Look up “xiggi method” on this website’s archives. Old method but it works.
How much does he read?
If he only reads for English class + headlines and snippets on his phone, do you have no-phone time and does he read manga?
If he doesn’t like to read, you can suggest topnotch (“literary”) graphic novels, they’re less intimidating - Arab of the Future is a great one.
Ginseng Roots (good for Economics too)
(Although Blankets is the masterpiece).
Pukitzer-winning classic MAUS by Art Spiegelman