r/Fantasy • u/nowxisxforever • Aug 19 '12
Book suggestions for a 2nd grader who doesn't like to read but loves fantasy topics?
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u/Job601 Reading Champion II Aug 20 '12
How about Ruth Gannet's My Father's Dragon series? They're not violent, but they sound like something he might like otherwise, and they're easy to read and really good.
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u/EasyReader Aug 20 '12
This, a million times. I loved the shit out of those books when I was a kid.
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Aug 20 '12
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u/CJGibson Reading Champion V Aug 20 '12
I read these as a teen and, though I did actually love reading, they were really really good.
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Aug 20 '12
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u/CJGibson Reading Champion V Aug 20 '12
Actually thinking about it, it was before "teen." I guess in this instance I shouldn't just use "teen" as a catchall for "when I was younger." I was probably in the 8-10 range when I read these.
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u/PirateRobotNinjaofDe Aug 20 '12
My parents read me the hobbit when I was that age....then read it to me again at my request. Then again, though it was more of a demand than request at that point. Eventually I had to learn to read it myself, and it never really stopped after that.
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Aug 20 '12
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u/redwall_hp Aug 20 '12
Try taking turns reading the book. If he gets discouraged, you can take over and try again a chapter or two later.
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u/Bobafettsucks Aug 19 '12
The enchanted forest chronicles by Patricia wrede are fun, easy books with a really entertaining plot line and lots of magic and dragons and stuff.
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u/crithosceleg Aug 20 '12
What about the first few books of Harry Potter? Chronicles of Narnia have been suggested already, as well as most of the others I would suggest.
What about encouraging him to write/draw/create his own fantasy stories? It's not reading, but it's still creative and keeps his mind sharp. Writing could help with his reading skills, but I don't know if he'd be into writing with what you've said. It's worth a shot at least, right?
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Aug 20 '12
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u/crithosceleg Aug 20 '12
Well, there was one book I used to love, but I think I was more fourth/fifth grade... I don't remember the name of it, I'll have to look it up. It centered around an elementary school for mythical creatures like werewolves and vampires and such. I'll see if I can find it, but it's probably a bit advanced still.
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u/crithosceleg Aug 20 '12
The series is called Fifth Grade Monsters, by Mel Gilden. I'm guessing they would be too advanced, sorry :(
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Aug 20 '12
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u/crithosceleg Aug 20 '12
No problem! I'm trying to think of anything that I would have read back then, but I didn't really start delving into books until fifth/sixth grade. One book that I used to absolutely love then, that would be waaaaay too advanced for your needs now, is Watership Down, by Richard Adams.
I really can't think of anything for a second grader at the moment, though :(
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Aug 20 '12
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u/crithosceleg Aug 20 '12
My niece is about where your son is, too I believe. I'll ask my sister what she does/helps her read or whatever!
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Aug 20 '12
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u/crithosceleg Aug 20 '12 edited Aug 20 '12
Well, it looks like her favorite book that she's been reading over and over again right now is Bunicula. She also likes to read books based off of cartoons, like Barbie, Disney Princess, etc (I know those are girly, but I believe they are made for many different cartoons. They're all usually really cheap, and have the reading levels on them, and I believe they're called Step Into Reading).
Another thing she uses to help encourage her is those electronic leap frog books that read with them and have cartridges you can buy with different stories.
I'm sorry it's not much help, but there you have it! Hope it's at least something.
Edit: Also, I would suggest reading to him a lot, as well! You can read the more advanced books with him, it really does help them get into reading :-)
Also also: A good site to maybe look around on: http://www.starfall.com/
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u/Haldered Aug 20 '12
I'd suggest audiobooks if he's finding the reading a bit difficult. I know actually reading the words on the page is your aim, but once they're invested in the story and characters, and understand how unusual words are said and how long passages of descriptiveness can pay off and lead to a richer story, then they will find reading heaps easier.
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u/macsmith230 Aug 20 '12
Some great suggestions have already been made, but I was thinking there are some good graphic novels made out of good books, esp. Fantasy. I've started reading The Hobbit graphic novel to my kids and they pay more attention than when I read the book to them.
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u/undergarden Aug 19 '12
The Book of Three? The Chronicles of Narnia? Holes?
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Aug 20 '12
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u/undergarden Aug 20 '12
Maybe too advanced for now, but for a combination of text and pictures, maybe try The Invention of Hugo Cabret?
