Finding a good book is not just a matter of luck. With kids especially, it can take effort and persistence to get them buried in a quality book. If your child is a reluctant reader, or a lazy reader like my boys used to be, chances are they just haven't clicked with the right books yet. But you can change that, and your efforts will be more than worth it. For starters, kids who read for pleasure have higher math scores, better social IQs, and a greater likelihood of job satisfaction down the road. But they're not going to get these benefits by reading Captain Underpants, I'm sorry to say. (My kids have tried time and again to have me think otherwise.)
We don't have to let our kids settle for crummy books! Start by having your child take this simple questionnaire. (Younger kids might need a little help filling this out. Let them have fun with this, perhaps decorating it or doodling pictures on it.) This is your child's special profile, a piece of who your child is as an individual. It's unlikely that any two reading profiles within your household will be the same, and they can feel excited about that.
After your child finishes the questionnaire, go over the answers together. Their answers are your clues on the treasure hunt for good books.
Now, using your clues and the following resources, come up with a list of TEN books you think your child might like:
Resources to help you choose books:
- Talk to the librarian or your child’s schoolteacher for book suggestions that match your child's interests.
- Check your library website. They often have lists of book suggestions by genre, age, etc.
- Look for award winners like Newberry Medal, ALA Top Ten Best Books, School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, Kirkus Review Editor’s Choice, or starred reviews in Booklist, The Horn Book, or Publishers Weekly.
- Look into selections from NPR’s Morning Edition Book Club.
- Read reviews on amazon.com and goodreads.com, looking for books that are similar to other books your child enjoyed.
- Browse the library shelves with your child and introduce them to lots of genres. Give graphic novels a try or hit the nonfiction section. Youth nonfiction books are full of rich illustrations and photographs where kids can learn about everything from cooking to foreign countries to real pirates to guinea pigs. Also look into, poems, biographies, etc. And consider audiobooks—for some kids audiobooks make all the difference.
Once you have your list of ten books, place them on hold at the library and the magical library fairies will have them waiting for you to pick up. (Don't you just love the library? It's one of those things we take for granted far too often.)
After your child reads a new book, have them rate it and tell you how they felt about it. Their response will be your best clues in helping select future books. Now your cycle has begun! Continue to use the resources I mentioned above to keep your kids well stocked with good books. Each of my sons has a book basket where I keep 5-10 fresh library books on hand at all times. If they abandon one book, there are plenty of other options to try.
I hope you give this a try! It's so satisfying to see your child light up with the newfound confidence that always follows a good read. And they will feel extra special that you took time to find good book options for them to choose from. Feel free to share the reading questionnaire with others. You might also like Raising Devoted Readers—Why Reading Matters and How To Get Kids Onboard
Articles to Come – Make sure to subscribe if you want to receive these articles by e-mail
Home Reading Workshop – My favorite sixty minutes of the day
15 Simple Ideas To Help You Raise Devoted Readers – little habits that make a big difference
A Book is a Book— so does it really matter what you read? (Yes) Plus, the fiction vs. nonfiction debate.
Reading and Brain Function
Does it Really Matter how long you read? (Yes!)
Books Vs Screens—the debate, the answers, and how to find balance.
Blah Blah Blah – the nasty condition of being overfed and malnourished with mental
Junkfood
Choice – Should kids get to choose their own books? (Yes, kind of.) Plus, more on the
the three types of books – Candy, Substance, and Veggie
Reading Revolution – Taking a Stand and Calling for Change in Our School District and Community
Reading Challenges – helping reluctant readers and those with learning disabilities.
After your child finishes the questionnaire, go over the answers together. Their answers are your clues on the treasure hunt for good books.
Now, using your clues and the following resources, come up with a list of TEN books you think your child might like:
Resources to help you choose books:
- Talk to the librarian or your child’s schoolteacher for book suggestions that match your child's interests.
- Check your library website. They often have lists of book suggestions by genre, age, etc.
- Look for award winners like Newberry Medal, ALA Top Ten Best Books, School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, Kirkus Review Editor’s Choice, or starred reviews in Booklist, The Horn Book, or Publishers Weekly.
- Look into selections from NPR’s Morning Edition Book Club.
- Read reviews on amazon.com and goodreads.com, looking for books that are similar to other books your child enjoyed.
- Browse the library shelves with your child and introduce them to lots of genres. Give graphic novels a try or hit the nonfiction section. Youth nonfiction books are full of rich illustrations and photographs where kids can learn about everything from cooking to foreign countries to real pirates to guinea pigs. Also look into, poems, biographies, etc. And consider audiobooks—for some kids audiobooks make all the difference.
Once you have your list of ten books, place them on hold at the library and the magical library fairies will have them waiting for you to pick up. (Don't you just love the library? It's one of those things we take for granted far too often.)
After your child reads a new book, have them rate it and tell you how they felt about it. Their response will be your best clues in helping select future books. Now your cycle has begun! Continue to use the resources I mentioned above to keep your kids well stocked with good books. Each of my sons has a book basket where I keep 5-10 fresh library books on hand at all times. If they abandon one book, there are plenty of other options to try.
I hope you give this a try! It's so satisfying to see your child light up with the newfound confidence that always follows a good read. And they will feel extra special that you took time to find good book options for them to choose from. Feel free to share the reading questionnaire with others. You might also like Raising Devoted Readers—Why Reading Matters and How To Get Kids Onboard
Articles to Come – Make sure to subscribe if you want to receive these articles by e-mail
Home Reading Workshop – My favorite sixty minutes of the day
15 Simple Ideas To Help You Raise Devoted Readers – little habits that make a big difference
A Book is a Book— so does it really matter what you read? (Yes) Plus, the fiction vs. nonfiction debate.
Reading and Brain Function
Does it Really Matter how long you read? (Yes!)
Books Vs Screens—the debate, the answers, and how to find balance.
Blah Blah Blah – the nasty condition of being overfed and malnourished with mental
Junkfood
Choice – Should kids get to choose their own books? (Yes, kind of.) Plus, more on the
the three types of books – Candy, Substance, and Veggie
Reading Revolution – Taking a Stand and Calling for Change in Our School District and Community
Reading Challenges – helping reluctant readers and those with learning disabilities.