Hello and Happy New Year!
I'm looking for insight for what I call "in-between books" for boys. Here's my story . . . my son is 12 (13 in early March) and not what I would call a particularly strong reader for his age. By this I mean that the books that interest him (action, a bit of violence, typically older style, historical, not fantasy) are just a bit above his comfort level and so he's shy to tackle them. For example, I borrowed G.A. Henty's Redskin and Cowboys for him because he is interested in the development of the West, but he said it was too hard. However, he is really enjoying listening to me read it to him. While I know I need to challenge his reading level, Henty's volumes are thick and the type is small, so I completely understand his hesitation. I have found Mary's wonderful book list on an older thread and Martin's list, and lots of other book references, but some authours/titles I don't recognize and I sometimes end up down a rabbit hole that doesn't produce a good result for my son.
So, I'm wondering if anyone has specifics for a boy looking for adventure stories that suit his age, but which are at a simpler level than Henty, but not as young as say Bulla's wonderful books. My son doesn't have any trouble with his school books, although he is still in grade 5 material. I could just give him the upcoming MP literature texts, but he'll be reading those anyway and I want to help him realize that there are books out there that he will interest him and that he can read on his own. His 11-year-old brother has always been a natural reader and enjoys the adventure series like Famous Five. But my almost 13-year-old is looking for more action. I don't think he would like the Percy Jackson books, and I would prefer older books where the manners and sensibilities are more clearly Christian, even when the people are shown in their sinfulness.
Any thoughts you could send my way will be greatly appreciated!
Monica
I'm looking for insight for what I call "in-between books" for boys. Here's my story . . . my son is 12 (13 in early March) and not what I would call a particularly strong reader for his age. By this I mean that the books that interest him (action, a bit of violence, typically older style, historical, not fantasy) are just a bit above his comfort level and so he's shy to tackle them. For example, I borrowed G.A. Henty's Redskin and Cowboys for him because he is interested in the development of the West, but he said it was too hard. However, he is really enjoying listening to me read it to him. While I know I need to challenge his reading level, Henty's volumes are thick and the type is small, so I completely understand his hesitation. I have found Mary's wonderful book list on an older thread and Martin's list, and lots of other book references, but some authours/titles I don't recognize and I sometimes end up down a rabbit hole that doesn't produce a good result for my son.
So, I'm wondering if anyone has specifics for a boy looking for adventure stories that suit his age, but which are at a simpler level than Henty, but not as young as say Bulla's wonderful books. My son doesn't have any trouble with his school books, although he is still in grade 5 material. I could just give him the upcoming MP literature texts, but he'll be reading those anyway and I want to help him realize that there are books out there that he will interest him and that he can read on his own. His 11-year-old brother has always been a natural reader and enjoys the adventure series like Famous Five. But my almost 13-year-old is looking for more action. I don't think he would like the Percy Jackson books, and I would prefer older books where the manners and sensibilities are more clearly Christian, even when the people are shown in their sinfulness.
Any thoughts you could send my way will be greatly appreciated!
Monica
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