Books for Boys: Best Picture Books, Chapter Books & Nonfiction

As a mom of three boys, I’ve seen how certain stories naturally capture their attention—books filled with adventure, bravery, heroes to root for, and characters they can easily picture themselves becoming. This collection brings together picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction titles that often resonate with boys, featuring exciting plots, mostly male main characters, and stories that encourage courage, curiosity, and faith.

Of course, while these books are curated with boys in mind, many of them are well-loved by girls too.

Picture Books For Boys

1. Build by Emily Lex

2. The King and The Dragon by James W. Shrimpton

3. Brave Young Knight by Karen Kingsbury

4. The Boy and the Ocean by Max Lucado

5. How Much Is A Little Boy Worth? by Rachael Denhollander

These Christian picture books for boys that highlight bravery, character, imagination, and faith — perfect for read-alouds and early independent readers.

6. C.S. Lewis: The Boy Who Loved To Ask Big Questions by Laura Wickham

7. John Knox: The Boy Who Changed A Country by Sinclair B. Ferguson

8. The Wheelies series by Sarah Reju'

9. The Maker of the Mountain by Sandra McCracken

10. The Boy Who Was Bold by Adam Griffin

These are the kinds of stories I love handing to my boys — books that invite imagination and curiosity, while gently pointing their hearts toward who God is and how much He cares for them.

Non-Religious Picture Books For Boys

11. John Deere’s Powerful Idea: The Perfect Plow by Terry Collins

12. Sir Badalot and the Cranky Danky Dragon by Rachel Jankovic

13. Pirate Adventure (Let’s Tell A Story) by Lily Murray

14. Crispin’s Rainy Day by Forrest Dickison

15. Explorers of the Wild by Cale Atkinson

While faith-based books are a priority in our home, these non-religious picture books have also been well-loved for their adventure, imagination, and positive messages that complement the values we’re teaching our boys.

Chapter Books For Boys

This section includes a mix of explicitly Christian and non-religious chapter books, all chosen for being wholesome, well-written, and fitting for Christian families with boys.

Chapter Books for Younger Boys (Ages 5-8)

1. Young David by Andy McGuire

2. Goldtown Beginnings by Susan Marlow

3. Tales From Maple Ridge by Grace Gilmore

4. The Bears on Hemlock Mountain by Alice Dalgliesh

5. The Mansoul Chronicles by Tyler Van Halteren

6. The Hobbit (Illustrated Edition) by J.R.R. Tolkien

7. The Green Ember by S.D. Smith

8. The Adventures of Bo & Mr. Quillery by Andrew K. Johnston

These early chapter books are a wonderful next step for boys who are starting to read longer stories on their own. With plenty of adventure, humor, and strong characters, they help build confidence while offering stories that align well with the values Christian families care about.

Chapter Books For Middle Grade Boys (Ages 8-12)

1. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

2. The Songs of a Warrior by Katy Morgan

3. The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

4. Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder

5. The Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers

6. The Sign of A Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare

7. Blades of Eternity and the Keeper of Peace by Zach Fox

8. The Mythmakers by John Hendrix

For older boys ready for deeper plots and longer chapters, these middle grade books offer rich storytelling, brave heroes, and meaningful themes. Some are explicitly faith-based while others are simply excellent stories that encourage courage, perseverance, and thoughtful character development.

Nonfiction Books For Boys

1. Lightkeepers Boys Box Set by Irene Howat

2. Lies Boys Believe by Erin Davis

3. Let’s Go Bible Adventures by Valerie Ellis

4. Brave Heroes and Bold Defenders by Shirley Raye Redmond

5. The Action Bible by Sergio Cariello

6. Eric Liddell: Something Greater Than Gold by Janet & Geoff Benge

These nonfiction picks introduce boys to real people, true stories, and big ideas through a faith-informed lens. From biographies to Bible-based storytelling, they help boys see how courage, conviction, and faith can shape real lives — past and present.

My hope is that this list serves as a helpful starting point — a collection of stories that encourage adventure, thoughtfulness, and faith as your boys grow.