Pam Allyn’s Best Books for Boys is an excellent resource for parents and educators who want to make reading an enjoyable experience for boys.

The book begins with an explanation of the different reading styles and tastes that boys may have, and the value of finding materials that are both age appropriate and at the right reading level. She gives a variety of suggestions of ways to encourage readers, including recognition of non-traditional book reading (such as comic books).

The bulk of the book is a reference guide of book lists that is divided by topic and then sub-divided by reading level. Some of the topics include: Action/Adventure, Biographies/Memoirs, Comic Books/Graphic Novels, History, How-to, Sports, and many more. Each section is broken down into books by reading level (Emerging, Developing, and Maturing).

The book lists include short plot summaries of the main titles that are recommended. Sometimes discussion questions are included, as well as lists of titles for further reading (e.g. if you like this book then you’ll also like…).

What I liked best about the book is that it was compiled from the recommendations and preferences of boys themselves. The true test though was whether or not I would find my own sons’ favorites on those lists, and I did find many books that my boys have read and loved. In fact there were only two series of books that my boys love that I couldn’t find in the book. Overall I was very impressed with what I found.

Not every boy is going to want to read “boyish” books, but this volume is an excellent reference book to go to as a starting place. I’ve already been able to make one recommendation to my nine year old that was received enthusiastically. ( )