My kids aren't reading like the used to. It's not good. But, I have a plan . . . I'm going to entice them with the controversy of banned books. In fact, I think the emotional tug of unfairness and lack of choice will motivate your tweens and teens, too. Because there's nothing more resonating to kids than unfairness. And when books are banned, it's unfair. Kids want choice. Kids want … [Read more...]
Guys Read Short Stories Invite Boys Into (a Different Kind of) Reading
Jon Scieszka wants boys to become "self-motivated, lifelong readers." Which is why he founded Guys Read. Guys Read is both a literacy program and books of short stories specifically for elementary and middle school boys to encourage reading. And there's a LOT to love about reading short stories -- they're, well, short, and the stories, written by a variety of authors, are all very … [Read more...]
Boys vs. Books: Turn Your Boys Into Readers
written by Edge of Extinction author, Laura Martin scroll down to WIN a signed copy of her book! I used to be able to recognize the question before it had even been asked. There was a certain look parents had as they squished themselves behind the desk their middle school boy sat behind day after day. Why? They would ask. Why weren’t their boys the natural born readers their daughters had … [Read more...]
Best Books for Boys
In my experience, most boys have different interests than most girls. YES, it's a generalization. Although in this case, it's for a specific purpose -- FOR READING. Boys (and girls) like to read what's interesting to them. They also want good books. And that's why I've made this list of books that generally appeal to a boy's interests. Because sometimes it just takes that right book to get a boy … [Read more...]
The Best Choose Your Own Adventure Books
Don't forget about choose your own adventure books! These stories, written with YOU as the hero, are very engaging to kids, particularly reluctant readers. I just read the new Alice Through the Looking Glass choose-your-own adventure (listed below) and found it so delightful that I figured I should list all the best books of this fun sub-genre. Almost all of these books are part of a series. … [Read more...]
What Else Can Kids Read? 7 Reading Ideas Beyond Chapter Books
Think beyond chapter books when asking your kids to read. Chapter books are just one of many reading options. Here are seven more reading ideas to entice your kids into more reading. 7 Reading Ideas Beyond Chapter Books 1. The Newspaper Our daughter saw the headline about McDonald's in the above newspaper Op-Ed section, read the editorial, and had a lot of questions about it. I loved … [Read more...]
How Reading Easy Books Helps Your Child
This weekend, my daughter read three books. In about two hours. No, she's not a speed reader, she just read books that were really, really easy for her. And, I totally endorsed it. In fact, I want you to try it with your kids as well. Reading too easy books is a great strategy to get your kids back into the habit of reading over the summer. But, that's not all. There are specific reasons why … [Read more...]
Smart Book Clubs for Kids
Basically, the purpose of a book club for kids is two-fold: to get social time with friends AND to read lots of books. Joining (or starting) book clubs is one of the best idea to get your kids reading, especially over the long summer months! There's nothing better than hanging around with your friends, playing, eating, and . . . talking about a book! Yes, talking about a book. … [Read more...]
3 Essentials to Get Kids Reading Over the Summer
“Mom, I don’t have anything to do. I’m bored,” whines my child. Again. (As if anything I’m going to tell her do, she'll do, 'cause we all know that ain’t happening.) Generally, I tell her the same thing every time she whines: “Read a book. Books beat boredom.” (Yes, I stole it from a Mo Willems book. Do you know which one?) Or, I’ll say, “That’s fantastic news! Boredom is an opportunity … [Read more...]
Read Audiobooks, Kids!
Believe it or not, audiobooks for kids count as reading and are a great way to get kids to read and into good books. Benefits of Audiobooks for Kids Audiobooks count as reading. Audiobooks are quiet. Audiobooks are motivating for reluctant readers. Audiobooks build reading skills such as these: vocabulary background knowledge visualization listening skills Audiobook … [Read more...]
Wacky Books for Reluctant Readers
When you have a child who doesn't want to read, a reluctant reader, try to get them engaged in a wacky book or silly story. Help your child get started on a book by reading the book aloud to them for a few chapters. If it's funny, chances are good that he will continue on his own when you get too "busy" to read to him. (One of my favorite tricks!) Wacky Books for Reluctant Readers We've … [Read more...]
Burning Questions and Fantastic Feedback About Book Love
Readers, thank you for being awesome and supporting Book Love! Some of you have emailed me with questions. Also, I want to share the positive feedback I'me hearing, too. Q: Can I still buy Book Love even though I don't have a Kindle? A: Yes, you can buy it to read in on the computer or Kindle cloud! Buy the Kindle Fire color version by clicking HERE. Q: Will Book Love be available in … [Read more...]