📚 Summer Fun Reads for Boys
Some boys love books from the start—but others need a little extra help finding a story that grabs their attention and keeps them turning the pages. If you’re looking for Summer reads for a hesitant reader, the best solution is often fun first. Graphic novels, silly characters, short chapters, and tons of visual appeal can turn “I hate reading” into “Just one more chapter!”
Here’s a fresh, fun list of books that are perfect for boys in to keep the independent Reading Fun or Read Aloud fun going this Summer!
 |
| Dogman 10 Bookset |
🐶 Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey
Packed with comics, action, and ridiculous humor, Dog Man is the superhero dog kids didn’t know they needed. The comic-book format, short chapters, and wild stories make it especially appealing for kids who don’t usually like to sit still with a book.
Great for: Fans of dogs, pranks, and drawing comics.
📓 The Clubhouse Mysteries by Sharon M. Draper
Four boys beat the Summer boredom by forming a detective club. A great mix of mystery and friendship featuring Black boy joy!
Great for: Kids who like mystery/detective books and books about community life, kids club/friendships in general.
🦹♂️ The Bad Guys series by Aaron Blabey
Funny, fast-paced, and full of sarcastic animal characters, this graphic novel series follows a group of “bad guys” trying to do good—with hilarious results. Lots of pictures and short bursts of text make it ideal for readers who get overwhelmed by long paragraphs.
Great for: Kids who like action, goofy villains, or silly animal stories.
🕵️♂️ InvestiGators series by John Patrick Green
Alligators in detective suits? Yes, please! This graphic novel series is full of puns, slapstick humor, spy gadgets, and cartoon fun. It’s a top pick for reluctant readers because it feels like a comic book with a side of adventure.
Great for: Kids who love mysteries, puns, and laugh-out-loud action.
🕶️ Agents of S.U.I.T. (InvestiGators Spinoff) by John Patrick Green
Set in the same world as InvestiGators, this spin-off brings more spy gadgets, strange creatures, and ridiculous jokes. It’s a great next step for readers who love the original and want more of that zany energy.
Great for: Kids who can’t get enough of secret agents, animals, and graphic novels.
🧱 LEGO Ninjago Readers & Graphic Novels
Ninjas, battles, and epic storylines—what more could a kid ask for? With so many formats available (early readers, chapter books, and full graphic novels), Ninjago is a go-to for Lego fans who want action-packed stories they can jump right into.
Great for: Lego builders and ninja wannabes.
🦕 Magic Tree House: The Graphic Novels by Mary Pope Osborne & Jenny Laird
Classic time-travel adventures get a graphic novel upgrade in this exciting retelling of the original Magic Tree House series. The visuals help hesitant readers understand what’s happening and stay engaged with each new magical destination.
Great for: Kids who love adventure, history, and mysteries.
🍕 Pizza and Taco series by Stephen Shaskan
This silly friendship series stars a slice of pizza and a taco with very different personalities. The simple dialogue, colorful illustrations, and goofy humor make it great for boys who are still easing into longer books.
Great for: Kids who like food jokes and laugh-out-loud fun.
🐳 Narwhal and Jelly series by Ben Clanton
With adorable underwater characters, light humor, and a comic-style layout, this series is a gentle introduction to graphic novels. The stories are short and sweet, perfect for early readers who want to feel successful while reading something fun.
Great for: Kids who enjoy friendship stories, sea animals, and silly puns.
🐷 Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo
This early chapter book series features a toast-loving pig who always gets into trouble. With short chapters, bright illustrations, and gentle humor, it’s perfect for transitioning readers. The stories are funny enough to keep kids engaged and short enough to avoid frustration.
Great for: Animal lovers and kids who enjoy quirky, feel-good stories.
🦴 Press Start! series by Thomas Flintham
This video-game-inspired series follows a pixelated hero named Super Rabbit Boy on wild adventures. Bold colors, simple text, and action-packed stories make it feel like playing a video game—and that’s a win for hesitant readers.
Great for: Video game fans and early chapter book readers.
🐭 Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novels
Graphic novel | Adventure + mystery
Famous journalist mouse with global travels and vivid illustrations.
Great for: Kids intetested in travel journalism and mysteries.
🧠 Zeus the Mighty by Crispin Boyer
Illustrated chapter book | Greek mythology + guinea pigs
Hilarious, animal-based take on world myths—with accessible history.
Great for: kids interested in Pet life and Greek Mythology.
Comic book strip | Graphic novel hybrid
Big Nate is hilarious, relatable, and packed with bold illustrations and comic panels. Kids love the school mischief, sarcastic humor, and “just edgy enough” vibe. It’s perfect for kids who are ready to transition into longer stories but still want the visual support and fast pacing of a comic-style book.
Great for: kids interested in Comics/ graphic novels
📘 Bonus Nonfiction Pick: Weird But True! Series by National Geographic Kids
Why it works:
Short text? ✅ Crazy facts? ✅ Bright photos and bold colors? ✅
This bestselling nonfiction series offers bite-sized chunks of jaw-dropping facts that kids love to read aloud and repeat. It doesn’t require sustained reading of long chapters, so it’s perfect for reluctant or fidgety readers. It’s also highly accessible for kids at different reading levels—and best of all, it doesn’t feel like reading.
Great for:
- Boys who love gross-out facts, the Guinness Book of Records, or Ripley’s Believe It or Not
- Curious kids who enjoy trivia
- Readers who “don’t like stories” but want something exciting and visual
📚 Here are some fun versions in the series:
- Weird But True! 1–10 (core books)
- Weird But True! Gross
- Weird But True! Sports
- Weird But True! Canada
- Weird But True! Animals
- Weird But True! Jobs
 |
| Weird But True Book Set |
🧠 Tips for Encouraging Reading This Summer
Let them choose the books. Kids are more likely to read what they’re excited about.
Mix in audiobooks. Let them follow along in the book while listening.
Read aloud together. Take turns reading pages or funny voices—it becomes a fun bonding moment.
Create a reading reward chart or join a Summer reading challenge at your library/book store etc. Celebrate progress in a fun way!
Take Away
No matter where your child starts, the right story can turn things around. This summer, fill your home, backpack, or beach bag with stories that spark laughter, curiosity, and joy. Who knows—your hesitant reader might just become your most enthusiastic one.
📚 Happy summer reading!
Comments
Post a Comment