Summer Read Book List for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 2nd and 3rd Grade

The past few weeks I've been talking about reluctant readers aka kids that don't like to read.  

If you have a reluctant reader check out these 7 Ways to Turn a BOOK HATER into a BOOK READER!  

With those steps and the Book List for Reluctant Readers in Kindergarten and First Grade, and the book lists I'm giving you today and on future Fridays will help you find the perfect and best book, the right book, for any reluctant reader you may know.

There are a lot of kids who don't like to read.  I was one of them.  All of those reluctant readers are missing out on a ton of awesome and entertaining books, but more importantly those individuals are missing out on the benefits readers experience.   

Readers...

• Are Less Stressed
• Have a Larger Vocabulary
• Have Stronger Thinking Skills
• Have Better Focus and Concentration
• Have Better Speaking Skills
• Appreciate Other Places and Cultures
• Keep Brain Stimulated
• Have Better Memory 
• Improves Creativity
• Are Better Writers

There are many reasons to be or become a reader, and I know every one, no matter the age, can become a reader.  

Over the next several weeks I will be sharing with you book lists for reluctant readers aka people that don't like to read.  I have broken the lists down by age.  Today, you get...

Books for Reluctant Readers in

Second and Third Grade

Second

Boys:

 Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey 

This illustrated/comic like chapter book is full of potty humor, but it does get kids reading,

Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin 

This humorous picture book is a great read aloud and fun read with a parent.  Plus, there are other Diary of a... books. 

Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat 

This short and sweet mystery chapter book has a likeable character that you'll want to follow through the entire series.

Girls:

  Bink and Gollie by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee 

This well written early chapter book and series, has two fun loving girls going on great adventures.  The great pictures add to the lovability this book has. It's a fun series for girls!

Queen of the World! Babymouse series by Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm 

This pink graphic novel is perfect for a girl reluctant reader.  This comic like book is a fast fun read. This is the first book in the series that girls will be flying through them. 

        

        

Both:

Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye by Geronimo Stilton 

This book is the first in a series of books full of colored pictures.  All of the books are fast reads and fun and humorous stories boys and girls love.

Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne 

The first book in the Magic Tree House series is great for reluctant readers b/c the books are all very similar.  Therefore, they are comfortable and confidence building for reluctant readers.

Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester

This is the first of a series of Tacky picture books which are fun to read, and they make great read alouds. PIcture books can be great for reluctant readers at this age b/c a picture book is less intimidating for a struggling reluctant reader and they are still reading!

Third

Boys:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney 

This illustrated novel is more comic like and a quick read.  This is the first in the series, and there are even a couple movies based on these books which is great for reluctant readers.

Runny Babbit: A Billy Sook by Shel Silverstein

Fun to read poetry, with tongue twisters (alliterations) and loads of silliness, which is great for reluctant readers.

                Girls:
Judy Moody by Megan McDonald  
A great well written chapter book is the first in a series.  Even boys enjoy this book. 

Cinderella (As if You Didn’t Already Know the Story) by Barbara Ensor

           This fast read with illustrations is based on a story reluctant readers already know (which makes it great and confidence building for a struggling reader).

    
Both:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl 
A fabulous classic book that has several, and even a semi-recent, movie based on this book.  Books with movies are great for reluctant readers. A great summer goal would be to read the book first and then watch the movie.

Danny: The Champion of the World by Roald Dahl

This may be the quickest Dahl book with a great story boys and girls alike love.  I loved reading this book aloud to my classes. 

Bonus Book: 
A friend's son is a reluctant reader and requested a farting book. :)
Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle 
It's a picture book and the first in a series of Walter the Farting Dog books.  These books are funny read alouds as well.

If you know a reluctant reader in the second or third grade or at those reading levels give these books a try this summer. 

Happy Reading even for Reluctant Readers aka Kids who don't like to read!