I think that when a book series is different and successful such that it creates its own mini genre that this is only a good thing. Just like Harry Potter which broke publishing notions that kids won’t read very, very thick books, Diary of a Wimpy Kid series also got kids wildly excited to read. And though the lead character is a boy, girls were also reading this series in droves. I also think that the graphics helped to legitimize graphic novels from comic book status to it-counts-for-your-reading-log status. In any case, if your child needs more Diary of a Wimpy Kid but has read all the books, here are more options including some that skew younger and older.
Category: Reluctant Readers
Reluctant readers and reading strategies to get kids to love reading.
Percy Jackson Fan? Try Noah Zarc
If You Like Percy Jackson, try Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble by D. Robert Pease. It’s a Time Travel Action Adventure Series (and the Physics of Time Travel). Then, go backwards in time along the same story line but with A Wrinkle In Time’s Sandy and Dennys in Many Waters.
Books for Kids Who Hate Reading
I discovered this really excellent list of books to hook reluctant readers by SchoolBusProject.com. I love how it’s organized by topics and also that it has a range of books within each topic for different ages and abilities. Finally, I love how the books are so well chosen out with many award winning books across a whole jumble of children’s book awards as well as books that I know kids truly enjoy. Even if your child is not a reluctant reader, scan the list. There are discoveries waiting to be made here!
Best Graphic Novels for Readers, Reluctant or Otherwise (ages 3-16)
I am a believer in graphic novels as a legitimate way to read and tell a rich story. This genre is new to me so I had an assist by a Mom friend with a decent library of them. Thanks Lynn!
The Movie and Book: The Invention of Hugo Cabret!
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick is the Phantom of the Opera for children’s literature.