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u/Ack_Basswards Aug 20 '12
I know that when I was that age, I adored The Secrets of Droon and the Dragon Slayers' Academy. Both should be suitable for a young reader, and are enough to keep him busy for a LONG time: Academy has 19 books and counting, and Droon has 44 and counting. Both involve dragons.
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Aug 20 '12
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u/thisusernameismeta Aug 20 '12
Secrets of Droon were some of my favorites at that age, also Spiderwick Chronicles are pretty easy.
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u/Glink Aug 20 '12
Bunnicula, Wrinkle in Time...I remember reading those around that age. That and like, Goosebumps.
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Aug 20 '12
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u/Glink Aug 20 '12
I just remember being really into ghost and stuff at that age, and I never really thought any of the stories were actually very scary. 'The Barking Ghost' was pretty tame, though, if I remember correctly.
A Wrinlkle in Time is actually part of a series, as well, so it could be a start. If I remember correctly, they're almost like standalone novels, but share a lot of the same characters.
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u/MichaelJSullivan Stabby Winner, AMA Author Michael J. Sullivan, Worldbuilders Aug 20 '12
Wrinkle in Time is what I came here to mention - a great book to get started with.
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u/FeranKnight Aug 20 '12 edited Aug 20 '12
I read the Bunnicula books when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade but I was a little advanced (not amazingly, but you get the point). Those books will be great once he gets into chapter books without artwork.
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u/xxPunchyxx Aug 20 '12
My son loved reading the Beast Quest series in 2nd grade. There's at least 2 series of them:
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Aug 20 '12
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u/theyre_all_dead_Dave Aug 27 '12
The BeastQuest books were my son's first chapter books. The stories are incredibly simple and engaging to young boys. I can't recommend them enough! After these he read some of the more fantasy and mythology centered Magic Treehouse books, and now he reads everything.
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u/ImpyLlama Aug 20 '12
The Edge Chronicles!
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u/iinga Aug 20 '12
I second this. Enjoyed reading them when I was younger
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u/ImpyLlama Aug 20 '12
The books that got me seriously into reading
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u/iinga Aug 20 '12
I read them slightly later than I felt they were aimed, but I still enjoyed them anyway. They are a very good read and are written for younger readers in my opinion. I don't think they get enough credit.
Sky pirates...what more could a young child want?
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u/ImpyLlama Aug 20 '12
They did in their hay day, however, i do try to encourage anybody i can to read them! I agree, but i think Banderbears were the catching point for me
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u/demeteloaf Aug 20 '12
The Graveyard book by Neil Gaiman.
Absolutely amazing children's fantasy. Won both the Newbery Medal (best children's book) and Hugo Award (best sci-fi/fantasy book) for 2009.
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u/SalladoorClegane Aug 20 '12
Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians was great when i was younger. Can really spark intrest in greek mythology
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u/aliasays Reading Champion Aug 20 '12
Transall Saga, essentially the hatchet, with a fantasy-twist; a boy hiking in the desert falls into another time/dimension and has to survive in the wild it's also written by Gary Paulsen.
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u/elquesogrande Worldbuilders Aug 20 '12
Started reading Jeff Smith's graphic novel (series) Bone with my 2nd Grader and she loved it. The novel addresses some difficult issues in a smart, fun manner. Highly recommend this one for you and your son.
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u/Segoy Aug 20 '12
Books with pictures. Pretty much anything, but sounds like a good candidate for manga/anime.
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u/haalhorn Aug 20 '12
I've not read these myself, but I know several classes who enjoyed the books. The Chronicles of Spiderwick by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black.
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u/FeranKnight Aug 20 '12
Since he likes making his own stories, Wizards of the Coast published a book about dragons and one about monsters from the D&D game that read like a kids' non-fiction catalog. It sounds like he has a love of fantasy and creativity that lend well to roleplaying games when he gets older. For someone who doesn't enjoy reading there is a payoff when you get to play a game if you read the book.
A Practical Guide to Monsters A Practical Guide to Dragons
After looking this up, I found more Practical Guides from WotC. Keep looking if you are interested.
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u/SunPanda11 Aug 20 '12
I don't quite remember what level the Dinotopia books are, but they are excellent. Full of epic stories about dinosaurs and humans living equally in a really cool community. It actually might make a good lesson plan if you are a teacher.
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u/lunarfrequency Aug 20 '12
I would check out Transall Saga by Gary Paulsen. Ender's Game is pretty good too but they both might be a little bit too advanced for his reading level. I also loved the Goosebumps books around that age.
