You might try the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. It's a 5 book series, and the heroes are actually ADHD. My 13 year old son inhaled these books, and I really enjoyed them as well. http://www.rickriordan.com/

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My 12 year old also hates to read....Diary of a Wimpy Kid was the only thing he didn't fight about. The teacher had the class read "Chinese Cinderella" and for some reason, he was the first in the class to finish it. Yes, we were both surprised about it. The author also has Falling Leaves and he's reading that now. I read Chinese Cinderella to find out 'why' this book got his attention...and enjoyed it myself. I tried the Percy Jackson books too. He read Aj Lewis Prince Caspian (made him read it before we saw the movie) and was 'ok' with that one but didn't like that the movie didn't follow the book. There's the Penn Dragon series (he read two in the series)....

What about Graphic Novels?

Good Luck!!!

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My 12 year old son is a great reader, but it has taken extra effort over the years to keep him on track. I do have some strategies to suggest as well as book titles. Listening to books on CD is a terrific way to capture his attention. A high interest novel works well. My son listened to the Harry Potter series (the narrator is outstanding, he has created a memorable voice for each character) and followed up by reading the books. Libraries carry books on CD. Also, I often start novels with him, reading the first few chapters. This way we can discuss the characters, plot, and sort out often complicated (and frustrating) time lines or narrators. Any introduction you or a librarian/book store employee can give him to a book provides a helpful "hook". "Series" novels work well for kids with hyper-focus, because once they're engaged, they can't stop! Some series suggestions are: Artemis Fowl, Henderson's Boys, and CHERUB. Graphic novels are great. Try one with a bit more text such as: The Invention of Hugot Cabret. All the best.

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My 12 year old ADHD son also read Percy Jackson in quick succession. He enjoyed Diary of a Wimpy Kid as well. While in 4th grade he liked the Hank the Cow Dog books. All of these have humor as a common component. I would catch him laughing and reading lines out loud to himself with all of them.

ADHD myself, I got into the Louis L'Amour westerns as a young teen. They are under 200 pages for the most part and full of action. My brother (likely ADHD) would read and reread Robinson Crusoe (re-edited for 20th century kids). All of us consumed the comics. Remember those Classics Illustrated? Probably the only way I would have gotten through Moby Dick.

I also have an idea borrowed from Stephen King. When his children were still children, he would pay them by the hour to read books on to a tape recorder. While he travelled, he would then listen to his favorite books (hopefully not too gruesome) read by his kids. I'm thinking of To Kill a Mockingbird? Maybe The Incredible Journey for starters.

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I read with my kid in order to help her read consistently. For example, I'll read a couple of pages and then have her read a page, or so. The Percy Jackson books, Harry Potter series are all excellent reads. The stories hook you and help them (and me!) want to read more! For reading completely on her own, my daughter defaults to the graphic novels (Whimpy Kid series, etc). I really find that you can't 'make' them want to read, but by falling for a good storyline you can help hook them...and then read with them to build the consistency and habit with them.

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I have 2 boys - my 13 yr old with ADHD really enjoys to read. My 9 year old (no ADHD) hates it... We found he had some issues with de-coding words / dyslexia, so I would encourage you check that out if you haven't. If something is REALLY hard for you, you aren't going to do it for enjoyment. (ADHD often co-exists with learning disabilities.)

Some ideas: Let him read until he falls asleep (extended bedtime) / Read together - every other page / We have a book mark that has a built-in timer, you can set it for 15 min to make sure you read until it beeps / Go to a bookstore and let him spend a certain amount of $ as a treat (yes, the library is free, but this is a once & a while thing) / I go to the library & pick a variety of things my kids may like and leave them around the house

Some thoughts on books: Both kids liked the Wimpy Kid series, for the struggling reader, it looks like a thick chapter book that other kids are reading, but is an easier to read. The older Captain Underpants was along the same lines, but I think Wimpy Kid is better. What about magazines? Sports Illustrated for Kids - or something in an area that he likes (science, animals, etc.). My kids like the Guiness Book of World Records & Ripley's books - short little stories/facts, but they're still reading. The Joey Pigza books by Jack Gantos are good - Joey also has ADHD, but these are a quicker read than the Percy Jackson books. The Goosebumps series... In general, I would try to go for things that are short & easy to read to encourage reading, and then work up to more challenging books.

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The Alex Rider Adventures (by Anthony Horowitz) (my daughter and I loved these too), and the Redwall Series (Brian Jacques)

Best of luck!

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My ADHD son loves reading now but it was hard to get him interested in different books. He would re-read books alot. I found getting him started on series of books helped him transition from one book to the next. One other thing that helped was vision thearpy - we found his eyes wern't working together which made reading and comprehension harder.

