It is easy to forget the joy of reading when free time is often filled with TV shows, social media, video games, and other visual entertainment. Great books for young people are being published, and kids are willing to read these books if someone introduces them to the library or has a conversation about books. Just looking at social media, many posts are about books on various topics encouraging others to read!
Reading is fun! Recall a book you read as a young person and share the adventure of that book and the satisfaction of completing the novel with a young person. Share what you learned in the novel from just good advice on dealing with parents or adults, warnings on things not to do, or a skill that you never understood before. Bring the young person to library to find the book, and sit down with them reading a few chapters before checking it out. Then, when the book is finished, discuss the book together. Librarians love to help people find a book so inquire what would be another good novel for a young person.
With consistent reading, books can teach new skills and information in a more relatable way. Young people can find some valuable life lessons in the books they read and develop their information-interpreting skills and even build problem-solving skills. Books encourage readers to create a whole world in their own minds. This skill of creative thinking is great for academic development, and life is a lot more fun with a big imagination!
As readers make their way through different books, they will learn new ways to express themselves verbally and on paper. They will naturally pick up a wider vocabulary and be exposed to new ways of communication. A love of literature does not always come naturally, but the more a child reads, the more they will enjoy it.
When helping a preteen or teen pick out a book, consider that young person’s reading level. If a book is too easy or too difficult, he or she may abandon the story and give up. A plot that is relatable and easy to follow also encourages a completely read novel. The number of pages may intimidate a new reader so a book that is not overwhelming is best. Selecting a book that matches the reader’s interests is vital. Young adult novels cover a wide variety of topics from sports to fantasy and beyond.
Tweens who are history buffs or currently learning about the Holocaust may engage with The Diary of Anne Frank which are real journal entries from Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis in World War II. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne is a historical fiction about a bored and lonely boy who moves from Berlin to a place called “Out-With” in 1942. Bruno, the son of a Nazi officer, befriends a boy in striped pajamas who lives behind a wire fence. Taking place during the American Civil War, Little Women by Louisa Alcott ties in elements of history while building themes of love and family that are still very much relatable to kids today.
For a child who loves a bit of suspense and thrill, A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket is a series of 13 novels that are humorous and a little dark at times. C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia fantasy series takes the reader into a world of talking animals, supernatural and mythical creatures, and an evil queen.
Picking the right book is just one step in setting up reading success for a young person. An ebook may be a newer format that a young person will embrace. Create a comfortable spot in the child’s room for reading with a new pillow or a blanket. Set aside a time for reading and be in the same space with your young person. You may discover a closer relationship emerges with your young reader and book conversations may spontaneously erupt.