Not sophisticated. Not stories they'll carry for life. But the reason this series is on this list is the look on a kid's face when they finish a whole book by themselves for the first time. Silly, simple, and achievable. Officially recommended for 5+, but in our shop most buyers are 6-7 and up, making it a brilliant entry point for older reluctant readers.

Dav Pilkey invented Dog Man while serving detentions for being disruptive in class. Now he writes the books he wishes he'd had when he was struggling to read at school. Achievable language, ridiculous characters, and silly storylines kids can pick up and put down in short bursts. Perfect for readers who struggle to sit with a book for long.

A classic now, with 20 volumes and counting. This is the reason I don't put upper age limits on books. Officially 8 to 12. In reality, whether your kid finds these at 7 or 17, it's never too late to get sucked into the world of Greg Heffley.

The series that turned a generation into readers. These books can turn "I don't really read" into "just one more chapter", faster than almost anything else on this list. They're not for everyone, but the kids that do get into them - really GET INTO THEM! Put book one in their hands, get out of the way and see what happens.

Some of the best writing you will ever have the joy of reading. The Tiffany Aching series follows a young witch from childhood into womanhood over five books, poking fun at every fairy tale trope going. Recommended 12+ (emphasis on the plus). Dark and emotionally heavy in places, loved by teens and adults alike. If you've got a young adult who loved the Harry Potter movies but won't pick up a book, hand them The Wee Free Men and see what happens.