Sure, there are going to be those kids who know they're going to read for hours this summer. Reading an hour or more a day is par for the course for them. Then there are kids who like reading well enough - they may not read at a really fast pace, but they're motivated and can usually find good books that they are interested in. But what's a grown-up to do when your young person isn't enthusiastic about reading at all? Where can you find ideas and recommendations for titles to give to a young person who just doesn't ever find "that book" - the one they just can't put down?
Luckily there are lots of places to look for titles for what's known as a "reluctant" reader - too many, in fact, to list here altogether. What I'll do today is throw out some series possibilities (series are great, because if you get hooked on the first one, it's easy to say, "Order me the next one!") as well as link to some resources that I've personally used in the past to recommend titles. Note: There are a TON of places I look for book ideas - this barely scratches the surface but it'll be a start, at least!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney - this popular series is a hit with many, many readers. Its middle school setting interests older elementary students who want to "read up," while middle school readers appreciate the dry sense of humor and ridiculous antics.
Big Nate: In a Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce - great for those looking for Diary of a Wimpy Kid read-alikes, the Big Nate series tells the story of sixth grader Nate who has a detention habit and a penchant for trouble. A lively cast of characters and energetic illustrations make this series appealing to a wide variety of readers.
Babymouse by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm - this funny series of juvenile graphic novels stars a spunky, vivacious mouse with a runaway imagination and a desire to be accepted into the popular crowd - but at what cost? Babymouse's voice borders on sarcastic at times, and the reference to literary classics may go over some readers' heads. The illustrative style is really engaging, and may make artistic fingers itch for a marker and some scratch paper to draw their own stories.
Magic Treehouse: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osbourne - a great series for younger readers (early to middle elementary) to sink their teeth into (there are about forty titles!). The idea of a magical treehouse that transports kids back in time to various historical periods will capture young imaginations and inspire a curiosity about history, too.
There are SO many more books and series to choose from for those looking for ways to attract reluctant readers! Here's a short list of places to look for more ideas, including some for older readers:
- A Pinterest board dedicated to the subject of books for reluctant readers
- A web resource published by the Cooperative Children's Book Center at UW-Madison on graphic novels and their use in and outside of the classroom (hint: graphic novels are a great way to engage young readers - same with anime and manga titles)
- For older readers, here are some "quick picks" from the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)
- Don't neglect non-fiction! Lots of kids prefer to read true stories (think the Magic School Bus) and an engaging book on a fascinating topic can be as much a page-turner as a made-up story.
Last but not least, I'll put in a plug for your local resources, including your public library and your school district! Send us an email (eagerfree@als.lib.wi.us) with your reading requests and questions.
Happy reading!
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