His recommendations are: Percy Jackson Series of 5 Books (Rick Riordan) Warriors Books series’ (Erin Hunter) There are Three Series of 6 book each and a new series in progress. Rangers Apprentice Series (John Flanagan) Fablehaven series of 5 books (Brandon Mull) Redwall Series (Brian Jacques) Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel (Michael Scott)

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My son is 12, has ADD and was not into reading either. One of his teacher recommended the Dan Gutman series - the first one titled "Honus & Me. The stories are about a teenage boy, Joe Stoshack, who can travel back in time by using old baseball cards. He visits the palyer from that time period and not only do you learn about the player but Mr Gutman sneaks in history as well. They are very well written and I must say, I couldn't stop reading them myself. There are several in the series and although they interconnect you do not have to read them in order and they work on their own as well. My son loves them and has read a few more than once.

Another series of books is the "Poppy" series by Avi. They are about a teenage mouse and her boyfriend that go on awesome adventures. My son used his allowance to buy more books - which is usually reserved for video games. My son tried to read the Harry Potter series and although he can get quite obsessed with HP, the books were too long and a little complicated for him.

My son's teacher recommended both of these, try asking a teacher or a librarian if these do not work.

Good luck!

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We had exactly the same problem with our daughter at the same age. I allowed her to read anything she chose,( witihin reason, of course, - nothing inappropriate or too mature). Why did I dare to give her such freedom??? Because I wanted her to learn to read for the love of reading, not because I and her teachers were pushing her to read. As a result, and since she knew her limits too, she chose Archie Comic Books. She read them fanatically all summer long, and even advanced by a half year just in that summer alone. - something the schools had not been able to accomplish up until then.

These kids have enough pressure on them all the time, so I gave her the choice, trusting in her own instincts. I was taught many years ago, by a very wise person, that children really do know what they need, if only we adults ask them, and respect their wisdom.

Of course, there are times when their choice may not be the best for themselves or others. That was the time I asked them to discuss their thinking with me, and asked them what they thought of the results of their decision or action. I was always pleasantly surprised with their responses. And they learned from such situations, far more than if I had simply scolded or grounded them. Actually, they were NEVER grounded although they were restricted from certain activities for a period time, followed by a discussion as I outlined above. I'm very happy with that part of my parenting of these 2 very challenging individuals, now adults.

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My son is 13 and loves the following Percy Jackson - this was the 1st series he loved! Finally he enjoyed to read!

He told me before he read this book "I would like to read if I ever read a book I liked!"

Now he seams to enjoy reading series books since he is already familiar with the characters. Try watching 1 movie 1st and then read next book in the series. Series of unfortunate events Percy Jackson Chronicles of Narnia Harry Potter

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Not unusual for ADD/ADHD kids, not 'liking' to read..! Consider books on tape...it's not the act of reading, but it is still learning and engaging in literature. Our 14yr old (ADD/ADHD) daughter isn't a 'reader', but given the right book, she'll hyperfocus and read till she plows through it. The most recent book she read is, The Hunger Games... it's an odd story line (about teens and survival of the fittest)--but she loved it probably b/c it was unique and kept her interest.

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Thank for all of the suggestions. I have noted these and off we will go. My son did read the Dairy of a Wimpy Kid Series last year and loved it. I scrambled around and bought up the series which was no small feat. This series is very popular in my area.

I see Percy Jackson and graphic novels were recommended several times. I will look at these. Thanks again. I have really grown to depend on this site. I am not looking forward to school starting but I am a little more opotomistic because of the support I've found here.

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I found it helpful for my family (Adders and non-adders alike) that we each have a magazine of interest that we receive. This way it arrives year round. "Articles" were easier for my Add daughter to focus on and get something out of it. She was not overwhelmed by chapters. Same for my non Add sons. They receive the subscription to magazines as birthday or Christmas presents, or as achievement awards - that last a year!! Some they tried are American girl, highlights, sports illustrated for kids, kids geographic, video production, thespian, and even a gaming publication or two. They are all down to one favorite, but share with each other. Others of interest they can peruse at the library. Another great suggestion was to see "the movie" then read "the book". My daughter and I will do this together as our " special " activity. I read the book first, see the movie with her, then she reads the book and we talk about how Hollywood glams up a story, or changes it all together, or dismisses parts. It has helped with her story organization and attention to detail making the comparisons. Hope this helps! Best of reading! -groteam

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Try the Maximum Ride series, by James Patterson. The books are about an ad hoc "family" of kids who are human avian hybrids, on the run from sinister government agents. Lots of excitement, told in a snarky way that teens love. The real clincher in motivating reluctant readers is that the chapters are very short- some just 2 1/2 pages- and every one ends on a cliff hanger! Compulsive stuff, even if you love to read.

I'll add my vote for Percy Jackson- the sign that a kid is a demi-god with one human and one divine parent is that he/she is ADD and dyslexic- the author created the first book for his son, who is both.

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It wasn't until last year that my now 17 yr old daughter told me that when she tried to read that the words bounced around on the page - something else about ADHD that I didn't know! I ordered colored overlays from Crossboweducation.com and the difference was remarkable. She had never mentioned this to either me or any of her teachers - she just figured that this was how her brain worked. Order the multi colors pack - color and saturation are different for every person.

We have also figured out that reading aloud to me helped her comprehension. Good luck!!

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