Sometimes it’s a struggle to get your son excited about reading and it takes a bit of encouragement to help them understand the wonderful world that reading unlocks. The MOB has created the page of resources as a compendium to the podcast, Raising Reader: Encouraging Boys Who Struggle to Read.
Boys and the Reading Gap
Here’s the hard truth: when it comes to reading and writing, our boys are falling behind the girls. National test scores show that by 4th grade, boys are already trailing girls in reading—and the gap widens by the time they hit high school. In writing, the difference is even bigger. It’s not about smarts—our boys are just as capable—it’s about how reading is taught, what they’re interested in, and how we keep them engaged.
If your son would rather wrestle the dog than read a book, you’re not alone. Suzy Shaw—boy mom, author, and host of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide podcast—has been there, done that, and here to offer tips. In our podcast episode Raising Readers: Encouraging Boys Who Struggle to Read, Suzy teams up with literacy expert and boy mom Dr. Jessica Hovland to tackle why so many boys avoid reading and how to turn things around. Below, you’ll find the must-know resources from that conversation, plus extra tips to help you spark your boy’s interest in books—without a single “because I said so.”
Resources
Reading Rockets
Check out Reading Rockets’ Guide for Parents — it’s packed with practical ideas for helping kids in pre-K through 2nd grade build strong reading skills. Perfect for both parents and teachers looking for easy, effective strategies. (Reading 101: A Guide for Parents was developed in partnership with the National Education Association and Colorín Colorado.)
Bob Books
Bob Books are a favorite for beginning readers, with simple stories, short words, and playful illustrations that build confidence step-by-step. They’re especially great for kids who are just starting to sound out words on their own.
Libby (Access to Public Library App for Free)
Libby is a free app from your local library that’s perfect for busy boy moms. Your son can borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and even magazines straight to a phone or tablet—so whether he’s into sports stats, graphic novels, or fantasy adventures, he can always have something he’s excited to read or listen to on the go.
High Noon Books
High Noon Books offers high-interest books for struggling readers, with most written at a K–6 reading level but covering content for grades K–12. For example, their 12-book U.S. History graphic novel series reads at a 4th–5th grade level but meets academic standards for grades 7–12—making it a great supplement for high school textbooks that feel unengaging or overwhelming.
Additional Book Resources
- is a curated list by author John Dougherty featuring high-interest titles kids love—like Cakes in Space, The Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face series, and Astrosaurs—perfect for sparking a boy’s reading motivation with humor, adventure, and just the right level of challenge.
- ABCya is a popular, kid-safe platform offering hundreds of educational games and activities—especially in math and reading—for students from pre-K through 6th grade, all organized by age and subject to make learning fun and accessible.
- Free Kids Books is an online library packed with unique children’s stories, teen reads, and learning resources—all free to read or download in easy-to-use PDF format. It’s a great way for boy moms to keep fresh, engaging books at their son’s fingertips without spending a dime.
- Barnes & Noble’s Free Kids eBooks collection offers thousands of downloadable titles for all ages and reading levels—perfect for boy moms looking for fresh, no-cost reads.
Partner with School Personnel
If you notice your child having trouble with speech or language, reach out to their teacher or school specialists early. Partnering with school personnel can open doors to support services, and many districts offer free evaluations through programs like Child Find. While eligibility for school-based services often requires certain test score thresholds, even if your child doesn’t qualify, your school team can help point you toward private or community resources. Starting early can give your child the strong language foundation that future reading success depends on.
Orton Gillingham
The Orton-Gillingham approach is a proven, multisensory way to teach reading and spelling—perfect for kids who struggle with decoding or have dyslexia. It breaks learning into small, manageable steps and uses sight, sound, touch, and movement to make reading click. When parents understand how it works, they can better advocate for their child, reinforce skills at home, and partner with teachers to give their son the personalized support he needs.
Tips
- Reading Habits — Build early reading habits at home. (hint: start with bedtime stories and bath books)
- Make Reading a Game — Turn everyday moments into word adventures. Play “I Spy” with letters and words, hunt for signs or labels, and chat about what they mean—whether you’re in the car, at the store, or walking down the street.
- Boys Only Book Club — A boys-only book club creates a fun, low-pressure space where boys can connect with peers, see reading as “cool,” and get excited about books that match their interests. The Spiderwick Chronicles was Suzy’s boys club favorite.
- Creative Ways to Make Reading Fun — Show your son that reading can be just as exciting as his favorite hobbies. Pick books tied to his passions—think Minecraft guides, Lego build manuals, or sports biographies. For a confidence boost, have him read aloud to a pet or stuffed animal—an audience that’s guaranteed to listen without judgment and cheer him on in their own way.
- Let Them Read What They Want! — Give your boy the freedom to choose books that truly interest him, whether that’s graphic novels, joke books, sports magazines, or how-to guides. The more he enjoys what he’s reading, the more likely he is to keep turning the pages.
- Turn On Closed Captioning — Switch on captions when your boy watches TV or videos. Seeing the words as he hears them helps strengthen word recognition, vocabulary, and reading fluency—without it feeling like homework.
- Model Reading—Make It Visible — Kids are more likely to read when they see the adults in their life reading, especially mom and dad/male role models. If you’re reading on a phone, tablet, or e-reader, tell your boy what you’re reading so he knows it’s not just screen time—it’s reading time.
- Gentle Feedback Builds Confidence — When your boy makes a reading mistake, resist the urge to jump in right away. Let him finish, then ask him to read it again because you “didn’t quite catch it” or “want to make sure you understand.” This way, he gets to correct himself, “school” you, and feel proud instead of criticized.
- Older Kids/High School and Beyond
- For high school boys facing heavy reading loads, try pairing the print book with the audiobook. Listening—especially at faster speeds—while following along in print can boost comprehension, keep pace with assignments, and make big reading tasks feel more manageable.
- Help your high schooler boost comprehension by using sticky notes while reading. Every few pages, have them pause to jot down key ideas and stick the note right in the book—this keeps their brain engaged, aids memory, and gives them an easy reference for class discussions or studying later.
Listen to the MOBcast
Raising Readers: Encouraging Boys Who Struggle to Read
Dr. Jessica Hovland: Ph.D. in special education, with over 15 years in language and literacy development.
Literacy expert Dr. Jessica Hovland shares confidence-building strategies—from bedtime routines to Minecraft manuals—that transform reluctant readers into motivated ones.
