Fun Adventure Books for Elementary Boys

Sometimes getting elementary boys interested in reading can be a difficult task. Many books seem geared more towards girls, and boys can get easily bored with flat plots that don't engage the reader. These books for elementary boys are all fun and contain adventures and action that boys will find exciting and want to keep reading. Through humor, bravery, and silliness, the characters on these pages are ones that will become welcome and familiar to elementary boys, getting them interested in reading. These adventure books for boys all have corresponding lesson plans and activities as well for extra enrichment at home and in the classroom.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
by: Roald Dahl
Charlie Bucket is a nice boy from a poor family whose luck changes as he wins a golden ticket in his candy bar. Charlie gets to meet Mr. Wonka himself and tour his chocolate factory with four other spoiled children. Each child has a distinct and humorous identity which gets them into trouble within the factory, which boys will love, and Charlie's virtue wins in the end. Filled with candy and fun, this classic children's novel is an exciting adventure that will leave boys rapidly turning pages until the end. For more fun, boys can then read the sequel to this favorite book, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Lesson Plans and Activities
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Enrichment Activities

Chocolate Fever
by: Robert Kimmel Smith
Henry is a boy who eats chocolate morning, noon, and night, but his addiction ends up giving him the only ever diagnosed case of Chocolate Fever. Instead of accepting help, Henry gets scared, runs away, and goes on an adventure. He meets a new friend who helps him realize that running is not the answer, and he helps to solve a crime. Throughout this funny story, Henry learns that moderation is a trait to be valued, and boys will love the humor and adventure in this tall tale.
Activities and Questions for Chocolate Fever
Chocolate Fever Lesson Plan and Writing Prompts

Freckle Juice
by: Judy Blume
This funny story follows Andrew Marcus, a second grader who wants to have freckles more than anything so that his mother won't be able to tell when he's dirty and he won't have to wash. A girl in his class sells him a secret recipe for "freckle juice," which is when the hilarity begins. Boys will enjoy following Andrew on his quest and will also learn the lesson that we are all different for a reason, and that's okay.
Freckle Juice Questions and Activities
Freckle Juice Unit

From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
by: E.L. Konigsburg
Follow the adventures of Claudia and Jamie, a brother and sister who run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to teach their parents a lesson. As a kid, I loved how they hid in the bathroom stalls, standing on the toilets, and were able to outsmart the adults to stay overnight by themselves, sleeping in antique beds, and blending in with school groups during the day. During their stay, they discover a new statue, shrouded in mystery. Boys will love this adventure and mystery story as Claudia and Jamie solve the mystery of the statue and outsmart adults all around them as they survive in the heart of New York City.
From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Lessons and Activities
From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Discussion Guide

How To Eat Fried Worms
by: Thomas Rockwell
Boys will delight in this disgusting tale of Billy, a kid who has to eat 15 worms in 15 days because of a bet. If he wins, he gets the money to buy a mini bike which he's been coveting, so he braces himself and gets to eating these disgusting creatures. His friends help by preparing the worms in all kinds of ways, and funny rhymes and songs accompany the story, making this gross-out tale a delight to read.
How To Eat Fried Worms Unit
How To Eat Fried Worms Literature Guide

The Indian in the Cupboard
by: Lynne Reid Banks
This enchanting tale follows Omri, whose brother forgot his birthday and gave him an old medicine cabinet he's found. His mother then gives him an old key for the cabinet, but Omri is still less than thrilled at his gift. That is, until he finds out that when you put a toy in the cabinet and turn the key, the toy comes to life. Boys will love this story of adventure as Omri befriends his toy Indian-come-to-life and takes care of him throughout the book. It's a captivating read; you may want to save this one for family storytime so you can read it, too.
The Indian in the Cupboard Discussion Guide
The Indian in the Cupboard Literature Unit

The Mouse and the Motorcycle
by: Beverly Cleary
This fantastic book for elementary boys tells the tale of Ralph the mouse, who lives in a knothole in a hotel room. One day, when a boy named Keith comes to stay, Ralph discovers his toy motorcycle and his adventures begin. Keith helps him learn to ride, and Ralph gets in some predicaments, requiring quick thinking and courage. Boys will love this story of adventure and fun.
The Mouse and the Motorcycle Comprehensive Unit
The Mouse and the Motorcycle Activities

Where the Red Fern Grows
by: Wilson Rawls
This adventure story for boys takes place in the Ozark mountains and follows Billy and his coonhound pups as they try to capture the elusive raccoon in the woods. As Billy trains them, their bond grows stronger through their adventures together. These special dogs are Billy's best friends, and they even win the gold cup in the annual coon-hunt contest. Their bravery saves Billy and provides a tragic, yet beautiful ending to this story as Billy learns how to grieve and also experiences the Native American legend of the Red Fern. This book is a page-turner from beginning to end; boys won't want to put it down.
Where the Red Fern Grows Lesson Plan and Discussion Questions
Where the Red Fern Grows Study Guide

Mystery Books for Boys
Great Book Series for Elementary Boys
More Great book Series for Elementary Boys