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Original poster

Books for a very reluctant 13 year old?

34 replies

PipersDream · 27/09/2023 10:40

DS dislikes reading. He skims over either comic books or reference books, randomly reading passages which he thinks looks interesting. I'd like to get him a couple of books to put on the kindle app on his phone so he has something to look at on long train journeys. Any suggestions for something not too complicated that might hold his attention?

OP posts:
Needmorelego · 27/09/2023 12:18

What's wrong with reference books? If that's what he likes download some non fiction.
Also if he likes comic books - buy some actual paper copy comic books - he can take those on a train.

Original poster
PipersDream · 27/09/2023 12:10

@CurlewKate I don't want to apply pressure. More that after 5 hours on a train with him the other day I want to be able to say "Well, read your book if you're bored!" Like a back up option to stop my brain exploding at having to listen to him the whole way!

He likes audio books, but won't wear headphones unfortunately.

OP posts:
Singleandproud · 27/09/2023 12:05

Skullduggery is popular with that age range.
Audiobooks may be more of a winner if he is dyslexic in which case try the Libby app if your local library runs it.

If not, short stories, Roald Daul ghost stories are often a hit as they are a bit gruesome.

CurlewKate · 27/09/2023 12:00

You could try Jon Ronson. Works for a lot of reluctant boy readers.

CurlewKate · 27/09/2023 11:59

And it's completely counter intuitive and will break your heart if you're a reader-but don't apply any pressure. Not everyone likes reading! My ds stopped reading fiction at about 14 and didn't start again til he was about 20!

Original poster
PipersDream · 27/09/2023 11:08

Do graphic novels work well on the kindle? We only have paper versions.

I want something suitable to try out the dyslexic font to see if he finds that easier to read.

@ThinkingAgainAndAgain no, he hasn't, will look. Thanks.

OP posts:
jolaylasofia · 27/09/2023 10:51

try something like one piece. korean and japanese manage sort of stuff. my kids both into them

ThinkingAgainAndAgain · 27/09/2023 10:49

What about starting him off with the first in a series? As then he might feel gripped and be willing to read the next one. Has he read Alex Rider or Skullduggery Pleasant?

TheMurderousGoose · 27/09/2023 10:46

Sounds like graphic novels might be his thing? They're a good halfway house for reluctant readers (as well as being an art from in their own right of course).

I don't know much about them tbh but I know The Guardian has a 'graphic novel of the month' feature

https://www.theguardian.com/books/series/graphic-novel-of-the-month

Graphic novel of the month | Books | The Guardian

Every month Rachel Cooke reviews graphic novels

https://www.theguardian.com/books/series/graphic-novel-of-the-month

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