Top 5 Book Series for Kids Who Don't Like Reading
Five laugh-out-loud, high-interest book series that win over even the most reluctant readers. Includes tips for making reading fun at home.
Reading can feel like another homework chore when stories don't click. The good news: once children meet a cast they actually enjoy, pages turn themselves and confidence builds fast. Below are five proven series—heavy on humour, pictures, and bite-sized chapters—that win over even the most reluctant readers.
Top 5 Book Series for Kids Who Don't Like Reading
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Why it clicks: Jeff Kinney's hybrid of cartoons and confession-style diary entries mirrors the way kids doodle in their own notebooks. The jokes land instantly, and the handwriting font lowers the visual intimidation factor. Reluctant readers often binge several titles in a week. (scholastic.com)
Reading level snapshot: Lexile 950L; ideal for grades 4-6, yet many younger strugglers jump in because the slang feels modern.
Try-this tip: After each chapter, invite your child to sketch their own "Greg-style" reaction panel. Drawing reinforces comprehension without feeling like a quiz.
Dog Man
Why it clicks: Dav Pilkey spins superhero antics with comic-panel action, sound-effect splats, and short words in large type. Every book ends on a cliff-hanger, nudging kids straight into the next volume. (scholastic.com, people.com)
Reading level snapshot: Lexile 390L-500L; perfect for grades 2-5, especially kids with ADHD who thrive on quick visual cues.
Try-this tip: Read voices aloud together—let your child handle Petey the Cat while you play Dog Man. Shared performance reduces solo pressure.
The Bad Guys
Why it clicks: This tongue-in-cheek heist series features talking animals determined to switch from villains to heroes. Short sentences, bold graphics, and running gags make pages fly. (clubs.scholastic.com)
Reading level snapshot: Lexile 530L; suited to grades 2-4 but frequently adored by older struggling readers thanks to slapstick humour.
Try-this tip: After finishing a book, watch the film adaptation trailer. Spotting book-to-screen differences sparks discussion and rereads.
Geronimo Stilton
Why it clicks: Each page mixes fonts, colours, and word-art—but in controlled bursts that steer eyes along. Fast-paced mysteries on Mouse Island pull kids through longer text with built-in breaks for maps and postcards. (scholastic.com, readingrockets.org)
Reading level snapshot: Lexile 500L-640L; great entry point for grades 2-5 who want "longer" books without dense paragraphs.
Try-this tip: Use the series' travel themes to locate destinations on a kitchen map. Physical movement cements new vocabulary.
The 13-Story Treehouse (and sequels)
Why it clicks: Andy Griffiths stacks outrageous inventions—a bowling alley, marshmallow machine, tank of man-eating sharks—into an ever-expanding treehouse. Cartoon explosions meet gentle meta-humour, which appeals to Wimpy Kid and Dog Man fans. (us.macmillan.com)
Reading level snapshot: Lexile 560L; recommended for grades 3-6, yet its episodic chapters let anxious readers take easy pauses.
Try-this tip: Challenge your child to design an extra treehouse level on paper and label it. They'll read back through the book hunting for inspiration.
FAQs
What if my child still refuses to read?
Start with five-minute "taste tests." Offer one chapter, then quit while it's still fun. Momentum, not minutes, breeds habit.
How do I know a book is the right difficulty?
Use the "five-finger" rule: if more than five words per page cause trouble, choose the previous level. Lexile and grade guides listed above help too.
Will humorous books really build skills?
Yes. Laughter lowers affective filters, so decoding and fluency practice happen without the stress response that stalls progress. Studies show enjoyment predicts time-on-task, the strongest driver of reading growth. (eric.ed.gov)
Rotate these series with recipes, game manuals, or even sports stats—every word still counts. When reading feels like discovery rather than duty, children begin to seek stories on their own. That's the moment they stop being "reluctant" and start becoming readers for life.