An Authors Tips for Hooking Reluctant Readers
Advice from a children's author on getting reluctant kid readers excited about books. Includes a list of recommended titles and types of books for young readers. A while back, I was shopping in the book section of Costco, a tempting place for a book-lover. While browsing the latest thrillers, I overheard this exchange 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 point, I felt like stepping in and saying, "Excuse me, ma'am, I'm an author. Step away from The Hobbit. Let the girl read what she likes." The truth is, it's hard enough to get some kids to put their nose in a book. No need to complicate matters by trying to make them read something they don't like. Educators, parents...