Book It: Children's books
I'm assuming if you're reading this blog, you either love books, or Dave and I have personally twisted your arm. Many of you have provided some great suggestions of books that you love.
But here's a question: What do you give to the child who hates to read?
It's kind of a foreign concept to a bookworm like me, but I know there are lots of teachers and parents out there looking for a little help. So I visited the Parents' Choice Web site for a little help. Sure enough, they have a list, aptly titled "What-Kids-Who-Don't-Like-To-Read-Like-To-Read: The Reading List. While their suggestions only range from 4-11, it's definitely a good start.
So happy reading! And keep your own suggestions coming!
While she always preferred The Hardy Boys to Nancy Drew, 
Comments
Yeah, I can't imagine not liking to read (although my husband totally gets this!) ... but here's what I do with my 6 yr old son:
He knows about my book review blog, and about my book club, b/c both of these things take my attention away from him. So I offered to start a Mom & Son book club with just him and I. We take turns picking books to read together, then I ask him "discussion questions" just like we do in our adult book club. After that I write up his answers and post them on my blog. He thinks it's the best idea ever! It makes him feel grown up and important. I get lots of comments on his book review posts, and he loves to hear what my (our!) readers have to say.
Posted by: Heather J. | July 16, 2008 2:07 PM
Try getting a reluctant reader to sign up for your local library's summer reading program. After some initial reluctance, my kids have gotten caught up in the competition, and they love adding new books to the list.
Posted by: Kate Shatzkin | July 16, 2008 3:04 PM
Nancy,
Great post! The American Library Association also has lists for the Young Adult Reluctant Readers - it can be found at
http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/booklistsawards/quickpicks/quickpicksreluctant.cfm
We have found this one helpful at the bookstore -
Lauretta
Posted by: Lauretta Nagel | July 17, 2008 11:14 AM
The best advice I ever heard was if you don't like a book, don't keep reading it. Too many kids associate reading with school work and book reports. When they start to learn that there are many books for many readers and a particular book just isn't for them, it can really make a difference.
My daughter was a non reader, but she loved anything by Paula Danziger. Jon Scieszka (rhymes with Fresca) is another popular author with reluctant readers.
When looking for suggestions, don't forget the public library.
Posted by: Claudia | July 17, 2008 11:44 AM
I think the key is discovering a topic that really interests your child, whether its sorcery or skateboarding, hammerhead sharks or horses. Forget pounding on the classics. Consider humorous books. And those that are mainly photographs or illustrations, such as books by National Geographic and Dorling Kindersley. A magazine subscription, which is very personal, can also be a good entry point. The most important thing is to simply encourage the habt of reading.
Posted by: Dave | July 17, 2008 2:37 PM
Hi, great reading, thanks. I see work by acclaimed children's books illustrator Helen Oxenbury is appearing in Bayard's Storybox series for September StoryBoxBooks They also have some great ideas for a rainy day! http://www.storyboxbooks.com/potatoprinting.php http://www.adventureboxbooks.com/macaroni-picture-frames.php
http://www.discoveryboxbooks.com/skittles.php
Posted by: RRoberts | July 20, 2008 3:52 PM