The Best Books for Students Who “Hate” Reading Part 1

The Shining Scholar Education Podcast (a Podcast for English and Language Arts Teachers!)

The Best Books for Students Who “Hate” Reading Part 1

Today, I want to share some incredible books I've used over the years to engage reluctant readers—students who say they "hate reading." It’s funny, though, because once I introduce these books, each student reacts differently, and the magic happens when you find the one that truly sparks their interest. When that happens, it’s like a lightbulb goes off, and they fall in love with reading. I always tell them, "It’s not that you hate reading; you just haven’t found the right book yet."

I’ve included links to all of these books in the description. These are Amazon affiliate links, so if you buy through them, I get a small commission—but it doesn’t affect your price at all, so don’t worry.

Let’s get started!

1. ⁠Drive-By by Lynne Ewing⁠:

This is a short, powerful read at just 96 pages. It’s about a young boy whose brother is shot in a drive-by, and the boy’s journey to understand whether his brother was involved in gangs. The writing is accessible, with a vocabulary level appropriate for middle school, but the mature content—dealing with loss, gang violence, and family—makes it compelling for older readers too. It’s a great way to engage students who might otherwise shy away from reading. The story is gripping, and the ending is both emotional and satisfying. Highly recommended!

2. ⁠The Alchemist, 25th Anniversary: A Fable About Following Your Dream by Paulo Coelho⁠:

This book is a classic. With almost 150,000 ratings and a 4.6-star average, it’s clearly a favorite. At just 208 pages, it’s a relatively quick read, and each chapter ends with a cliffhanger that keeps you turning the pages. It’s a philosophical fable that’s full of life lessons, without being cheesy or melodramatic. The story is timeless—set in a world without technology, it could take place at any time. Students who normally aren’t into reading will love it because of its universal themes and engaging storytelling.

3. ⁠The Rose That Grew From Concrete by Tupac Shakur⁠:

Yes, the rapper Tupac Shakur wrote poetry while he was in high school, and after his death, his poems were published in this collection. What makes this book special is that it includes scans of his actual notebooks, so readers can see his handwriting, which adds a layer of authenticity. Tupac’s legacy in hip-hop is still alive, and this book speaks to students who connect with his music and message. It's a powerful read, offering both personal insight and a glimpse into his life and struggles.

If you’re interested in Tupac, I also recommend these biographies:

4. ⁠Tupac Shakur: The Authorized Biography Paperback by Staci Robinson⁠:

5. ⁠Tupac Shakur: The Life and Times of an American Icon by Tayannah Lee⁠ ⁠McQuillar⁠

Students often connect with the stories of famous figures, and Tupac’s story is especially impactful. These biographies are more detailed reads (over 200 pages), but they are incredibly engaging for high school students. Even if they’re not assigned, they’re perfect for open-choice reading time or sustained silent reading.

Remember, it's not about forcing them to read—it’s about finding the right book that speaks to them. Please feel free to share any great books you’ve used to engage reluctant readers in the comments, and I’ll be sure to cover them in a future video.

(These are Amazon affiliate links, but don’t worry, it does not affect your price at all. 🙂)

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