{"id":5727,"date":"2025-09-26T22:51:54","date_gmt":"2025-09-26T22:51:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/?p=5727"},"modified":"2025-10-17T21:20:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T21:20:14","slug":"best-books-for-reluctant-readers-audiobooks-graphic-novels-read-to-me","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/best-books-for-reluctant-readers-audiobooks-graphic-novels-read-to-me\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Books for Reluctant Readers: Audiobooks, Graphic Novels & Read-To-Me Books"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Get your kid hooked on books with these fun, fast-paced stories even struggling readers will love.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every parent or teacher knows a reluctant reader: the kid who\u2019d rather clean their room than crack open a book. Maybe reading feels too hard. Maybe it\u2019s never been fun. Or maybe they\u2019ve started to believe that books are something you \u201chave\u201d to do\u2014not something they get to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But even kids who say they don\u2019t like reading still love stories. And that\u2019s<\/em> our in. If we can lower the barrier to entry and make books feel fun, fast or even easy<\/em>, reluctant readers can start to build confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So we\u2019ve pulled together this list of stories for struggling readers. And we\u2019re not talking about beginner books here. We\u2019re talking about popular kids\u2019 books that are fast-paced, full of personality and made for kids who want something that feels their age\u2014even if reading hasn\u2019t clicked yet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to help your kid find their gateway book? Read on for our top picks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Audiobooks: Let Them Listen First<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, reading with your ears is the best first step. Audiobooks take the pressure off decoding and let kids enjoy the characters, the drama and the cliffhangers, all without getting stuck on the words. For struggling readers, this can be a huge relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Epic has thousands of audiobooks for kids. Keep in mind these are \u201caudio only\u201d\u2014no text or visuals\u2014which is perfect for car rides, quiet time or even winding down at night. And yes, they do count<\/em> as reading.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some favorites that keep kids hooked:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Upside Down Magic<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Author: Lauren Myracle, Emily Jenkins, Sarah Miynowski<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upside Down Magic<\/em> is the perfect read for any kid who\u2019s ever marched to the beat of their own drum. Nory\u2019s unpredictable powers land her in a class full of kids with wonderfully quirky magic. As spells misfire and friendships grow, she discovers that being different is actually her greatest strength. Fun, funny and full of heart, this book kicks off a whole series<\/a> of magical adventures you won\u2019t want to miss!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Wings of Fire #1: The Dragonet Prophecy<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Author: Tui T. Sutherland<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most popular middle-grade fantasy series of the last decade, Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy<\/em> kicks off an epic dragon adventure packed with heart, danger and destiny! With five unforgettable dragonets at the center, this action-filled series <\/a>opener pulls kids into a world of soaring battles, fierce friendships  and big questions about who they\u2019re meant to be.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Nancy Drew Diaries: The Stolen Show<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Author: Carolyn Keene<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of our favorite mystery books for kids is a fresh take on an old classic. When a pop star\u2019s beloved pet vanishes during a major tour stop, Nancy jumps into action to crack the case\u2014right in the middle of all the backstage chaos. Nancy Drew Diaries<\/em>: The Stolen Show<\/em> is a quick-moving story full of twists, teamwork and classic clue-hunting fun. It\u2019s the perfect pick for readers who can\u2019t resist a good puzzle!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Classic Goosebumps #1: Night of the Living Dummy<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Author: R.L. Stine<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Twins Lindy and Kris find a ventriloquist dummy that starts acting… alive. Slappy\u2019s pranks turn spooky in no time, and the suspense never lets up. It\u2019s creepy, funny and full of surprise twists\u2014perfect for kids who love a good scare (but not too <\/em>scary!). And the best part? There\u2019s a whole Goosebumps<\/em> collection<\/a> on Epic to keep the thrills going.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Adventures of Captain Underpants<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Author: Dav Pilkey<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