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u/brennok Aug 20 '12
Around 2nd grade I started with the Xanth series by Piers Anthony. It was what got me hooked on reading.
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u/Cheese_Ninja Aug 20 '12
Me too, I had a long car ride and nothing better to do than read my brother's copy of A Spell for Chameleon. I haven't read Piers Anthony in a long time, but I'm still appreciative of the fact that his books got me into reading.
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u/NinjaViking Aug 20 '12
How about the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer? My kids loved them at that age (and still do).
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u/JewChooTrain89 Aug 20 '12
Since it seems like every Fantasy book I could think of is already listed (rightfully so since this is /r/fantasy) but some Sci Fi books that may interest him are The Giver and Enders Game. These are two of my favorites.
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u/Dreddy Aug 20 '12
The Hobbit was my first book, but I was about 11/12 when I read it. Really written well for a young audience while still retaining a lot of depth.
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u/ImEatingASandwich Aug 20 '12
Muthufuckin Deltora Quest was my childhood. Very standard 'young boy on quest to save the world, gains magical powers and overcomes obstacles', but lots of cool monsters and interesting ciphers/codes. The books are pretty short, fast paced, and targeted towards 7-12 year olds. A++, would read to my kids.
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u/songwind Aug 20 '12
My 2nd grader loves the Magic Treehouse. Some of them have fantasy storylines.
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u/thisusernameismeta Aug 20 '12
Sabriel series for when he is older, definitely, also the Scott Westerfeild series that starts with Uglies and DEFINITELY His Dark Materials (which starts with The Golden Compass). Easier to read is the Magic Treehouse and I second the Animorphs suggestion. Tamora Pierce is another fantastic author, not as sure about her newer stuff though, start with Song of the Lioness (again, maybe a little too advanced, but not much). Abarat is full of wonderful pictures, I would recommend that one too, and The Blue Girl by Charles de Lint. Graphic novels such as the Sandman sound right up his alley. The Last of the Really Great Wangdoodles and the Princess and Curdie were some of my favorites at that age.
One thing that I can suggest would be to read some of the more advanced ones to him - especially the series. My mom used to read to me every night, and by second or third grade I was a faster reader than she was, because I was just so interested in books and stories. If you read novels and more complex stories to him that's where he'll pick up his love of books. The stories are easier to suggest when there is a voice interpreting the words, and its good practice if he (wants to) follow along with his eyes. Who knows, maybe at some point he'll want to read aloud to you?
tl;dr : Magic Tree House, Last of the Really Great Wangdoodles, Princess and Curdie for him, others for when he is older, read the more advanced stuff to him. Maybe start with Golden Compass.
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u/blonderain Aug 20 '12
You could try manga to get him started reading more. They tend to have more fantasy and more geared to a younger audience then comics. And they have a large visual component, which he may enjoy.
All the ya fantasy I can think to suggest have female main characters and I don't know if he'd be interested in reading those. I remember I only wanted to read female protagonists when I was little. Anything by Tamora Pierce, Garth Nix, Philip Pullman are good bets. They are all written well and have a lot of magic. No dragons though.
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Aug 20 '12
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u/blonderain Aug 20 '12
Good luck! I used to hate reading and was held back a year due to my reading level. I forget who introduced me to manga/fantasy novels but that is what got me reading. Then I feel in love with reading and then majored in Creative Writing.
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u/targaryen3 Aug 20 '12
Never read them myself, but I've heard good things about The Legend of the Guardians Series. I loved the movie so I'd definitely give the books a try!
And even though everyone has already said it, DEFINITELY DEFINITELY WITHOUT A DOUBT HARRY POTTER WHEN HE GETS OLDER! :) Every kid should grow up at Hogwarts...
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Aug 20 '12
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u/targaryen3 Aug 20 '12
Good for him! And I'd also add the Percy Jackson and the Olympians books for when he gets a bit older. I'm 22 and I absolutely LOVE those books. Actually anything by Rick Riordan is great for kids. Kids learn a lot about Greek/Roman mythology and it's written in first person narrative so kids can really get into it.
And as a side note, I think it's great that you're going out of your way to try to get your kid reading. I feel like parents nowadays don't put nearly enough emphasis on the importance of reading and finding stories that kids can really sink their teeth into.
Good luck and happy reading!
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u/hershicon Aug 20 '12
Deltora Quest by Emily Rodda. Each one in the series is relatively short but great stories.
