Books That Won't Make You Gag - For Boys
Good books that won't make you blush or gag.
Al Capone Shines My Shoes
Choldenko, GenniferPublication date: 2009
Moose Flanagan lives on the island of Alcatraz where his father works as a prison guard. Very recently, Moose requested inmate Al Capone’s help to get his autistic sister into a special school. Now Moose has received a note from the notorious gangster in his clean laundry: “Your Turn.” What does Capone want? Can Moose return Capone’s favour without risking his father’s job?
City of the Beasts
Allende, IsabelPublication date: 2002
When his mother becomes ill, Alex reluctantly goes to stay with his grandmother, Kate, an eccentric journalist. They embark on an adventure in the Amazon jungle, where Kate is researching a story on an elusive Yeti-like creature.
Code Orange
Cooney, Caroline B.Publication date: 2005
Mitty is researching a paper on smallpox for biology class when he finds an envelope containing smallpox scabs. Has he become infected and is all of New York City now at risk of an epidemic?
Crossing the Wire
Hobbs, WillPublication date: 2006
Since his father's death, Victor Flores has supported his family by farming corn in the tiny Mexican village of Los Arboles. Learning that he will not be able to make a living from corn this year, Victor travels north in a bid to make the dangerous border crossing into the United States. There he hopes to find work and send money home.
Eragon
Paolini, ChristopherPublication date: 2003
While Eragon is out hunting, he discovers a strange polished blue stone. When he takes the stone to the elderly village storyteller, it hatches and a beautiful dragon emerges. Eragon bonds with the dragon, Saphira, and together they must evade the clutches of the Empire’s evil king who wants to control them.
The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp
Yancey, RickPublication date: 2005
Oversized, underachieving orphan Alfred is an unlikely hero. He has been fooled into stealing the powerful sword Excalibur, weapon of the legendary King Arthur. He goes on an action-packed modern-day quest to regain the sword from evil Mogart who wants to use its magic to take over the world.
Freak the Mighty
Philbrick, RodmanPublication date: 1993
With a learning disability and his father in jail, Max often endures the taunting of his 8th-grade peers. Then he meets Kevin, crippled by a birth defect, but with a brilliant mind. Together they become an invincible duo: Freak the Mighty.
The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
Tolkien, J.R.R.Publication date: 1937
This is the tale of Bilbo Baggins, a respectable hobbit who has lived a comfortable, uneventful life in his hobbit-hole. Then one day, the wizard Gandalf appears on his doorstep and sends Bilbo off on an amazing adventure.
Red Kayak
Cummings, PriscillaPublication date: 2004
When his neighbours' kayak overturns on a foggy morning, 13-year-old Brady heroically rescues their toddler, Ben. Tragically, Ben dies of hypothermia, and Brady learns that two of his life-long friends have sabotaged the kayak as a prank. Brady must make a difficult choice between loyalty to his friends and doing what he knows is right.
The Schwa Was Here
Shusterman, NealPublication date: 2004
Eighth grader “Antsy” Bonano and his pals befriend classmate Calvin Schwa, who has the amazing ability to be practically invisible. Using the Schwa’s gift, they concoct a moneymaking scheme that seems like a great idea... until they are caught by grouchy old millionaire, Mr. Crawley, and must face the consequences.
Sniper
Taylor, TheodorePublication date: 1989
While his celebrity parents are away in Africa, 15-year-old Ben is left to care for tigers, leopards, and other wild cats at a wildlife research facility in California. When two lions are shot dead in the night, Ben must protect the other animals and find out who is responsible.
Stormbreaker: An Alex Rider Adventure
Horowitz, AnthonyPublication date: 2001
Alex Rider is shocked when he finds out that his uncle and guardian was murdered. Alex is then coerced into working for his uncle’s employer, Britain’s intelligence agency. Fast-paced chapters and dangerous spy action make this an exciting read.
The Tomorrow Code
Falkner, BrianPublication date: 2008
Three New Zealand teens receive encoded messages from their future selves. In response, they set out to stop a planet-wide ecological disaster.
The Wednesday Wars
Schmidt, Gary D.Publication date: 2007
The year is 1967, America is involved in the Vietnam War, and Holling Hoodhood is in 7th grade. While the rest of his classmates go for religious instruction on Wednesday afternoons, his teacher has him read Shakespeare. He thinks that she must really hate his guts. Follow the funny everyday adventures of Holling as he finds his place in life.
