Let's take a moment to appreciate all children who've been wrongly called 'reluctant readers'. Many label reluctant readers as 'hard to engage' or simply 'not interested in books', preferring other forms of media and entertainment over visiting the library. But we truly believe there's a book for every reader.
We've already shared some tried and tested ideas to win over those reluctant readers and we've seen first hand that children who prefer books with illustrations are often, mistakenly, called a 'reluctant reader' so make sure you also check out our graphic novels for kids. But we also know just how important it is to keep introducing new books to children and to NOT GIVE UP, so we've put together a list below for children ages 7+ with the most relatable, insightful, enticing, captivating, adventurous and knee-slappingly, stomach-cramp-inducing funny books that will engage even the most reluctant reader...
Prepare to fall in love with books and never look back...
Georgina Atwell
Toppsta
2024-05-01
2024-04-29
The Best Books for Reluctant Readers
What it was like to be an Ancient Maya
Embark on a captivating exploration into the rise and fall of the rich and colourful Maya civilisation with Blue Peter Award-winning author David Long.
Largely forgotten for centuries, the ancient Maya were incredible. Their cities across Central and South America featured astonishing pyramids and palaces, while they were also successful farmers and highly creative artists. The Maya were the first people in the Americas to learn how to read and write, and they invented things like rubber, chocolate and chewing gum. They had a deep understanding of astronomy, mathematics and timekeeping, though they also had some horrible, bloodthirsty traditions such as making human sacrifices. Find out what life as an Ancient Maya was actually like while also investigating why this mysterious civilisation was close to dying out when the region was conquered by Spanish conquistadors in the sixteenth century.
Tia and her mum start an adventurous new life on Gull Haven Island, finding lots of animals who need their help along the way.
Tia’s mum has a new job as the vet on Gull Haven Island and there are a lot of animals who need her help.
When she’s called away to help a sickly cow on a nearby island and gets trapped there in a storm, Tia has to step up and care for the animals staying in the surgery. It’s a big responsibility and then she has to deal with a mysterious creature that washes up on the shore after the storm.
Their new life on the Haven Islands is clearly going to be full of adventures!
The second PHENOMENALLY FUNNY fantasy adventure from YouTube sensation and TV presenter Adam B is perfect for fans of David Baddiel and Ben Miller!
Thirteen-year-old Adam has made a lot of mistakes in his life, but this has to be the BIGGEST. Thanks to a MASSIVE fight with his little brother Callum, the mysterious and magical computer algorithm Popularis Incrementum has exploded – and accidentally transported them to a completely different dimension where Adam and Callum were never born and the internet doesn't exist! Will the brothers survive in this strange Altiverse where everything is THE SAME but DIFFERENT? Can they stop an EVIL VILLAIN from sabotaging their dad’s world-changing technology when in this universe their dad doesn't even know who they are? And, most importantly of all: WILL THEY EVER FIND A WAY BACK HOME?
Tired of FREAKING OUT about climate change? Want to stop being an eco-WORRIER and start being an eco-WARRIOR? And do you absolutely, positively LOVE laughing? Then this hands-on and hilarious guide to saving the world is for YOU!
Written by award-winning author James Campbell – who lives off-grid and owns a compost loo – find out how cow farts are wrecking the world, what a fossil fuel even is and why 'earthships' (and not spaceships) are the future! This book will help you understand what climate change is and how on Earth we can stop it TOGETHER!
A hilarious and light-hearted look at the problems facing planet Earth, perfect for educating and comforting children who are worried about climate change.
The books in this series are a brilliant look into the real lives of children, from school to friends and family challenges, but are also written with so much humour that readers won't be able to put them down!
Life isn't easy for Daniel Littleton – Mum's poorly, Dad's always working and his twin sisters drive him up the wall! At school he's the only kid without the latest trainers or Xbox and his mates are starting to notice. Things look up when he gets a starring role in the school play – though if his football-mad mates find out, they'll make his life a misery!
But leading a double life is tricky and, before long, Daniel's lies start spinning out of control...
A delightfully dreadful collection of the most gruesome grown-ups – from the phenomenally bestselling David Walliams and artistic genius Tony Ross
Think your teachers are bad? Wait until you meet this lot. These ten tales of the world’s most splendidly sinister teachers will have you running for the school gates. Dr Dread teaches science and is half man, half monster! And watch out for the always furious Miss Seethe – she’s on a detention rampage!
From number one bestselling author David Walliams come ten delightfully dreadful tales, illustrated throughout by artistic genius Tony Ross.
Fitter, Healthier, Happier!: Your Guide to a Healthy Body and Mind
Learn all about your body and mind in this fully illustrated and dynamic fact-filled children’s book from #1 bestselling author and global fitness phenomenon Joe Wicks!
From Joe Wicks – fitness phenomenon and tireless advocate for the power of strong physical and mental health – comes a breakthrough book to get young readers moving and feeling good. This inspiring and motivating book is an accessible look at the key ingredients to a healthy, happy body: exercise, nutrition, sleep and a healthy mind.
This is an informative and fun journey through your body and mind, with plenty of inspiring ideas and activities, and brought to life with amazing black-and-white illustrations by Kate Sutton.
Hilarious school-based comedy for 7+ with black and white illustrations throughout. A modern day Just William, perfect for fans of Pamela Butchart, Wimpy Kid and Bunny Vs Monkey!
In order to boost sales for Lenny's grandmother's ice-cream shop, Lenny persuades Sam to dress as an alien to attract attention to it. Soon there are sightings of aliens all over town and it becomes the subject of intense media scrutiny. The journalists and tourists and alien watchers all buy ice creams and business booms. So Lenny tells Sam he can take his costume off now and Sam points out he's no longer wearing it. What?! Who is–? OMG!
For 5+ kids who love video games but aren't allowed to play as often as they'd like...
Sunny's favourite game is Super Rabbit Boy, where his carrot-loving friend must thwart all the plots the evil King Viking of Boom Boom Mountain comes up with. But now King Viking has a new GIANT ROBOT that's more powerful than Super Rabbit Boy. How can Super Rabbit Boy win? Can Super Rabbit Boy complete this SUPER MEGA QUEST? Sunny's ready to PRESS START and find out!
The sixth in a full-colour series of graphic novels about - and for - kids who love gaming!
Dork Diaries: I Love Paris!: Jokes, drama and BFFs in the global hit series
Welcome to Nikki Maxwell's aDORKable world and Nikki’s BRAND NEW ADVENTURE in the mega-selling Dork Diaries series – now with over 50 million copies in print worldwide!
Oh la la! Nikki and her band are invited to Paris for a super cool photoshoot – it’s a dream come true! Nikki can’t wait to learn new art styles, practice her French and explore the most romantic city in the world with her crush Brandon. But when MacKenzie starts to stir trouble and invites old friend André to be their tour guide, the drama starts. Can Nikki still enjoy her dream vacay, or will it become a dorky disaster?
With a HUGE global fanbase, Dork Diaries is the perfect series for fans of Lottie Brooks, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Tom Gates.
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