Hooking male teenagers into reading can be challenging, and one reason these teen readers from The Hutchins School have identified, is finding books that they can relate to and spark their interest. Read on for some insights and excellent suggestions.
In today’s world of digital distractions and packed schedules, reading for pleasure among teens is noticeably declining. It is well documented that the benefit of reading improves academic achievement, develops empathy and social skills, and supports mental well-being. Yet, these advantages are increasingly overshadowed by barriers that limit teens’ reading habits.
Teens themselves identify a variety of reasons for not reading:
- Time constraints: Busy schedules packed with homework, sports, and social activities leave little room for reading.
- Preference for other leisure activities: Many teens prefer digital entertainment over picking up a book.
- A lack of access to relatable books: Stories that reflect their experiences and interests can be hard to find.
- Difficulty maintaining focus: Fast-paced, screen-based entertainment makes sustained reading feel more challenging.
Adding to this, the publishing industry struggles with effectively reaching the teenage boy demographic. The decline in teens' reading for pleasure and the limited availability of books published for boys are interconnected challenges.
One key issue is the lack of clear categorisation in the market. Books for teens aged 12–14 are often placed in the YA category, which targets readers aged 12–18 but tends to feature more mature content better suited to older teens.
Currently, YA literature is noticeably leaning toward a female readership, creating a gap in addressing the needs of boys in this age group. Publishing decisions have complicated this further by encouraging authors to age their protagonists up or down to fit into existing categories, leaving teen boys with fewer books that resonate with them.
What’s trending in our school library? A closer look at our students’ favourite reads
Rangers Apprentice – The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan
“I enjoy the Ranger's Apprentice series because it’s full of adventure! I've read all the books in the series, and now I’m going back to The Ruins of Gorlan. The main character Will starts off unsure of himself but becomes stronger and more courageous as the story goes on. I also really liked his friendship with Horace; they have each other’s backs through everything. Plus it's an exciting read with plenty of action and humour along the way.” – Jack, 13yrs
Cop and Robber by Tristian Bancks
“I was drawn to this book because Nash's dad is a criminal and his mum is a cop— wow! What an unusual family situation! Nash struggled between right and wrong, and I was interested to see the decisions he would make. The story was fast-paced and intense, with a few funny moments. I also really enjoyed that it was set in Australia.” – Stuart 13yrs
The Lorikeet Tree by Paul Jennings
“I chose this book because I like reading stories with an environmental message. It wasn’t what I expected but I enjoyed it. The story is about twins Emily and Alex, who receive heartbreaking news about their dad. The twins don’t really get on. As a way of coping, Alex retreats to the treehouse and keeps building. This is an emotional story that deals with relationships, feelings, and the environment.” – Tim 14yrs.
Wonderscape by Jennifer Bell
“I liked that this book is set in a virtual world where the characters must solve puzzles and problems to progress through different realms. The characters—Arthur, Ren, and Cecily—are all very different, and they use their differences to work together as a team to overcome challenges. This fast-paced science fiction read is not only fun but also has an interesting plot that keeps you reading.” – George 13yrs.
“Malamander is set in the spooky town of Eerie-on-Sea, where Herbie and his friend Violet work together to solve the mystery of Violet’s missing parents and their connection to the legendary Malamander. The story is packed with mystery and adventure, featuring castaways, cameralunas, and even an evil author! I loved the creepy vibe of the town. The story moves fast, and there are plenty of funny moments too.” – Alex 13yrs.
Supporting Teen Boys’ Reading Journey
Teens need access to books that reflect their diverse interests and experiences. It is important that the publishing industry broadens its focus to offer a wider range of stories that resonate with all teens, ensuring that boys see themselves represented in the books they read. School libraries, supported by teacher-librarians and qualified library staff, play a key role in this process. By providing well-curated collections, offering personalised book recommendations, and creating welcoming spaces for exploration, libraries can foster an interest in reading among teen boys and help them find stories that they truly connect with.
Michelle Davies
The Hutchins School
Editor's note: A recent article in The Bookseller explores the challenges of publishing books for the teen book market. Can you add to this list of great books for our teen male readers? Some I have enjoyed targetting the mid teen market and that have both male and female lead characters are: Amie Kaufman's The Isles of the Gods #1 and Leanne Yong's Two Can Play that Game, Grace Notes by Karen Comer and The Q by Amy Tintera. Note the cover designs - how well do they 'speak' to potential male readers?
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