George and Harold hypnotize their principal into a tighty-whitey-wearing superhero. Chaos follows. With comic-style action and nonstop laughs, it\u2019s a favorite for kids who think they don\u2019t like books. And if they\u2019re into it? There\u2019s a whole Captain Underpants<\/em> collection<\/a> on Epic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Graphic Novels: Real Reading, Serious Fun<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s clear this up: Graphic novels are 100% real reading<\/strong>. In fact, for many kids, they\u2019re the turning point from \u201cI hate books\u201d to \u201cCan I get five more?\u201d The visuals help with context, especially for readers who struggle with big blocks of text. They make reading feel fun and satisfying. And the stories are often layered and emotionally resonant, even in panel form. (We\u2019ve got more on that here if you\u2019re curious: Do Graphic Novels Count as Real Reading?<\/em><\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some Epic favorites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cat Ninja Tales: Adonis, Robot Dog Ninja<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Author: Matthew Cody<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fast, funny, and packed with ninja action, Adonis, Robot Dog Ninja<\/em> is a hit with kids who say they don\u2019t like reading\u2014until they meet this heroic robo-pup. This one\u2019s part of Cat Ninja Tales<\/em><\/a>\u2014an Epic Originals series with serious fan love. If you\u2019re looking for action-packed stories that hook even the most reluctant readers, this collection delivers!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bright Family Book 1: Versus the Multiverse<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Author: Matthew Cody<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One science-loving family gets scattered across wild dimensions\u2014and it\u2019s up to the kids to fix the chaos! With nonstop action, laugh-out-loud moments and a graphic novel format that keeps readers hooked, this Epic Original is a favorite for a reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s part of the Bright Family<\/em> series<\/a> on Epic\u2014seriously fun, seriously readable and perfect for fans of fast-paced graphic novels that feel<\/em> like play but count as real reading.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Hilda and the Midnight Giant<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Author: Luke Pearson<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A brave girl, a hidden world, and one very mysterious giant come together in a story full of wonder and adventure. With gorgeous artwork and just the right mix of magic and heart, this graphic novel grabs even the most reluctant readers. It\u2019s part of our Hilda Comics <\/em>collection<\/a>\u2014and a total favorite on Epic! <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Complete Big Nate #1<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Author: Lincoln Peirce<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Middle school gets a major upgrade with Big Nate<\/em>. The popular graphic novel series is full of epic comebacks, detention-worthy antics and nonstop laughs. It\u2019s a comic-style collection that feels more like fun than reading\u2026 which is exactly why kids can\u2019t put it down. There\u2019s a whole Big Nate collection<\/a> waiting on Epic! <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Noodlehead Nightmares<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Author: Tedd Arnold, Martha Hamilton, Mitch Weiss<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Noodlehead Nightmares<\/em> is one of the most popular comics for kids, and for good reason! With their pasta-for-brains logic and totally off-the-wall thinking, the Noodlehead brothers turn everyday moments into hilarious disasters. Noodlehead Nightmares<\/em> is part comic, part chapter book, and all-out fun\u2014just right for kids who\u2019d rather laugh than read (but end up doing both anyway). <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Read-To-Me Books: Follow Along & Build Confidence<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Read-To-Me books offer the best of both worlds: your child sees the actual book pages and hears the words read aloud, with the text highlighted so they can follow along. This feature is especially<\/em> helpful for kids who want to read but get stuck on longer words or complicated sentences. It’s like training wheels, but with dragons or slime!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some great picks for older kids:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My Pet Slime Book 1<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Author: Courtney Sheinmel<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you get when you mix one creative kid, a science experiment gone gooey, and slime that comes to life? A friendship like no other! My Pet Slime<\/em> is bursting with charm, laughs and just the right amount of goo. Part of our My Pet Slime Series<\/a>, it\u2019s a total hit with kids who are ready for chapter books but need a little boost.