if he wants the Ipad primarily for reading, you could consider a Kindle. The upper end model runs under $200 and is AWESOME for reading
If you want the application part of it AND reading, then I’d go with the Ipad over the itouch. The itouch is great for apps, but not so much for reading a book.
Thank you, I thought of the Kindle but it limits him to just reading. I had thought of the apps but never used any so not sure how they work. Thank you both for your replies.