Best Books for Reluctant Readers

They're not "bad at reading" and they don't "hate books." They just haven't found the right one yet. These books have been battle-tested by thousands of families, they're the ones that finally make a reluctant reader say "can we read one more chapter?"

26,532 books

Little Critter

Just Shopping With Mom

Mercer Mayer

For the child who struggles to stay calm in stores or has trouble when Mom says no to a treat.

Ages 3–7

Crispin #3

The End of Time

Avi

For the child who enjoys untangling complex riddles and wonders about the intersection of science and superstition in th

Ages 8–12

Good Dog, Carl

Carl and the Puppies

Alexandra Day

For the child learning to be a helpful caretaker, this gentle story follows a patient dog as he keeps a group of playful

Ages 2–5

Disney's Year Book #1990

Disney's Year Book 1990

Fern L. Mamberg

For the child who loves the magic of Disney but is starting to ask big questions about how the real world works, from ou

Ages 6–10

Fractured Fairy Tales

Cinderella and the Little Glass Sipper

Aaron Burakoff

For the child who loves to giggle at things going wrong, this silly twist on a classic tale shows that even a big mix-up

Ages 4–8

Puffin Easy-to-Read #1

Keep Your Eye on Amanda!

Avi

For the child learning to balance their own fun with the responsibility of looking after a younger, more impulsive sibli

Ages 7–10

Isabella & Chloe #2

Pele's Domains / Los dominios de Pele

Maria Retana, Miles Last

For the child curious about Earth's power: this bilingual guide weaves Hawaiian legends with geological facts to explain

Ages 6–10

Fluppy Dogs #1

Home for a Fanci Flup

Walt Disney Company

For the child who loves their pet but struggles as it grows bigger and more demanding. Learn about responsible care and

Ages 6–8

Pippa the Cat #1

Three to Get Ready

Betty D. Boegehold

For the early reader venturing out to explore, these gentle stories of three kittens find the perfect balance between ne

Ages 4–8

The Royal Diaries #11

Sŏndŏk: Princess of the Moon and Stars

Sheri Holman

For the child feeling the weight of high expectations and looking for the courage to lead with their own unique strength

Ages 9–12

Theo and the Six Seals #1

Theo and Morpheus' Medallion

D.S. Chytiris

For the child who experiences vivid dreams or nighttime fears, this magical quest offers a sense of agency over the hidd

Ages 8–12

Bookee and Keeboo

Bookee and Keeboo go on a Trip

Alfons Freire

For the child who feels nervous about new experiences or leaving home for the first time. This gentle story explores the

Ages 2–5

The Gator Girls #4

Get Well, Gators!

Stephanie Calmenson, Joanna Cole

For the child who feels sad or left out when their best friend is home sick and cannot come out to play.

Ages 6–9

Nicu: The Littlest Vampire #3

Blood, Blood Everywhere

Elias Zapple

For the child who loves gross-out humor and weird stories, this absurdist tale turns a household mess into a hilarious,

Ages 8–12

Tales of Amanda Pig #2

Amanda Joins the Circus

Avi

For the child who feels restless and longs for a more exciting life, this story follows Amanda's quest for independence

Ages 8–12

Malia & Teacup #1

Awesome African Adventure

Molly Barrow

For the child who loves exploring the wild and wonders what a real safari is like. Discover the beauty of the African sa

Ages 4–8

Curious George

Curious George's ABCs

H. A. Rey

For the curious toddler beginning to notice letters in the world around them, this playful journey makes learning the al

Ages 0–4

How to Train Your Dragon #3

The Hidden World

Devra Newberger Speregen

For the child learning that growing up sometimes means saying goodbye to a best friend and finding your own path to inde

Ages 5–12

Gumdrop #1

Gumdrop: The Adventures of a Vintage Car

Val Biro

For the child who loves knowing how things work and feels a deep bond with their favorite toys, this classic tale celebr

Ages 3–8

J. D. Polson #1

J. D. Polson and the Liberty Head Dime

M. D. Johnson

For the young puzzle-solver who loves uncovering hidden clues. Join an armadillo detective in a Texas town to crack a ca

Ages 8–12

One Eyed Rex #2

One Eyed Rex: Double Feature

Rebecca Clary

For the child who feels nervous about the deep end or jumping into the water for the first time.

Ages 3–8

Dilbert the Duck

Dilbert the Duck Visits Zion National Park

Debbie Houghton

For the young explorer getting ready for their first big trip to a National Park. Help your child discover the wonders o

Ages 3–8

Joe Fenek

The Adventures of Joe Fenek

Graham Bayes

For the child who feels a pull toward the horizon, this story of a desert fox venturing far from home celebrates the cou

Ages 6–9

Oliver and Jumpy #11

Oliver and Jumpy: Stories 58-62

Werner Stejskal

For the child who loves imagining unlikely friendships, these short tales show how a clever cat and a kind kangaroo can

Ages 3–7