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Biggest Names of Video Games<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Author: Arie Kaplan<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Level up with the legends! The Biggest Names of Video Games<\/em> dives into the real stories behind the creators who shaped gaming as we know it. From 8-bit beginnings to global fame, this one\u2019s packed with graphic-novel storytelling, behind-the-scenes twists and major \u201cWait, they made that<\/em>?\u201d moments. Perfect for gamers who say they\u2019re \u201cnot into books\u201d\u2026 until they find one about the games they love.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Author: Cube Kid<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior<\/em> is a gaming-inspired book that takes readers straight into a blocky, laugh-out-loud world where one determined villager sets out to become a hero. With diary-style storytelling, epic Minecraft vibes, and tons of heart, it\u2019s a total win for kids who\u2019d rather game than read\u2014until they realize this book feels just like play.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Substitutes: An Up2U Adventures Action<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Author: Kathryn Lay<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the teachers vanish and the substitutes roll in, things get weird quickly. In The Substitutes<\/em>, a crew of robot stand-ins takes over the classroom, and it\u2019s up to the kids to outsmart them. It\u2019s filled with twists, turns and cliffhangers that keep kids turning the page. The best part? Readers get to choose the ending, which makes reading feel like an action game.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Camp Nowhere Book 1: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Author: Lea Taddonio<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to keep the \u201cI hate reading\u201d blues at bay? Let\u2019s wrap things up with a book that proves reading can still feel like summer break. Camp Nowhere: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow<\/em> brings back all the weird, wild and wonderfully gross fun of summer camp, from cursed haircuts to mystery meat to behind every bunk bed. It\u2019s the kind of story that pulls kids in fast\u2014even the ones who swear they don\u2019t like books!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What Really Matters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every kid deserves to feel like reading is for them<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s through an action-packed comic or a slime-filled Read To Me, the goal is the same: help them connect with books. We want kids to feel successful, and to see that reading isn\u2019t something they\u2019re \u201cbad\u201d at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pick one of these books, hit play or open a panel, and let their reading adventure begin. You might be surprised by how quickly your reluctant reader turns into a just-one-more-chapter kind of kid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try these books for free on Epic, and help your child fall in love with reading, one story at a time.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start Exploring Now<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\n \u25b6<\/span> What are the best books for reluctant readers on Epic?<\/summary>\n
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Epic has over 40,000 kids\u2019 books on every topic imaginable and in a variety of accessible formats. For kids who don\u2019t love to read, we recommend starting with popular audiobooks, like Wings of Fire and Upside Down Magic. Read-To-Me books are another great option, whether it\u2019s the Cat Ninja comic series or chapter books like My Pet Slime. Graphic novels, like Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, are also very popular with reluctant readers.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \u25b6<\/span> What are Read-To-Me books on Epic?<\/summary>\n
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Read-to-Me books are some of the best books for early readers, allowing kids to read on their own even if they can\u2019t read yet. They feature human narration and sound effects to bring the story to life, plus the book pages with text highlighting so kids can enjoy the pictures and follow along while they listen. Read-To-Me books have a green audio icon at the bottom-right corner, so you can identify them right away.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \u25b6<\/span> What are the best Read-to-Me books on Epic for kids?<\/summary>\n
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Epic has thousands of Read-To-Me Books, from comics to chapter books to nonfiction titles. Cat Ninja Book 1: The Great Hamster Heist, How I Met My Monster and Scribbles and Ink: Out of the Box<\/i> are some of the most popular Read-To-Me books.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \u25b6<\/span> Do graphic novels really help kids learn to read?<\/summary>\n
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Yes! Graphic novels help kids learn to read by making reading fun and accessible for all kids, whether they\u2019re emerging, struggling or advanced. Illustrations give context cues, so kids can follow the story and feel successful even if they stumble on a word. Less text on the page can also help struggling readers feel less overwhelmed. Finally, they give older kids a way in with simpler text paired with more mature themes and humor.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n<\/div>\n\n