12 totally awesome books to read with boys

SALT LAKE CITY — In my last column, "Boys would rather hunt aliens than read," I explored the reasons that boys are falling behind in reading and the stereotype that reading is for girls. All the research and experts agree that the most important way to get a boy to be a reader is to have a reading role model — a male who reads — with and around the boy. This can be a dad, grandpa, uncle, really anyone.

Here are some boy-approved choices for that role model to read to or with their boys, after the aliens have been hunted, of course.

Picture books for little boys

1. “Dinotrux” by Chris GallWhat could be more awesome than trucks that are dinosaurs, wreaking havoc on the ancient world? That is exactly what this book is. There’s the Dumploducus that makes a mess, the rascally Digasaurus, and, of course, the big bully Tyrannosaurus Trux. This cool book is definitely boy-approved.
2. “Otis” by Loren LongOtis is a friendly little tractor who spends his days working with the farmer on a farm. But when the work is done, Otis also loves to play, especially with his friend the calf. Life is good on the farm until one day a new, big, shiny tractor shows up. This is an enjoyable story with beautiful illustrations and perfect for a boy bedtime story.
3. “Ugly Fish” by Kara LaReau and illustrated by Scott MagoonUgly Fish is one ugly dude, and he likes having his tank all to himself. He likes his driftwood tunnel and his special briny flakes, and he doesn’t want to share them with anyone. So when some new fish show up in his tank, there is bound to be some trouble. With weird illustrations and a delightfully irreverent story, “Ugly Fish” is sure to get even a reluctant boy reader coming back for more laughs.

Middle-grade books for big boys (great for reading aloud to each other)

1. “A Whole Nother Story” by Dr. Cuthbert SoupA time machine that needs protecting, a psychic hairless dog, three attractive, polite, relatively odor-free children, and, of course, a sock puppet named Steve — how could you go wrong? This laugh-out-loud, super-clever, totally entertaining book is perfect for reading with a boy. And it’s a series — yay!
2. “The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch” by Joseph DelaneyIf you and your boy enjoy a little creepy in your reading, then this book is a must-read. There are also other books available as part of this series. Young Thomas Ward is the seventh son of a seventh son and the last apprentice. He’s always known that he is different and that strange things lurk in the dark, but now as apprentice to the town Spook, he must face the truth and the darkness. From ghosts and ghasts to nasty witches and frightening boggarts, Tom will have to learn to fight and stop them all. Content note: Mild violence and scary situations
3. “How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous” by Georgia Bragg and illustrated by Kevin O’MalleyIf the cover alone isn’t enough to grab a boy’s attention, then the tales of the tragic deaths of well-known people certainly will. For example, it is believed that Henry VIII’s remains exploded within his coffin while he was lying in state, and right before Beethoven wrote his last note doctors drilled a hole in his stomach without any pain medication. Yep, I know you want to read it now.

Cool and smart books for teen guys (great for reading at the same time and talking about as you go along — like a little book club)

1. “The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism and Treachery” by Steve SheinkinNonfiction books are a great way to get boys reading. This book recently won the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults. A birth-to-death biography of one of the most well-known characters from American history, this is a fascinating page-turner. From astonishing battles to shocking betrayals, this true story is sure to keep a teen boy interested.
2. “This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein” by Kenneth OppelThis is the story of Victor Frankenstein, the mad scientist from Mary Shelley’s classic novel, “Frankenstein,” as a teenager. When Victor’s twin brother Konrad becomes deathly ill, Victor is determined to save his life. After discovering ancient secrets in The Dark Library, a room their father has forbidden them to enter, Victor, Konrad and their cousin, Elizabeth, embark on a dangerous adventure to find the ingredients for the Elixir of Life. Interesting and full of adventure, this new series is a great choice for teen guys. Content note: A few swear words and some mild violence
3. “Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25” by Richard Paul EvansIf fast-paced, thrilling fiction is your teen’s favorite kind of read, then pick up this best-seller. Michael Vey appears to be just a normal 14-year-old, but there is something different about him, something extraordinary, something electric. After Michael’s mother is kidnapped, he will have to use his wits and his unique power to fight an enemy determined to see his end.

Graphic novels for boys

1. “Magic Pickle” by Scott Morse (ages 7+)Graphic novels and comic book-style books are getting a lot of boys loving to read. This quirky and sly-witted series is tailor-made for young boys and will have them coming back for more and more. After Dr. Jekyll Formaldehyde drops his pickle into an experimental particle confabulator, he finds himself with an unlikely but noble superhero. This pickle is super-charged and ready to face the nefarious Brotherhood of Evil Produce and fight for dill justice.
2. “The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam: An Illustrated Memoir” by Ann Marie Fleming (ages 16+)Who was Long Tack Sam? First, he was the author’s great-grandfather, but he was also an acrobat, a magician, a comic, an impresario, restaurateur, theater owner, world traveler, east-west ambassador, and mentor to Orson Welles. Fleming looks at his life with a combination of illustrations and real-life photographs in a truly engaging read.
3. “Fables” by Bill Willingham and illustrated by Lan Medina (ages 14+)This award-winning series is hailed as an excellent choice for reluctant and teen readers. After an evil creature conquered the lands of legend and fairy tales, all the famous creatures were forced into exile. Disguised among the normal citizens of everyday New York, these magical people have created their own society in a luxury apartment building where they can live in peace and safety. But when someone is murdered, a deeper story is uncovered.

Book calendar- Saratoga Springs City Library: Hosting several events to celebrate the library's one-year anniversary, including author events. Visit the library's blog for all the info.

• Provo City Library: Hosting several book, author and family events. Check the library's website for details.
• The King's English Bookshop: Hosting lots of fun author events. Check out the shop's website.
• Weller Book Works: Hosting many book and author events at its new Trolley Square store. Visit the store's website for info.
• Dolly's Bookstore: For details on author and book events visit the store's website.
• Brigham City Fine Arts Center: Invites youth from Box Elder, Weber, Rich and Cache counties to participate in its ART-TELL storytelling contest on March 30 at 4 p.m. Visit the website for more details.

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Teri Harman writes and reads from home amid the chaos of three young children. Her bi-weekly column, Book Matters, appears on ksl.com and in the Deseret News. For more book fun, visit book- matters.com*

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