by Janet Galimi, Account Executive – Global Libraries & Education, Overdrive
The YouTube ban is coming, and for many families, that means one thing: restless boys looking for something else to do. Instead of dreading the ‘what now?’ conversations, parents can treat this moment as a reset button that just might rekindle boys’ interest in reading.
The timing couldn’t be better. The 2025 NAPLAN results confirm what many educators already see: boys are falling behind. Just 53.9% of Year 9 boys reached strong writing proficiency compared to 69.1% of girls, with similar gaps in reading. Add in the Grattan Institute’s finding that one in three students struggles with reading, and the picture is clear: boys need more support, and they need it fast.
I’ve seen reluctant readers transformed once they find the right story in the right format. For many, graphic novels, audiobooks, or digital editions provide the ‘in’ they need. Boys who are used to screens often find eBooks and audiobooks more engaging because they mimic the interactive, on-demand style of gaming and streaming. Reading doesn’t have to mean sitting still with a paperback. It can mean plugging in headphones, swiping through panels, or immersing yourself in a story world that feels alive.
So, if your son’s favourite pastime is disappearing into YouTube rabbit holes, why not offer him a different kind of adventure? I’ve curated 10 books designed to capture boys’ imaginations, from sport and fantasy to thrillers and humour. Here’s why each belongs on your list:
1. Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett, Narrated by David Wenham
A haunting Australian novel about three brothers growing up on Tasmania’s rugged coast. Boys connect with its raw depiction of brotherhood, resilience, and survival. Perfect for sparking deeper conversations about family and courage.
2. The World Cup: Soccer’s Global Championship by Matt Doeden
For boys who eat, sleep, and breathe sport, this is pure gold. Fast-paced, visually engaging, and packed with fun facts, it gives sports-mad readers a reason to choose a book over another highlight reel.
3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, Narrated by Stephen Fry
Still the ultimate gateway book. For boys who insist they ‘hate reading,’ Harry Potter proves otherwise. The blend of magic, friendship, and peril hooks them early and keeps them coming back. Pair it with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them for extra depth in the wizarding world.
4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney, Narrated by Dan Russell (Wrecking Ball, The Ugly Truth, Dog Days)
Greg Heffley is every awkward, funny, slightly mischievous boy rolled into one. These illustrated stories show boys that reading doesn’t have to be serious.
5. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, Narrated by Tatiana Maslany
Packed with rebellion, survival, and big moral questions, the final Hunger Games instalment resonates with teen boys who crave action but also want stories with substance.
6. Lionel Messi by Jon M. Fishman
Messi’s biography delivers inspiration in bite-sized, high-energy chapters that show boys how passion and hard work pay off.
7. My Journey to the World Cup (Updated Edition) by Sam Kerr, with Lisa Bailey
Sam Kerr’s story proves that football isn’t just for the boys and that determination matters more than anything. A fantastic pick for showing boys the value of grit and resilience from Australia’s own sporting hero.
8. Trash by Andy Mulligan
Set on a rubbish heap in an unnamed country, this gripping novel follows three boys who stumble across a mystery bigger than themselves. It’s fast, gritty, and speaks directly to boys who prefer adventure to introspection.
9. Only If You Dare: 13 Stories of Darkness and Doom by Josh Allen
Short, spooky, and just scary enough, this book is perfect for boys who say they don’t like books but secretly love a good fright. The bite-sized stories keep the pace brisk and the pages turning.
10. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, Narrated by Rebecca Soler and Teddy Hamilton
This is the blockbuster hit older teen boys won’t want to put down. With its action-packed plot and richly built world, it’s a natural fit for gamers and fantasy fans.
The key takeaway for parents is to let boys experiment, whether through comics, audiobooks, biographies, thrillers, or even digital-first stories. The format matters less than the spark. With the YouTube ban nudging boys off their screens, there’s never been a better moment to hand them a story that could ignite a lifelong habit.
About Author
Janet Galimi is an Account Executive at OverDrive who supports school libraries throughout Australia and New Zealand. Based in Sydney, she brings the valuable perspective of an educator, having previously worked as a teacher librarian in a K to 12 school.
While studying for her Master of Education in Teacher Librarianship at Charles Sturt University, Janet developed a strong interest in the educational power of digital books. She saw how digital reading tools could unlock new opportunities for students by supporting different learning styles and making reading more engaging.
At OverDrive, Janet works with schools to implement Sora, the company’s digital reading platform designed for education. She helps schools use Sora’s wide range of features, such as reading badges, read-aloud functionality, and access to diverse conten,t including comics, audiobooks, and magazines. These tools support student engagement while aligning with the Australian curriculum.