Fiction for 5yo who much prefers nonfiction?

[JennyD]

My 5yo son has definite and strong preferences about the sorts of books he wants to read, and that means nonfiction, thank you very much. He carefully picks his way through the library's online catalog, checking with me every time he sees a book that might appeal, "Mommy, is this book fiction or nonfiction?"

 

So, fine, he's certainly entitled to his preferences, and far be it for me to get in his way in his quest for knowledge, but I'd like to at least keep offering up fiction options that he might enjoy. For one thing, it seems rather premature for him to write off the entire genre at the tender age of 5; for another, you know, the library only has so many books, and sometimes we're just going for volume around here.

 

I should note that we have had a few major hits, as well as a number of total fails in the fiction department. Predictably, he likes historical fiction, esp. anything set in NYC (where we live); talking animals, not so much.

 

Hits: Boxcar Children (he read all 120+ in the series and ADORED them); All-of-a-Kind Family books; Little House books; Cricket in Times Square

 

Notable fails: Roald Dahl (big fail), Dick King-Smith books, Beverly Cleary

 

Any suggestions for other books/authors/series he might like?

Edited August 6, 2010 by JennyD

[Embassy]

Maybe some of the books on this list would work? I compiled it for my 6 year old boy.

[TracyP]

I think it is just a phase. My ds recently decided that he only wants "real" books. I have been catering to him when it comes to the books he wants. He sits through my read alouds that cover all genres but he chooses his library list. I think that as long as they are enjoying reading at this age I wouldn't worry too much about it. Although now I wonder if my thinking is wrong. :tongue_smilie:

[MaMa2005]

Try this site - http://www.pacinfo.com/~handley/orsig/index.html

[JennyD]

Thanks for the lists! I'll check them out.

 

I should clarify -- I'm not at all worried about this, nor am I trying to change his preferences. He can check whatever he wants out of the library, as long as it's age appropriate. I'm just looking for more stuff he might like to read. (And those fiction series books are so easy to put on hold through the library system, as opposed to choosing nonfiction sight unseen.)

[mcconnellboys]

What about some realistic fiction, such as Jean Craighead George (One Day in the Tropical Rainforest; One Day in the Desert, etc.)?

 

Many boys prefer non-fiction at that age but will move into fiction as they get a little older.

[Guest moi]

Try this site - http://www.pacinfo.com/~handley/orsig/index.html

 

Can you tell me how the group came up with the grade level listed with each book?

 

Thanks

Edited August 7, 2010 by moi
butter fingers

[DebbS]

My son wasn't attracted to fiction until he was quite a bit older - 6th grade or so. Then when he did read it, it was usually books about survival situations. Most of these are too mature in content for a 5 year old though.

Basically, I had the same problem as you do - he just didn't like books that he couldn't relate to the real world. Even at 15, he still usually reads non-fiction. When he was 5, I didn't push fiction on him, but I picked up a lot of Eyewitness books - most libraries carry large sets of these. The reading level is challenging for this age but because they are highly illustrated, a child can really expand their vocabulary and comprehension using the text along with the pictures. Both of my kids liked these and other types of illustrated encyclopedias. I know these aren't fiction but could help with the volume problem.

Edited August 8, 2010 by DebbS

[Quad Shot Academy]

I would try series like the Magic Treehouse and the Magic School Bus that have some reality to them. They both even have non-fiction books that you could start with to get him excited. Nancy Drew might also be a good idea if you get him excited about trying to solve the mystery before the book ends. Sounds like he really likes to think! When he gets older you could require him to read literature about the time period he is studying. He might see the educational value in that!