Books for Reluctant and/or Emerging Readers

So far 2/3 of my kids are reading. Both the older two have gone through a stage where they weren't (aren't) interested in reading independently, even though they were (are) capable of it. (This seems to be around age 8/9, but probably varies from kid to kid.)

I've taken a multi-pronged approach to help with this:

I keep reading to them, as long as they'll let me.

I encourage them to listen to books on tape (usually at or above their reading level, but age appropriate and at their interest level).

I have asked them to help me with the younger sibling(s) by helping the next youngest learn their letters, phonetics, and basic spelling. (What will I do with the youngest?!?)

I strew high interest books at or below their reading ability, some of which I actually (gasp!) purchase.

So, for those with kids (I only have boys) who might need a little enticing, here are some books that have gone over well at our house. There is cross over between the boys of course, but here is a general break down.

Eyewitness books by DK publishing in areas of interest
I'll Read to You, You Read to Me series by Mary Ann Hoberman
Geronimo Stilton series by, well, by Geronimo Stilton

With my oldest, into adventure, fantasy, science, and technology:
Bionicle series by Greg Farshtey
Droon series by Tony Abbot
Danny Dunn series by Jay Williams


With my middlest, into humor, animals, biology, and poetry:

Where The Sidewalk Ends, and other books by Shel Silverstein
Alvin Ho series by Leanor Look
Roscoe Riley Rules series by Katherine Applegate
Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey (anything by this guy is silly and fun!)

There are many others, it's finding them that can be challenging.
When I want to find more books that might work for us I ask friends, librarians, book store clerks, and check out some websites. Here's a couple that I've used.
Literature Map - type in the name of an author you like and names of similar authors will be displayed.
Scholastic Book Wizard - use book-a-like to find similar books at appropriate reading levels.

I'd love to hear what others have liked. What are your favorites?