Getting children who are hesitant about reading to dive into books can be a challenge. This article offers insights from a children's author on how to captivate young readers, complete with a list of recommended titles and genres that are sure to spark their interest.
Convincing reluctant readers to pick up a book can be a daunting task. This article provides expert advice from a children's author on how to engage young readers, featuring a curated list of recommended books and genres that cater to their diverse tastes. From humor and fantasy to action-packed adventures and relatable characters, discover the key elements that can turn a hesitant reader into a book enthusiast.
A while back, I found myself in the book section of Costco, a haven for any book lover. While browsing the latest thrillers, I overheard a conversation between a middle-school girl and her mother.
Girl: "But why can't I read The Da Vinci Code?"
Mom: "It's a grown-up book, honey. Here, take this one."
Girl: "The Hobbit? I don't want to read that; it's a little kid's book."
Mom: "We want you to read The Hobbit."
At that moment, I felt the urge to intervene and say, "Excuse me, ma'am, I'm an author. Step away from The Hobbit. Let the girl read what she likes."
The truth is, getting some kids to read is challenging enough without forcing them to read something they don't enjoy. Educators, parents, and authors all strive to keep reluctant readers engaged, but these readers can be as finicky as a roomful of cats at a food tasting. They might know what they like, or they might only know what they don't like.
I firmly believe that the right book can turn anyone into a reader. The trick is finding that perfect story.
Humor is a powerful tool to engage young readers. Books that make kids laugh are more likely to keep them turning the pages. Whether you love or hate Captain Underpants, its humor undeniably captures readers, especially boys.
Recommended Titles:
A story must feature a main character that readers can relate to and root for. Equally important is the writing style—concise and engaging prose is essential for holding the attention of reluctant readers.
Recommended Titles:
Fantasy books captivate young imaginations with compelling "what if" scenarios. Whether it's a time-traveling treehouse or a wizarding school, these stories can draw in even the most reluctant readers.
Recommended Titles:
In a world filled with movies, TV shows, and video games, books need to be fast-paced to compete. Action-packed stories are more likely to keep reluctant readers engaged.
Recommended Titles:
Books that build suspense early and maintain it throughout the story are more likely to keep kids reading. The promise of something happening keeps them turning the pages.
Recommended Titles:
Series books are like training wheels for young readers. They offer familiar characters and settings, making it easier for kids to immerse themselves in each new title. Series books also help build literacy skills and foster a love for reading.
Recommended Titles:
Graphic novels, manga, and comic books, with their strong visual content, can hook many reluctant readers, especially boys and ESL readers. These books can serve as a gateway to longer fiction.
Recommended Titles:
Some reluctant readers prefer stories set in the real world. Providing them with books featuring multicultural characters they can identify with can make a significant difference.
Recommended Titles:
Some argue that certain types of books aren't suitable for kids, but I believe that as long as kids are reading—whether it's magazines, video game instructions, cereal boxes, or even graffiti—it's a win. The first step is to show them that reading can be fun. Once that goal is achieved, we can introduce them to more challenging books that will broaden their horizons.
If we want a literate nation in the future, reaching reluctant readers now is crucial. After that, we can focus on more specific reading goals.
By understanding what makes a book appealing to reluctant readers, we can better guide them towards stories that will ignite their passion for reading.
Corporate Storytelling: Finding Story Resources
Looking for a story to kick off a speech or enliven a meeting? Learn these vital sources for stories that will get the job done.
Writing a juvenile fiction series
Thinking of creating a series for children? Here are some things to consider before attempting to write the next Harry Potter.
How to Write a Fiction Story: Fleshing Out Your Idea
Want to write a fiction story, but don't know how to get started? This article gives you the first steps in brainstorming your story.
