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 So you want to get your son reading but you’re not too keen on seeing him read Diary of a Wimpy Kid over and over again? Read him the first chapter of one of these novels. He just may be hooked enough to read the rest of the story on his own. Lord of the Deep (2003) Thirteen-year-old Mikey goes on a deep sea fishing trip with his stepdad Bill, and it turns into the adventure of their lives. Onion John (1959) Andy feels caught between two worlds: the intriguing old-fashioned world of immigrant Onion John and the space-race world of his father. Don’t forget to check out the Tolman Hall guide for this novel. Johnny Tremain (1944) Could there be a grander adventure than this? Young silversmith John Tremain finds himself embroiled in the American Revolution and rubbing shoulders with the likes of John Hancock and Sam Adams. The Indian in the Cupboard (1980) Before Toy Story and Night at the Museum, The Indian in the Cupboardcaptivated young readers with plastic action figures coming to life in the night. My Side of the Mountain (1959) Written in journal entries, My Side of the Mountain tells the story of a thirteen-year-old boy who leaves New York City to live in the Catskill Mountains by himself. Hatchet (1987) Brian Robeson is the sole survivor of a single-engine plane crash. He must learn to survive in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a torn windbreaker and a hatchet. The Kane Chronicles (2010) This trilogy about the Egyptian gods is full of action, suspense, and plot twists. Your son will learn all about Egyptian mythology without realizing what’s happening! Percy Jackson and the Olympians (2005) Written by the same author as The Kane Chronicles, this series follows several children through their adventures with Greek mythological gods and creatures. The Man Who Was Thursday (1908) Young fans of Sherlock Holmes will appreciate this novel, which is set in a phantasmagoric London. You don’t come across too many books these days that contain both a hot-air-balloon pursuit and an elephant chase. The Giver (1993) The film was actually quite good, but it’s not terribly true to the book. This is a page-turner, and if your son get’s hooked, that’s good, because there are three companion novels: Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964) Roald Dahl is such a boy’s writer. His worlds, his characters, his dialogue: it’s laugh-out-loud, knee-slapping fun. Yes, you’ve seen the movies, but the book is its own zany world. The Invention of Hugo Cabret (2007) Hugo lives inside the walls of a train station in Paris, and his survival depends on anonymity. When he begins finding clues from his dead father, a mystery ensues. The artwork in this book is incredible. Inkheart (2003) This is a thick book, but if your son can get past its heft, he’ll soon realize that length is nothing when the adventure is so great and the pages turn so swiftly. Lots of boys enjoy the Tolkien-like good-versus-evil adventures, and this is definitely one of them. The Door in the Wall (1949) Robin lives in medieval England, and his parents are away serving the king and queen during the war. He is supposed to become a knight, but he catches the bubonic plague and loses the use of his legs. This doesn’t stop him from becoming a hero in his own right. What are some of your favorite books for boys? Leave your suggestions in the comments section! 
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 Learning about the Great Depression? Don’t miss out on these 9 fantastic books. You’ll find something for everyone, from picture books to powerful novels. As you study the Depression, make sure you pick up a copy of Tolman Hall’s Moon Over Manifest unit study! The Gardener Sarah Stewart Picture Book Grades 2-8 Lydia is sent away from her family’s farm during the Depression to live in New York City where she works in her uncle’s bakery. She misses her family terribly, and we get to read her letters home. Dust for Dinner Ann Turner Early Reader Grades 3-6 A family falls victim to the Dust Bowl, and they consequently lose their farm. They set out for California and a new adventure. Vocabulary is simple—this is a good book for emerging readers. The Babe and I David A. Adler Picture Book Grades 2-4 Set in New York City in 1932, this story is about a boy who learns that his father isn’t really going to his job every morning; he’s selling apples on the street because he has lost his job. The boy then learns how to help his family by selling newspapers near Yankee Stadium. The Storm in the Barn Matt Phelan Graphic Novel Grades 3-10 This well-constructed graphic novel is set in the American Heartland during the Dust Bowl. An 11-year-old boy faces bullies, a rascally little sister, and a sinister villain. Written like a tall tale, this is one suspenseful story. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Mildred Taylor Novel Grades 5-9 Set in Mississippi, this Newbery winner tells the story of the Logan family as they face violence and discrimination during the Depression. Moon Over Manifest Clare Vanderpool Novel Grades 4-9 Abilene Tucker has been riding the rails with her father, but he sends her to a town called Manifest, Kansas, where she doesn’t know a soul. She feels abandoned, but the people of the town welcome her in. Soon she is investigating a mystery and learning about Manifest’s colorful history. Don’t miss Tolman Hall’s literature unit study for Moon Over Manifest—a month of great literature curriculum. Nothing to Fear Jackie French Koller Novel Grades 4-7 The Rileys and Garveys are Irish immigrant families living in a NYC tenement building. Daniel has to take on adult responsibilities and earn money to help his family and care for his sister. Bud, Not Buddy Christopher Paul Curtis Novel Grades 4-8 Bud walks from Flint to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in search of the man he believes to be his father. People lend him a hand along Bud’s heartwarming and unforgettable journey. Year Down Yonder Richard Peck Novel Grades 4-8 The 1930s were tough for people everywhere, and Mary Alice has to stay with her grandmother for a year while her parents give up their home. This book is hilarious. What are your favorite children's books about the Great Depression? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.  |
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