Matching Kids to Books discussion

Hi all!

I'm hoping we can get a discussion started about books you have found to be "breakthroughs" with your reluctant readers. I'm a teacher librarian in an elementary school, so I am particularly interested in K-5 readers.

Reluctant readers come in all flavors, so I don't want to limit the conversation to just boys, or kids who are reading below grade level. If you have a book that has helped a kid become a reader, please share!

I'll start:
The Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi
I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis
The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier

I look forward to hearing from you!

~ jtck

The Last Kids on Earth
Dream on, AmberDream On, Amber
Timmy FailureTimmy Failure: Now Look What You've Done
Dork DiariesTales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life
Captain UnderpantsThe Adventures of Captain Underpants
Diary of a Wimpy KidDiary of a Wimpy Kid
Anything Mo Willems, Todd Parr, Kate DiCamillo

Hi Theresa!

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm all dialed in on those -- I guess I should have said: new ideas for reluctant readers.

For instance, I just got a series that was recommended to me last year: Galaxy Zack. I put it out this morning and in 4 classes (2 seconds, 1 third and 1 fourth grade) all six copies were checked out. Since I didn't book talk them, those kids (5 boys and a girl, all reluctant readers) picked them up based solely on the covers and the appeal of the text and drawings. Unfortunately, I don't know yet if they enjoyed them, but that alone is encouraging.

So, to sharpen my question: what are more recent series or titles that have that kind of curb appeal AND kids like them?

Thanks!
~ jtck

Hippopotamister
Dog Man: From the Creator of Captain Underpants
Galaxy Zack: Hello, Nebulon
The Witching Game
The Eleventh Hour
Around the World in 80 Days
When Mischief Came to Town

March Grand Prix: The Fast and the Furriest
Of Mice and Magic
Rise of the Balloon Goons
Snappsy the Alligator
Hoot and Peep
I Don't Want to Be a Frog
Treat
Strictly No Elephants

Would be happy if you also take into consideration the kindness book for kids https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...