A Book List for Boys

To answer this question emailed from a Louisiana father, Parents’ Choice decided to form an investigative committee. Librarians, youth services directors and eleven year old boys were asked to select a list of non-fiction and fiction titles that genuinely enticed them. It was a two-month project, requiring more time and work than anyone had expected.

But not surprisingly the books finally agreed to are colorful, factual, and fanciful. They contain adventure, suspense, humor, mystery and they reflect universal human values.

Our lead investigator was respected children’s librarian Ellen Messing who long worked for the public library of Wellesley and neighboring Winchester Massachusetts. Her own group included library youth service directors April Mazza and Kelly Wood, both from these communities. Neighborhood boys, too participated. Beyond this committee Ellen interviewed other individuals. She worked with precision and doggedness until the titles reflected the thoughts and tastes of the entire group. They, like we are proud of their selections.

Please note that most links will open a new window showing the book on Amazon.com.

Fiction

Tony Abbott

Realism & SurvivalAbbott’s series feature fun and adventure.

Danger Guys and the Golden Lizard (Danger Guys Stories)
HarperTrophy, ISBN: 0064420116, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet (Secrets of Droon Series)
Little Apple, ISBN: 0590108395, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Avi

Avi writes good solid stories: Poppy is a deer mouse and her tales revolve around other animals in the meadow, while McKinley in The Good Dog is a sled dog torn between his human family and the wild world of Lupin, who is out to replenish his wolf pack.

The Good Dog
Atheneum, ISBN: 0689838247, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Poppy (Series)
Camelot, ISBN: 0380727692, Ages 9 & Up

Michael Chabon

Summerland is a treat where a “less than mediocre Little League player “ is recruited by a mystical 100 year old scout and accepts a mission to overthrow the evil, shape-changing overlord, Coyote. Shades of Narnia and the Hobbit say some. A challenge for older readers.

Summerland
Hyperion Press, ISBN: 0786816155, Ages 9 & Up

Eoin Colfer

Science FictionColfer’s Artemis books are extremely popular and creative! “When a twelve-year old genius tries to demand a ransom, the fairies fight back with magic, technology, and a particularly nasty troll.”

Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl Series)
Hyperion Press, ISBN: 0786817070, Ages 10 & up

Mark Crilley

Science FictionCrilley’s Earthling hero, fourth-grader Akiko, joins an intergalactic cast of characters in a mission to rescue Prince Froptoppit of the Planet Smoo.

Akiko on the Planet Smoo (Akiki Series)
Delacorte Press, ISBN: 0385327242, Ages 10 & up

Franklin Dixon

Oldies, but still goodies.

Hardy Boys Starter Set
Platt & Munk, ISBN: 0448416719, Ages 9 - 12 yrs.

Edward Eager