Be honest. Reading aloud is something we think most teen boys are NOT going to enjoy.

I'm here to tell you they ARE and that it is IMPORTANT to continue to read aloud to our boys as they enter their teen years.

Especially if you homeschool, I don't want you to miss tending to your teen's heart - and reading aloud is the perfect way to make connections, spark conversation, and simply spend time together.

Reading aloud is also one of many ways I'm fighting for my son's heart - and it's turning out to be such a blessing.

I'm sure you've had that magical read-aloud moment, haven't you? The one when a fabulous connection is made, or when everyone is laughing out loud and you look around and realize how wonderful this time you are sharing together is.

Those moments matter. They seem to matter MORE as our children age, because we realize they are precious few.

Read-aloud to your teen boys. You won't be sorry you did!

Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN -- I love searching out lovely bookstores to find recommendations for read-alouds!

How to Encourage Reading Aloud

I've had to be intentional about reading aloud. From carving out the time to researching and choosing engaging books, it's been an investment well worth making.

Set a time each day to read aloud. We read aloud each morning during breakfast. It's a way to ease into the day - the house is quiet and there is something conducive about early morning and reading.
Make reading aloud a team effort. My son and I take turns reading aloud. He's a bit of a goof (as am I!) and we love reading books where we can use our best voices and ham it up. When my son reads aloud it is also a good chance for me to train him in his speaking habits. (If you have younger children in the house perhaps your teen can read aloud to them.)
Give your teen a choice of books and play to their interests. I have a few stacks of books (that I have already researched) and allow my son to choose which books we will read. I've included books that I know will interest him - based on his current obsession. Ownership is huge at this age! Don't be afraid to include some "meaty" books, too - we tackled The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn last year and my guy loved it! Include biographies, fiction and nonfiction, and other genres, too.
It's all about the food. Yes, I know, this is bribery. But it works. Food is my son's love language, so if there is a steady supply of food the read-aloud time goes well. I have lots of different breakfast foods on hand - when the kids were younger I always had some fun snack that was just for read-aloud time.
Model reading. You know I'm a HUGE reader, as is my husband. Reading is a lifestyle, so it isn't anything out of the ordinary to sit down and read a book together.

Included below are many of the books that have been a HIT in our house, including some that are in the TBR (to be read) stack as well. There are probably a bazillion more titles that would captivate your teen boy; these are just a few to get you started.

I hope you find some books that bless your time with your teenage son.

I'm cheering you on!

Oh -- and here's my teen boy in case you were wondering. He's now 6'2" and eats like a horse (sometimes we read aloud with donuts!).

Do you read aloud to your teen boy? Is there a book you can add to our list? Leave it in the comments below!

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Three Reasons to Read

Books Series for Middle School Boys

Recently I have read a few books that have given life to my SOUL. They have impacted the way I view the world. They have caused me to think deeply about family, love, culture, and traditions.

There have also been a few books that have equipped me for this stage of life in a very practical way - parenting teens requires a special skill set and I need all the help I can get!

These books have nothing to do with homeschooling, but they have everything to do with becoming a better mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and teacher. They are broadening my horizons, feeding my soul, and deepening my faith.

Earlier this year I gave you three reasons to read - let's expand on that now and start talking about some of the books that have had the most profound impact on me.

Five Books for Homeschool Moms

The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery

If you haven't heard of the Enneagram, it is an ancient personality typing system which has recently become the buzz in Christian circles. It gives 9 foundational personality types, and further groups those types so we can better understand ourselves and others.

Our family has been talking about this book together. We've had so many lightbulb moments as we realize that GOD MADE US THIS WAY. We aren't flawed because we wear our hearts on our sleeves, or because we obsess compulsively about the way the sock drawer is organized! Knowing our types and the types of everyone in the family is helping us to appreciate each other more and respond in love and grace.

I wish I had this resource when my children were younger because it would have saved a lot of heartache for all of us.

This is by far the most impactful nonfiction book I've read in a long time!

A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today's World

How do we, as parents, respond to the culture around us?

As Christians, we are called to THIS TIME to shape culture rather than simply participate in it.

This book is exactly what the title says - a practical guide. It helps those of us who feel like we are oftentimes battling against this culture we live in and helping our children navigate some very murky waters.

As a mom of teens, I especially appreciate all of the practical advice in this book.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Reading the classics is good for the soul.

This particular book struck home because of Francie's relationship with her mother - it is complicated and beautiful - and it reminded me that we love each of our children in a different way.

The resilience, determination, and devotion displayed in this novel are also inspiring.

I wept during certain parts, laughed during others, and added so many quotes to my journal.

“Who wants to die? Everything struggles to live. Look at that tree growing up there out of that grating. It gets no sun, and water only when it rains. It’s growing out of sour earth. And it’s strong because its hard struggle to live is making it strong. My children will be strong that way.”

— A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life

Just as many traditional churches have a liturgy - a set routine for every service of worship - so our daily lives can also have liturgies.

I wasn't familiar with this concept until I read Liturgy of the Ordinary, and it changed the way I look at my daily life. So often, our lives (especially when we are in the middle of raising little children) can seem so ORDINARY and dull, but if we look at the ordinary things (like making our bed, brushing our teeth, etc...) with an eternal perspective it changes EVERYTHING.

Our family also worships in a liturgical church, and the book takes each part of that liturgy and relates it to each part of our day. My Sunday worship has gained meaning because I now realize this liturgy carries through to my everyday life.

If you're looking for a beautiful book to read and study with friends, this would be it. I led a Bible study last year at our church using this book and we all grew so very much.

Hannah Coulter

This book is one that will stay in your heart forever. I have given it as a gift numerous times and each person has loved it.

Hannah looks back on her life and remembers the love she has had for her family and for her land. In the novel, Wendell Berry so perfectly captures our changing society - a time when families used to be close and live on the same land - and now a time when families are spread apart.

It is a commentary on progress, technology, faith, love, forgiveness, and ultimately peace and acceptance.

Anything Wendell Berry writes is wonderful, but Hannah Coulter is my favorite.