Gift Rec for a Male, 15 1/2 yo - who isn't a fan of reading

[Jessica]

Ok, I'm getting ready to start my holiday book shopping for the niece and nephews - I need a book for a 15.5 year old boy, who will read, but only occasionally. He likes cars, cars, and cars. He has enjoyed basketball books in the past as well. Nothing too scary - he easily spooks. I believe he may read a bit slower than age level, but am not positive - since this is for enjoyment perhaps we need to go down a grade level or two? Let me know if you guys have thoughts on that. Ready, set, go! (Oh, and let me know if you have questions that might help!)

[peg]

Linda Buckley Archer's Time Traveler and Tom Clancy's Net Force series are very popular among young adults.

Time Traveler is actually the first book in a trilogy (also titled Gideon,depending on what issue you buy) and there are several books in Clancy's series.

Both books are suspenseful and plot driven. Each of Clancy's books stand well on their own,his latest in the series is Gameprey. The Time Traveler series,however,is best if the books are read in order.

Good luck, 16 year old boys are difficult to buy for:-)

[Jessica]

Thanks - I remember liking how fast and suspenseful Clancy wrote - haven't read him since high school or college but will check out that and the other title you mention!

[karen, future RA queen]

i don't know much about it, but have you looked at james patterson's YA series? the pacing will be just as brisk as clancy, and the characters are teenagers so it might be more relatable than the clancy. and it is an action-type book series designed for reluctant readers. i am not sure of the subject matter will grab him, but it is worth a look:

The Angel Experiment

that is the first in the series.

[Mir]

Stormbreaker is also action for boys. I feel like there was a car and helicopter chase or two.

I don't know if it would otherwise appeal, but Mercedes Lackey has a series about race-car-driving elves. There is a lot of talking about and to cars.

[Wendy Darling]

Blood Red Road is pretty fun, as are Divergent and Legend.

A lot of people enjoy Michael Grant's Gone series, and Scott Westerfeld writes a few series that might be a good choice as well.

[Sophie]

My girlfriend's 16 year old son is a non-reader. For some reason he picked up The Hunger Games and that was it. Didn't look up from the kindle until he'd finished the third book.

[whimsicalmeerkat]

Miriam wrote: "Stormbreaker is also action for boys. I feel like there was a car and helicopter chase or two.

I don't know if it would otherwise appeal, but Mercedes Lackey has a series about race-..."

In addition to car & helicopter chases, Stormbreaker also has a lot about computers, and an underground in a cave science lab place. The sequel has a night ski chase in the Alps.

[Jessica]

Ok, am finally getting around to the buying part of this - what do ya'll think about Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game? I thought this might be a good one for that age group - but it's been a while since I've read him.

[karen, future RA queen]

i think that would be appropriate. i had to read it for school last year and i loved it - very good for reluctant readers. and not at all dumb, as reluctant-reader books can be. there is plenty of action, but it is also smart.

[Jessica]

Somehow I have no self control so they're each getting 2 books. That and a book about Mustangs (the car - he just got one) are his choices. His 12 year old sister will get 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson (my pick) and Torment (her pick). Now to figure out the 6 year old and then let the wrapping begin! LOL. Thanks again for your help!

[karen, future RA queen]

i hope it all works out! i love readers' advisory

[Jessica]

I do too. Hope to find something in the library world post-school that matches up with that love. :)

[Tuck]

oh you must get alexie's "diary.." it is a great book, fast read, bball,

[Jessica]

Oooh, went ahead and ordered that one for his birthday - that was a memory jogger - I meant to get him that one last year. Actually I want to read it too.

[Jasmine]

there is a nick hornby book Slam that is about a skateboarder, I know you said basketball but I thought if he liked skateboarding too...

oh. I see you already picked... oops

[Patricia]

Walter Dean Myers might be a good one. I haven't read his two basketball books Slam! and Game, but his other stuff is really good.

And I strongly second Sherman Alexie!!

[Jessica]

I'm not sure which one, but he got a Walter Dean Myers book from us recently and did read and enjoy it. :)