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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:
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?

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.

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).

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.

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:
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'.

FerociousBeast · 09/02/2011 19:56

Holes by louis Sachar

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.

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 20:03

Does it need to be a fiction book?

Katisha · 09/02/2011 20:04

ALex Rider books by Anthony Horowitz.

FerociousBeast · 09/02/2011 20:05

Also Hoot by Carl Hiaasen similar to Holes in some ways.

FerociousBeast · 09/02/2011 20:07

Maniac Magee Jerry Spinelli

mathanxiety · 14/02/2011 18:02

'Love That Dog' by Sharon Creech might be right up your alley. The central character/ narrator is a boy whose teacher is pushing him to appreciate poetry and to express himself more. The story is very moving. Simple, spare language and a powerful wallop. The language picks you up and carries you along with its rhythm. There's also 'Hate that Cat' by the same author with the same sort of theme.

'The Tale of Despereaux' by Kate di Camillo was the first book my DD3 ever read at age 9, after learning basic decoding at age 5. She hasn't been without a book since.

Greeninkmama · 14/02/2011 19:54

Try Diary of a Wimpy Kid - my DSS loved this series. There are shortish chunks of text plus little drawings - makes it less intimidating to read.

5Foot5 · 15/02/2011 20:01

What about the Cherub books by Robert Muchamore

YodaisaCat · 15/02/2011 20:46

The Mr Gum books by Andy Stanton are hilarious and all ages love them, although they do look quite young with crazy covers and lots of inside illustrations. But that makes them friendly too. I should say that I work for the publishers, but I would recommend them anyway as they are genuinely funny and boys do love them. Good luck!

Ponders · 15/02/2011 20:51

he might enjoy a \link{http://www.amazon.co.uk/Match-Annual-2011-Bestselling-Football/dp/0752227424\football annual} - it's not a whole book to wade through, lots of different stuff & not too tough to begin with?

scroll down & there are lots of other suitable annuals to try

serin · 19/02/2011 19:23

Private peaceful.

Short and thought provoking.

SerendipityAlways · 21/02/2011 12:30

My 8 year old loves the "How to teach your dragon..." series of books by Cressida Cowell. Partly illustrated but still "big boys" book, ideal for the reluctant reader!

madamehooch · 22/02/2011 07:48

Would second Robert Muchamore. Very readable, full of action and dialogue, relevant for his age group and a series, so if he likes the first one 'The Recruit' then there are lots more to read.

cory · 22/02/2011 08:34

Note to some of the posters: this is a Year 9 boy, not a 9yo boy. So about 14 years old.

notrightnow · 22/02/2011 08:56

Would agree about Robert Muchamore.

How about The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime?

My son has really enjoyed that series of three that begins with The Knife of Never Letting Go - science fictiony without being nerdy, good strong story.

There is a great book which our librarian recommended called The Ultimate Teen Reading Guide which you and he might find useful.

SeeJaneKick · 25/02/2011 01:13

What about Kes? Maybe dated to him but it's brilliant...and The Outsidersby S E Hinton...very well written and great for young males. (and young women! I lived that a 14.

SeeJaneKick · 25/02/2011 01:14

Doh...The Outsiders by S E Hinton.

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