Fun Books for Reluctant Readers

Murdle Jr by G. T. Karber
2 books in series // 240 pages
These fun puzzle solving books are mysteries with lots of clues to decipher and puzzles to unravel – this version makes them the detective as they crack mystery after mystery. I got these for my kids for Easter and they were a huge hit (I ended up getting the adult version for my 15 year old because the Jr version was pretty easy for her).

Puzzle Adventures series by Russell Punter
6 book series // 50-80 pages
I bought Murdle Jr books for my kids, but they were a little tricky for my 8 year old. I bought this interactive mystery book for her instead and she was hooked instantly! They’re full color and graphic novel style with puzzles and riddles on every page. Perfect for a reader who wants something more interactive than your typical novel.

Cluedle by Hartigan Browne
4 book series // 224 pages
This is another fun series for readers who love a good puzzle. In this installment, kids team up with Private Investigator Hartigan Browne to crack 50 clever puzzles and chase down clues about a missing dog, a stolen diamond, and plenty of village secrets. It’s part mystery, part brain teaser, and completely irresistible for young sleuths.

Graphic Novels
If your child is reluctant reader, the best way for them to enjoy reading is to actually read. If they’re willing to read graphic novels, it gives them the practice they desperately need to get more fluent and more confident. And that’s an AWESOME thing. Plus, graphic novels often have full-color pages and less daunting text which makes them super appealing to kids. I have two really great book lists – graphic novels for middle grade readers, and graphic novels for early elementary readers if you need help finding the perfect book!

Choose Your Own Adventure by R. A. Montgomery
94 book series // 96 pages
Ella and I went on a little date to the library and I noticed a big collection of Choose Your Own Adventure books. I picked one out for Ella and she was immediately hooked! I still remember my OWN original Choose Your Own Adventure book that my mom bought me at a secondhand bookstore when I was 8 or 9. These books, which have a plot that let you choose different options all along the way have multiple different endings and it’s a totally different reading experience that’s REALLY fun.

Escape This Book! by Bill Doyle, illustrated by Sarah Sax
3 book series // 192 pages
These activity books are aimed at kids about ages 8 years and older. The author describes these as a mix of a choose your own adventure, meets I Survived, meets a doodling book. They are so engaging and would definitely keep a child’s attention when reading might not normally appeal to them. There are three different versions, all of which are equally amazing!

Unsolved Case Files by Tom Sullivan
3 book series // 110 pages
A graphic nonfiction series about real FBI cases that have never been solved. They’re packed with fun illustrations, newspaper clippings, and theories of what could have happened. My kids and I have absolutely loved this series. 

Encyclopedia Brown series by Donald J. Sobol
29 book series // 96 pages
I read and re-read these as a kid, loving the challenge of trying to solve each mystery before sneaking a peek at the answers in the back – and honestly, I wish I had an encyclopedic memory like that. The short, episodic style makes them perfect for picking up here and there without needing to commit to a full story, and now my girls love testing themselves the same way.

And if you’d like a printable copy of this reluctant reader book list that you can take to your library or screenshot on your phone for easy access, just pop in your email address below and it’ll come right to your inbox!