Does your child hate to read? Whether he is a proficient but disinterested reader or one who struggles with words, introducing the right type of children's books can spark his enthusiasm and turn him into a lifelong reader.
Parent's Checklist
Before buying, see how your selection rates by asking yourself:
- Is it the right reading level?
Discuss your child's reading abilities with his teacher. Ask which level of children's books is best for him to read on his own: easy-to-read books such as Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day; chapter books like Encyclopedia Brown; middle-grade books such as The Giver; or young adult books such as Lord of the Rings.
- Is it age-appropriate?
If your child is reading below grade level but does not have a reading difference, extra practice at home should help her progress. She may hate reading because it takes her a long time to figure words out. Building her vocabulary will improve her fluency. Use books that match her skill level to boost her vocabulary.
- Will she read it?
If he likes what it is about, there is a better chance that he will read it. Anything that gets your child to read for pleasure will help him build his vocabulary and sharpen critical-reasoning skills. Let your child choose his own books as long as they are not offensive and don’t cause nightmares. Encourage him to read comic books, graphic novels, entertainment news, or sports magazines if he's interested in them.
The Developmental Edge
Interest in books may start to wane as your child grows. Use this guide to select reading material that reignite a love for children's books and words:
- Elementary schoolers — grades 1–5
Spend time every day partner-reading with your child. Amusing books with silly drawings and humor only a kid could love is a great way to turn reading into fun. The Captain Underpants series is good for ages 7 to 10. Try a book that was the basis for a movie she likes such as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
- Middle schoolers — grades 6–8
Be enthusiastic about books that suit his interests even if they are not what you would have chosen. The Diary of a Minecraft Zombie series, for example, may appeal to your Minecraft-loving kid and keep him reading. If he has found a series of books he likes, let him keep reading the other titles.
- Engaging proficient readers
If your child is an advanced reader, she may be bored with the selection of children's books she's been exposed to so far. See our tips on choosing books for advanced readers.