I have heard many people complain that they cannot get their child to read. Unfortunately, I feel that this is a problem not with just the kid in question, but the parents or adults as well. I'm not saying that it isn't partly the kids fault that they won't read, I'm saying that many adults try and force literature onto kids. Often times the literature they try and have their kids read makes the child uninterested in reading. The book may be too easy, too hard, it may be seen as boring. I admit that there are books I yawn at that other people refuse to put down, and visa versa. And if you don't want to go any farther that this first paragraph, remember one thing, most people, adults and children alike, like to read about what they fantasize about. Find out what kinds of games they like to play and try and match a book to that.
I have seen a lot of children and young adult books out there: fantasy, fiction, adventure, detective, non-fiction, graphic novels, romance, and more. If that type of book has come out for adults there a good chance that there is a version of that same type made for younger audiences. The problem that many people face is that they do not know where to go to find these lists of books. Often times people will go to these type of lists.
- Monroe Library
- Notable Books
- Kids' Reads
- International Reading Association
- National Education Association
- CBC Books
I have to admit that these are some good lists. But don't forget to read every book before you give it to your child to read. But these type of lists usually leave out books that are on the Banned Books List.
You might ask why I bring up the banned books list when you want your child to read. Well, some of the books on the banned book list are far better reading that some of the suggested books. Also some popular books are banned in some school districts. The “Harry Potter” books are banned in some places and other books are a very good read. “Watsons go to Birmingham” is a favorite of mine and my little sisters, but the book is banned in some areas. Now I'm not saying that you need to buy any books at all.
If you already own a lot of books, and you want your child to read, do you know that one of the easiest ways to get that child to read? The way is to read. Yes, if you want them to read you need to read. Turn the TV off stop playing videogames for at least a few hours a day and read. Even read aloud. If that doesn't seem to be your vote, get some books on tape. Rent them ,borrow them, get them from the library, or there are even places on the web that offers free audio books: LibriVox
that link gives you over 1000 books that are in the public domain (books that are free to download) and some great books are on that website. Did you know that the wizard of oz books are in the public domain and that people have read the books out loud for you. You simply need to download these free versions and use them. Mark Twain's books are on that site. Librivox even has a version of the Bible. Granted they only have books that are in the public domain. But don't knock free. Public libraries have audio books and you can check out the audio book alongside the actual book so you and your child can follow along.
Just remember, if you find the book uninteresting there's a good chance your child will be bored by the book as well. Be careful of unwanted content in books. Which is why you must read the book before your child does. Some books are on the banned book list for specific reasons, if you give you child a book you heard good reviews about, but get question from your daughter asking what masturbation is and why do boys do it, if you are not prepared to answer those questions, don't give it to your child. The only way to make sure your child doesn't read objectionable material is read it before they do. Fahrenheit 451 might not be a good book for a child that doesn't like books and likes to burn things.
So, if you want to get your child to read, match them to the right kind of book. Read books aloud to them or listen to audio books. Let them see you reading. Set time daily for reading, start slow. And if your child is reading, a good motivation to keep them reading is expensive but a great bribe, for each book them finish, buy them a new book. Let them choose the book, they hear about books from friends but make sure you read the book first. If you don't want them to read certain content, you better know which books have that content in it.
