there's a good film that goes with it. I love the fact that the language used is simple, but incredibly effective, and it's a rewarding read.

earwicga · 09/02/2011 20:00

Roald Dahl.

A book of a film that he has seen. Gives him a sense of familiarity from the start.

Something short.

FerociousBeast · 09/02/2011 19:56

Holes by louis Sachar

jollyma · 09/02/2011 19:34

Jeremy strong? Possibly a bit young but quite readable. The hundred mile an hour dog is ok.

Alternatively one of those choose your own destiny books. As a start they might be a good choice because you dont actually have to read every page to 'finish'.

Original poster
geogteach · 09/02/2011 19:26

Thanks for these.
No, he is no angel!
Football autobiography was my idea but the only book he has attempted recently was one of these and he didn't get far.
Interesting about David Walliams as my (younger) son has read and enjoyed these but was worried if that was the case they may be too 'young'.
I will use you suggestions and see where we get, thanks

OP posts:
frankie3 · 09/02/2011 17:15

My DS has dyslexia and the only books he has ever read all the way thorugh are those by David Walliams - Billonaire boy, Mr Stink and Boy in a dress.

stleger · 09/02/2011 17:11

An 'autobiography' of a footballer - most are ghostwritten so the language is more journalist than soccerstar Wink. My own ds shocked us by reading the entire works of Ian Fleming when he was 15/16, the only fiction he has ever read. (He reads popular economics now).

marriednotdead · 09/02/2011 17:01

Not sure whether he's a little angel or not but DSS (who isn't!) recently read this.

Having never completed any book before either, we were delighted when he couldn't put this down.

ChickensHaveNoEyebrows · 09/02/2011 16:46

Year 9 is what...14? How about Stephen King? I started reading his books at about that age. He has some short story collections which are really good. Fast paced so likely to keep his attention?