9 simple ways to spark boys' love of reading
July 2025
Let’s be honest — boys often seem to read less than girls. But it’s not because they don’t enjoy a good story. Often, it’s simply about helping them discover the right stories, in a format that suits them.
If you’ve got a boy in your life who’s not exactly racing to pick up a book, you’re not alone. Here are some ideas that seem to make the biggest difference when you want to spark a boy’s love of reading:
1. Let them choose their own books
Boys are more likely to enjoy reading when they have control over what they read. Instead of forcing them to read school-set classics or what you think they should read, give them a range of options — graphic novels, action-packed thrillers, funny books, fact books, and sports stories. Choice equals power, and power makes reading cool.
👉 Tip: Start by letting them pick between two books you know they’ll like.
2. Use audiobooks and podcasts
Many boys love stories — they just don’t always love sitting still with a book. Audiobooks and podcasts are a brilliant way to introduce fiction and narrative while they’re building LEGO, gaming, or lying in bed. It counts as reading and builds vocabulary and storytelling skills.
👉 Suggestion: Try Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan on audiobook—it’s action-packed, funny, and a total hit with boys (ages: 10–15).
3. Stock books that match their interests
Not every boy wants to read about dragons and dystopian futures. Some want true crime, rugby memoirs, survival stories, or war adventures. The trick is to offer content that mirrors what already excites them.
👉 Example: If he’s obsessed with Minecraft, look for Minecraft adventure novels. If he loves the outdoors, try Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (ages: 14+).
4. Make it visual
Many boys are naturally drawn to visual storytelling. Graphic novels, illustrated chapter books, and comic-style adventures are the perfect way to bridge the gap between movies and books.
👉 Hot picks:
Dog Man by Dav Pilkey (ages: 7–12)
The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier (ages: 9–14)
Batman: Nightwalker (Graphic Novel) by Marie Lu (ages: 12–16)
5. Be a reading role model
If the men in a boy’s life don’t read, he won’t see reading as something “guys do”. Let him see you reading — whether it’s a thriller, fishing magazine, or crime novel. Talk about what you’re reading, swap recommendations, and celebrate bookish moments together.
👉 Fun idea: Start a father-son or uncle-nephew reading challenge.
6. Don’t judge their book choices
If a boy wants to read a rugby annual, a Guinness World Records book, or a Marvel comic — let him! Every book counts, and reading enjoyment builds reading confidence. The quickest way to kill a boy’s love for reading is by shaming his taste.
👉 Rule: If it gets him reading, it’s a good book.
7. Make reading social
Turn reading into a shared, fun activity instead of a solitary chore. Organise reading races, “book swaps,” or chat about favourite stories. Boys thrive on friendly competition and social interaction.
👉 Idea: Have a “read and recommend” night where everyone brings a book to pitch in under two minutes.
8. Link books to other media they love
Many boys who won’t touch a traditional novel will happily devour a book tied to a movie, game, or sport. Use this to your advantage.
👉 Examples:
The Hunger Games after watching the movie (ages: 13+)
Assassin’s Creed novels if he is a gamer (ages: 14+)
Alex Rider after the TV series (ages: 11–15)
9. Stock books younger boys will actually want to read
One of the best ways to get boys reading from a young age is to give them books they can’t wait to get stuck into. Younger boys often prefer stories that are fast-paced, funny, visual, or packed with action and adventure.
👉 Popular with younger boys:
Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey (hilarious and cartoon-style; ages: 7–12)
The Last Kids on Earth series by Max Brallier (comic-style zombie adventure; ages: 9–14)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney (humour, school life, and relatable disasters; ages: 8–12)
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey (silly, funny, and completely addictive; ages: 7–11)
Beast Quest series by Adam Blade (monster battles and magic; ages: 7–11)
Geronimo Stilton by Elisabetta Dami (funny adventures, easy to read, colourful pages; ages: 7–11)
Treasure Hunters series by James Patterson (fast-moving, treasure-hunting family action; ages: 9–13)
👉 South African options:
Ouma Ruby’s Secret by Chris van Wyk (warm, local and funny; ages: 8–12)
The Cool Nguni by Niki Daly (funny animal fable with SA flavour; ages: 6–10)
- Z is for Zack by Jaco Jacobs (funny, easy-to-read stories about a mischievous, very relatable young boy; ages: 6–9)
👉 Afrikaans options:
Z is vir Zackie by Jaco Jacobs (funny, easy-to-read stories about a mischievous, very relatable young boy; ages: 6–9)
Thomas@ series by Carina Diedericks-Hugo (for boys who enjoy mystery, danger, technology; ages: 11-15)
Having a handful of fun, accessible books at home or in the classroom makes it easier for boys to reach for a book when the mood strikes. And the best part? These books often turn reluctant readers into total bookworms.
Final thoughts
While you’re waiting for the magic to happen, don’t push, nag or turn it into a chore. Boys do love stories — they just need to find their kind of stories in their kind of format, and they’ll read when they’re ready. By offering choice, ditching judgment, and showing that reading can be exciting and social, you can hook even the most reluctant boy reader. So, there’s always hope.
And who knows? He might even grow into a man who devours thrillers and true crime for fun.
Happy reading!
PS: We have a large collection of secondhand children’s books for you to discover.