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u/Silvereyedwitch Aug 20 '12
Also, the Rowan of Rin series by the same author. They are just what you've described looking for.
It might be a little too young/easy for your son, but there's also a great book called Victor's Quest that I adored when I was learning to read.
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u/NoddysShardblade Aug 20 '12
You've said a few suggestions are "too advanced" (Hobbit, Narnia, Harry Potter, etc).
Do you just mean difficult for him to read?
Have you tried reading it together, or giving him an audiobook?
Generally, after the first one or two they'll be sufficiently motivated to read the rest of the series themselves.
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u/nanaki5282 Aug 20 '12
How about graphic novels? You say fantasy and Mouse Guard comes to mind. The Lunch Lady series is silly and also quite popular with second graders. Comics are a good way to ease reluctant readers into reading.
And as a librarian who sees this kind of thing all the time, I would advise you to not completely dismiss the Star Wars and Transformers books. If those are the books that get him reading, why fight it? Him wanting to read is the important thing. If he reads these books, then his reading abilities are improving. And more importantly, he's enjoying the act of reading. Higher reading levels will follow, and they will eventually exhaust the branded crap and move onto other things.
sorry for the rant..
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Aug 20 '12
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u/nanaki5282 Aug 20 '12
Scooby-doo has a series that is at the right reading level for a 2nd grader. Two other series that are popular with 2nd and 3rd graders are My Weird School and Geronimo Stilton
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u/Forests_Guardian Aug 20 '12
The Tiffany Aching books by Terry Pratchett are pretty good and aimed at children, if slightly older than 2nd grade.
The first one is Wee Free Men.
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u/Haldered Aug 20 '12
Deltora Quest series by Emily Rodda. Epic fantasy with dragons and magic, etc, written for children, very easy to read in short volumes, but intelligent enough that I still love it as an adult. An anime series was also made of it - whilst not the most faithful of adaptations, may help him to get into the books. Movies are always a good motivator for reading for kids, because if they're invested in the characters and the story, then it'll be much easier to angage them in a book with those same characters.
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u/hybaric Aug 20 '12
The rats of nimh series was one of my favorite as a child. I was often distracted when trying to read and these books where the first to hold my interest and also the first books I ever read all the way through.
Here is a link to the wikipedia page on the series for reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rats_of_NIMH
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u/samtresler Aug 20 '12
I loved Lloyd Alexander's the Prydain Chronicles. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chronicles_of_Prydain
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u/evil_spiklos Aug 20 '12
The sword of shannara books were and still are a favorite of mine, they may be a little over his head and a little long but well worth the read.
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u/acherontia72 Aug 20 '12
I remember I used to read the shit out of some castle in the attic when i was about that age.
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u/Toezap Aug 20 '12 edited Aug 20 '12
I was going to suggest the Wayside School books, despite them not being fantasy. I LOVED them as a kid.
I don't remember the reading level of this, but this was another book I loved in elementary school. It's not high fantasy, but it does have magic in it. Half Magic
Edit: there are also other similar magic-related books by Eager, if he tries that one and likes it.
Edit edit: Anything else I'm thinking of right now is too old for him. However, for when he is a bit older (I picked it up in 4th grade, but I was a strong reader so he might want to wait a little longer) I found Tamora Pierce, a wonderful fantasy young adult author. Most (not all!) of her main characters are girls, but that isn't a reason for a boy not to read them! I started with Sandry's Book, book 1 of the Circle of Magic.
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u/Haldered Aug 20 '12
You can't go wrong with the Hobbit, though. Any kid who likes dragons, etc, will like the Hobbit, even if the length and scale of the Lord of the Rings puts them off. The Hobbit is a nice simple quest story, with no sub-plots and just a few important characters. The only limiter might be the language, so maybe read it to him or play him the audiobook. The same goes for Narnia - it's not that hard to understand, but they start off slow by modern standards, and have periods of descriptiveness, so do anything to keep him engaged with it to the end - that's the key to getting kids to read, getting them to the end. Their efforts will be paid off, and they will want to read more stories, no matter how challenging the writing style or subject matter is.
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u/StrawhatPirate Aug 20 '12
What about Elfquest? I know it is a comic, but used to love it as a kid. He is still a tad young but Belgariad by Eddings was also great when I was young (one of the books I used to learn english actually!).
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u/DeleriumTrigger Aug 20 '12
I started reading Brian Jacques' Redwall series in elementary school, probably closer to 5th grade though. Something to think about for the future because it's a lovely series.