It can be challenging to find books that truly captivate boys. If you’re a parent of a boy, you likely wish for help in discovering stories that deeply engage your son, fostering in him a lifelong love of reading.
We had a wonderful discussion with Jan Bloom, author of Who Should We Then Read?, and proprietor of BooksBloom, where we explored how to encourage our boys to find and embrace the themes they cherish.
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Show Notes
This fascinating discussion allowed us to consider many things with regard to reading and boys. Jan Bloom provided us with a wealth of information to review so that we may truly have our sons in mind as we strive to encourage them to become readers.
Early in our discussion, she referenced a Wall Street Journal article entitled “How to Raise Boys Who Read.”
Jan has also categorized a variety of books from her personal experiences. You can download the list as a PDF.
Further, she provided this extensive list of resources for you:
- Ambleside
- Bethlehem Books
- Biblioguides
- Biblioplan
- Classical Conversations
- A Delectable Education
- The Good and Beautiful
- Lamplighter
- My Father’s World
- Plumfield Moms
- Purple House Press
- Read Aloud Revival
- Reshelving Alexandria
- Sonlight
- BookShark
- Yesterday’s Classics
Websites for finding books:
Other books that were referenced in our conversation:
- Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt
- For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
- Books Children Love by Elizabeth Wilson
- Who Should We Then Read? (Volumes 1 and 2) by Jan Bloom
We also spoke about vision issues. Visit the Optometrists Network or covd.org and use their “Quality of Life Survey” to see if this is an issue for your family.
Last but not least, we want to encourage you that your local children’s librarian may be a terrific resource for you. We had a wonderful discussion with children’s librarian, Janet Saczawa. You may enjoy what Janet had to say.

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