Boys Read · Est. Seattle, WA
Resources, books, and guidance for parents, educators, and librarians who want to turn reluctant readers into lifelong ones.
The Challenge
By fourth grade, boys read significantly less than girls. By middle school, many have stopped altogether. The right book, at the right moment, changes everything.
How Boys Read Helps
Our curated lists go beyond bestsellers — we highlight books that genuinely grab boys, especially the ones who swear they hate reading.
Boys and girls don't always read the same way. Learn the research-backed principles that help boys connect with stories and stick with them.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, or librarian, we give you concrete next steps — for the classroom, the library, and the living room.
By John Martin
John writes across the spectrum — from middle-grade adventure to YA war fiction to sci-fi that asks the biggest questions. His conviction: every reader has a book that's meant for them. Age is just a suggestion.
Documentary Film · 58 Minutes
Carl Deuker. G. Neri. S.D. Nelson. Stephen Manes. Paul Owen Lewis. A panel of celebrated young adult authors from across the US — filmed inside Ophelia's Books in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood, a three-floor used bookstore with a spiral staircase and shop cats.
For the parent, educator, or librarian who wants to truly understand the problem. Worth every minute of the 58.
▶ Watch the VideoAuthors featured
What People Are Saying
"I'm so impressed with your site. I teach 6th grade boys and only boys. Your site will be a much used resource for our year long reading workshop. I have a feeling that some of my boys who say they are not readers will be transformed by your website."
Julie Johnson · MICDS, St. Louis, Missouri
"I just want to say THANK YOU! Your website has been a huge help to us. We homeschool our six year old son. I could not find books that were at his reading level. I came across your site and we have borrowed many of the books from the library and best of all, he loves them! You truly have helped my son to find the joy of reading."
Rebecca B. · Homeschool Parent
"I am sending this on behalf of my son, Clayton. Clay has a mild form of dyslexia and has not been a strong reader. I work for a library so it breaks my heart to hear him say 'I hate books.' He no longer hates reading. His reading ability has improved but the book has to be really awesome for him to read it. Thank you for encouraging boys to read."
Dana Robertson · Library Staff & Parent
"Help! My son has reached low self esteem because he knows he can't read as well as others in his peer group. I don't know what to do. He has absolutely NO interest in reading. He hates it and school."
Concerned Mom
This is exactly who we're here for.
Explore
Curated lists of books that actually work — organized by age, genre, and interest.
Understand the science behind why boys struggle and what makes the difference.
John speaks at schools and conferences. Bring his message to your community.
Practical steps for parents, teachers, and librarians — starting today.
John Martin
Founder, Boys Read
About John
John Martin is the founder of Boys Read and the author of seven books. From The Bird to Brothers of War to Madam Moon, his work for young readers shares a common thread: it trusts boys with big questions.
His motivation for Boys Read was personal frustration — too many incredible books and writers go unnoticed by the boys who need them most. John believes there is a perfect book for every boy. The work of Boys Read is to help find it.
John leads creative writing workshops, speaks at schools and writer's conferences, and lives in Seattle with his wife and an old dog who proudly assumes the role of his only son.
Read John's full story →Let's make sure he finds it. Start with our best book picks.
