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Original poster

Books for a seven year old boy to read to himself?

33 replies

Tunt · 06/05/2019 10:18

He’s done some Roald Dahls, some Walliams but not a massive fan. Has read the first four Harry Potters but has abandoned the fifth as the language got challenging. Currently loving the horrible histories box set. He’s just read and loved Charlie Changes into a Chicken. Has also read Birthday Boy recently which he didn’t love.

I feel like I don’t really know what’s “out there” for kids nowadays and I only know about the bestsellers. Has anyone got any good receommendations? I’ve seen a recent similar thread but that seems to be or parents to read to kids so perhaps slightly different.

TIA

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Original poster
Tunt · 11/05/2019 12:53

@escapade1234 don’t ask. I can’t even bear to think about it, the bastards (disclaimer: nothing actually traumatic happened to me at the library)

So the first treehouse book arrived yesterday, he settled down with it at 1900 and finished it at 1958. He really enjoyed it and has asked for the next one but blimey it’s like trying to feed a lion with meatballs. I have also got a Redwall (LOVED these as children, and Duncton Wood although that was a bit sexy as I recall), a Mr Gum, the first Hamlisch and a Wimpy Kid on the way.

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Hiddeninplainsight · 10/05/2019 09:39

I second the Hamish books suggestion (by Danny Wallace). My son LOVES those. I love the humour, there is an irreverent subversiveness that clearly goes over the kids heads, but I love it! SO much better than Captain Underpants (and more challenging).

escapade1234 · 08/05/2019 10:45

How did the library upset you? How are you punishing them by not borrowing the books?

Leeds2 · 07/05/2019 18:48

Jolley Rogers series.

Jiggy McCue series.
Humphrey the Hamster series.
Jeremy Strong books.

MaidenMotherCrone · 07/05/2019 05:25

The Redwall series by Brian Jaques. DS loved these so much they are still on his bookshelf at home and he's now 20.

Brace yourself though...... there are a lot of them. They are animal fantasy.

PomBearWithAnOFRS · 07/05/2019 04:10

If he likes animals, the "Adventure" series by Willard Price is fab.
They are a bit dated, but all the animal facts are correct so he will learn without even noticing Grin and they are easy to read and very exciting for youngsters.
Amazon Adventure is the first, and there are 13 in all iirc.

StitchesInTime · 06/05/2019 21:11

The Book People currently have the 13 Storey Treehouse collection (8 books) on offer for £11.99 if you’re thinking of buying rather than borrowing books.

gassylady · 06/05/2019 19:15

If he liked horrible histories then what about the horrible science ones too. The “my hamster is .....” series is also good. More complex language but the “How to train your dragon” series are excellent much better than the mangled TV and film versionAngry

gassylady · 06/05/2019 19:10

Dinosaur cove books not too long language simpler than HP, sweet stories and far less repetitive than Beast Quest.
Astrosaurs and astrosaur academy also good- space going dinosaurs with craft powered by poo! What’s not to like Grin

BareBelliedSneetch · 06/05/2019 19:10

Mr Gum
Astrosaurs
Dinosaur cove
Magic treehouse
13-storey treehouse
Spy dogs/spy cats/spy pups
The beastquest Avantia books
Bear Grylls Adventure books
Dick king smith

Handofglory · 06/05/2019 19:06

Mine likes mr gum
He managed quite well with narnia which surprised me as he’s not the most fluent reader yet.
He also loves listening to an audio book and reading along with the paperback

Invisimamma · 06/05/2019 19:00

My son has also loved...

Magic Misfits - Neil Patrick Harris
Wizards if Once - Cressida Cowbell
Danger is everywhere series

bookmum08 · 06/05/2019 18:16

Really curious what the library did to you!!
If he likes history (as he read Horrible Histories) he might enjoy the Hetty Feather series by Jacqueline Wilson.

Nottheduchess · 06/05/2019 18:11

My DS7 has just started reading for fun by himself. He is currently on book 4 of the treehouse series (52 story tree house???)

Nifflerbowtruckle · 06/05/2019 18:07

I'd look at some of the Michael morpurgo and Malorie Blackman books for that age group they are pretty good.

Original poster
Tunt · 06/05/2019 18:06

Unfortunately the library have really upset me and I am boycotting it (they know nothing about it obviously) otherwise I just wouldn’t be having this problem.

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escapade1234 · 06/05/2019 17:32

Mr Majeika is a great box set for a 7 year old. They like books set in schools with mad teachers I find.

I hated Beast Quest. Luckily it was very short lived for us.

TheSmallAssassin · 06/05/2019 17:30

Secret Seven was very popular in our house, as were Astrosaurs. Ask at the library? We found it really easy to order in the next book in a series if it wasn't on the shelf and you haven't lost anything if he doesn't like it.

Original poster
Tunt · 06/05/2019 17:23

Great thanks, lots to look at. We’ve done Beast quest thank goodness, that was a dire period. Has read and loved all of captain underpants too. I think I will give the treehouse books a go next

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Usuallyinthemiddle · 06/05/2019 12:10

Iguana Boy
Pamela Butchart books
Treehouse books
Bizarrely, a Secret 7 this week!

Chewbecca · 06/05/2019 12:07

Beast Quest were so dull to me but they really spurred my DS into reading independently around that age so I would recommend.

Weepingwillows12 · 06/05/2019 11:50

Also 'the bad guys' by Aaron Blabey. It's got some pictures so not as advanced as Harry Potter but it's funny.

FurForksSake · 06/05/2019 10:39

Go into Waterstones and have a look, honestly I had no idea of all the brilliant chapter books for my just turned 6 year old (he's about to become a free reader at school, whatever that means!) until I did. We then buy the odd book from Waterstones but mainly go and borrow from the library as he is fairly prolific and luckily they have a good selection but not so well presented.

jackparlabane · 06/05/2019 10:36

Stick Dog, Asterix, The day the world went Loki, Tom Gates.

Narnia is much harder to read than Harry Potter - my 10yo can't get into it yet. So much to explain about evacuees and rationing first.