Books to get boys reading
The Pan Macmillan team share their childhood favourites, and the books they'd recommend to a fifteen year old now.
A recent report by the National Literacy Trust shows that the number of children and young people who say they enjoy reading is declining, and that this decline is particularly steep amongst boys aged 11 to 16. Reading offers a huge number of benefits, on top of just being an enjoyable activity in its own right, which an increasing number of boys are missing out on. There is no single answer to this problem, but one way we can help is by introducing them to some really great books that they will really want to read.
We asked Pan Macmillan staff which books got them hooked on reading when they were younger, and what they would recommend to a teenage boy to read now.
(Those which are not written specifically for children and young adults come with an age recommendation of 15+.)
Will Upcott, Digital Marketing Manager
The book that got me into reading
Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
There’s a photo album from a family holiday when I was a child and in most of the photos my head is buried in this book. While the gadgets, supervillains and chilling assassinations hooked my attention, it was the idea that a child could lock horns with the grown up world of espionage that sucked me in. There are still days I wish I could grow up to be Alex Rider.
The book I'd recommend now
Children of Time
by Adrian Tchaikovsky
As a teenager I found sci-fi one of the most enticing genres to engage with and this book is a cracker. Space travel, terrifying super-evolved beings, a battle for survival of the human race – it’s filled with spectacular worldbuilding that will demonstrate the transporting power of a book.
Andy Joannou, Audience Development Director
The book that got me into reading
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
A classic tale of good vs evil and the need for courage. I remember catching a little bit of the BBC's TV adaptation and being so frustrated by the weekly airing schedule that I had to get the book to find out what was happening to all my favourite characters in Narnia. I'm sure this series inadvertently inspired my love for wildlife thanks to its cast of larger-than-life talking animals and the idea of there being a whole magical world through your wardrobe was a concept that excited my child mind (and yes, I still check all wardrobes I come across, just in case).
The book I'd recommend now
Children of Blood and Bone
by Tomi Adeyemi
If a TV adaptation can ignite a life-long love of reading for me, a movie can do that too! The film adaptation of this book is looking to be huge (with big names like Viola Davis, Cynthia Eviro and Idris Elba attached) but starry names aside, this book has it all – magic, action and world-building leading to an epic adventure. It's easy to be sucked into the world and get caught up in the conflict of right-and-wrong, good vs evil and magic vs non-magic. The best part is if it hooks you like it did me, it's the first book in a series so you can continue the adventure!
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Take me thereJamie Forrest, Communications Director, Macmillan Children's Books
The book that got me into reading
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
This was one of the very first novels I read without parental assistance! I had an illustrated edition and as a young reader, the illustrations helped provide a safety net as I navigated the epic adventure, which otherwise could have proved intimating. Alongside the Narnia books by C. S. Lewis, the Hobbit opened a gateway for me into a wider world of magic and fantasy storytelling.
The book I'd recommend now
You Are A Champion
by Marcus Rashford
This book was a phenomenon for a reason. It is the ultimate inspirational book to get reluctant boys reading and thinking big. Written in a no nonsense style, and including fascinating facts and tips from sports and psychology, Marcus uses his profile as a champion footballer and engaged public figure to teach young people how to dream big and achieve their goals. I particularly recommend the audiobook, brilliantly narrated by Kenton Thomas.
Connor Hutchinson, Publicity Manager, Picador
The book that got me into reading
Another vote for The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
My first memory of being absorbed by a book is when I read The Hobbit. It opened up a new world, introducing me to literature as escapism. I found a new hobby in investing in the characters and following the suspense of the journey, which undoubtedly encouraged me to read more books. I think I still have the dog-eared paperback on a shelf somewhere.
The books I'd recommend now
Animal Farm
by George Orwell
Short, satirical, and incredibly influential, I’ve always suggested George Orwell’s Animal Farm as the perfect gateway to modern classic literature. Although you can still appreciate it without understanding its political context, it’s a book that can introduce readers to the power of political fiction, and the creative, playful form in which serious books can be written.
Promise Boys
by Nick Brooks
This is an incredible book which combines suspense, mystery and education all into one. Following three teenage boys who must investigate their principal’s murder to clear their own names, it’s a gripping reflection on race that could introduce young men to the power literature can have in exploring important issues.
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Read moreLyndon Branfield, General Counsel, Macmillan Publishers
The book that got me into reading
Dune by Frank Herbert
Frank Herbert's Dune ignited my love for reading and immersed me in a world of political intrigue, war strategy and survival against the odds. I was hooked by the compelling young protagonist grappling with power, greed, environmental issues, religion, and legal matters. Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game is another one that stuck with me and demands an honorable mention. Ender is brilliant, a young genius, dealing with intense military strategy and facing the consequences of decisions made in warfare.
The book I'd recommend now
Nineteen Eighty-Four
by George Orwell
I bought this from Macmillan Collector's Library for my son just last week. It’s a gripping dystopian novel about a society under constant surveillance and control. It makes you wonder about personal freedom, secrets and who is pulling the strings.
Michael Beale, Editor, Tor
The book that got me into reading
Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
An utterly absorbing adventure in an alternate world that I stayed up under the covers until 4am to finish. I remember spending hours talking with friends about what our daemons would be.
The book I'd recommend now
Shards of Earth
by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Adrian has loads of great sci-fi [see Will's recommendation above] but this is just non-stop ACTION in space with literally mind-blowing alien entities, a crew of adventurers and the entire galaxy at stake.
