Top Tips for Getting Boys to Read

Growing up, I was a fairly sociable kid. I also used to devour books. Reading defined most of my childhood (and certainly my teenage years), but it is also true that my interest in books was not always constant. I enjoyed trendy books about magic, but I was also open to reading adventure stories that my parents, aunts and uncles use to read when they were young. But I guess I am a girl, and statically, it appears girls are more inclined to take up reading.  

In 2020, The Guardian released an article which suggested that the gender gap in children's reading grew in the UK during lockdown. This is not something new, as the National Literacy Trust has noted in previous years that boys tend to be more reluctant readers, compared to girls. All children are different, with unique interests and curiosities. While perhaps the most straight-forward way to find out what a boy might like to read, is to simply ask him, there are also some good tips from Oxford Owl, Penguin Books and the National Literacy Trust which I have compiled below. 

When motivating boy to read, it might be worth considering that boys are often less likely to share their reading interests unprompted. Parents and teachers could begin the conversation by informally chatting about stories, comic books, films, or videogames. When it comes to suggesting a new book, it is important to choose a story that closely matches their interests and hobbies. While not a rule, boys tend to prefer reading stories that involve humour, fantasy, science fiction, action, and adventure. Although, too much action might encourage boys to simply close their books and go play outside—which is not a bad thing either! 

However, focusing solely on these subjects might also encourage an all too narrow set of ideas of what boys are like, and what their interests might be. While these days there is a strong focus on female literacy, as well as promoting female authors and lead characters, perhaps branding books as being ‘for girls,’ excludes boys from reading certain stories marketed for girls. There is no reason why girls can’t read books for boys, and vice versa, for boys can’t read books for girls. Dragons, pirates, monsters and princesses are all universal characters. 

Setting a good example at home by having a range of books are easily accessible might make things easier for boys, or even paying a visit to the local library so they can choose books themselves. Being open and encouraging about what reading entails might help as well. It is true that perfecting the art of reading can take time and effort, but so does training for a sport, or learning to play a musical instrument. These tasks require concentration and can be a daunting task to take by oneself.  

Secondary-school students, for example, might be more willing to be involved in collective activities that involve sport and music, which are more socially acceptable than the solitary pastime of reading. In this regard, audiobooks could be a good way to get boys interested in reading. This is a more private way of taking a story in, as by listening on their headphones, boys don’t have to share what they are listening to. Getting dad to read a book might also help a son-father relationship. While I grew up in a household full of girls, I still have fond memories of my dad reading fantasy books to us at night, including Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl and Eragon. I don’t believe these are necessarily ‘books for girls.’  

Considering the above, constant motivation and finding relevant content are the priorities for getting boys to read. Some stories rarely ever get old, so parents’ or teachers’ old favourites might still appeal to young boys. You might also find some good translations of popular children’s books. Some recommendations of books which I look back on fondly, are My Family and Other Animals by Gerard Durrell and the Adventures of Captain Alatriste by Arturo Perez-Reverte. I believe both boys and girls would enjoy these series.