Sue G in PA Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 Getting my 10yo to read period is a struggle to put it mildly. He does not like to read. Period. So, when he actually asked to read the abridged version of Tom Sawyer that I have from Great Illustrated Classics, I relented. I typically do not like them to read the abridged versions, but w/ this kid...anything is better than nothing. So...he is LOVING it! He still won't read for longer that like half an hour even if he is enjoying it, but he is READING! So, any recs for books LIKE Tom Sawyer that might interest him? He has a friend reading the Lord of the Rings and he is interested in that. It will be a challenge for him, but that's good. His reading skills are a bit "behind" grade but slowly improving. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle in MO Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 You might let him try the unabridged version of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, or else continue to let him read some of the Great Illustrated Classics. My older two read some of those from our local library, and it didn't dampen their enthusiasm for the real version. I would go ahead and let him try the Lord of the Rings, too; maybe let him read a while, and then when he gets tired, offer to read portions aloud for him. I have a reluctant reader in our family, and I'm always glad when I see her reading a book! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyJoy Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 I would suggest Summer of the Monkeys and Where the Red Fern Grows, both by Wilson Rawls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelaniePA Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 I'm asking my son. His recs: Huckleberry Finn, Hatchet, Hardy Boys(going on the premise that your son likes adventure type things). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samiam Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 My Side of the Mountain and the sequel to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herding Cats in NC Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 My Side of the Mountain and the sequel to it. :iagree: My ds also enjoyed Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. We read The Hobbit together and both loved it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle in MO Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 :iagree: My ds also enjoyed Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. We read The Hobbit together and both loved it. I would second Hatchet and The Hobbit! Not terribly difficult, but the adventure in the first book might appeal to him! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in Florida Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 I agree with the recommendation for Gary Paulsen. The Hatchet series is good and I also liked White Fox. You could also let him try Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder and Black Stallion by Walter Farley. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelaniePA Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 My Side of the Mountain and the sequel to it. Oohh, can't believe ds forgot these! He loved them! There's actually 3. My Side of the Mountain, Far Side of the Mountain, and Frightful's Mountain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon H in IL Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 Swiss Family Robinson, in an abridged version, for speed. Robin Hood. The Hobbit is slow to get started in any adventurous way, but once Bilbo leaves home, things speed up considerably. Tell him a bit about the ferocious giant spiders of Mirkwood to pique his interest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 I would continue with the Illustrated Classics for a bit, as much as I know people dislike abridged versions. It seems to me he's gaining confidence, and the large print/whatever etc is helping with that. He feels like a reader! What about Sherlock Holmes? Treasure Island? His Illustrated Classics is a younger child's Hop on Pop. Lots of people begin a life-long love of print with that, or Mouse Soup, or Dr Suess etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in NH Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 Definately read The Hobbit before Lord of the rings...The Hobbit was written for a younger crowd and if he does like that, then he will be much more interested in TLOTR. Without the background it gives, Rings can really drag on and on.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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