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Best Books For Kids Who (Think They)
Hate To Read
Dateline: 9/13/01
by Laura Backes
As I was writing "Best Books for Kids Who (Think They) Hate to
Read" I often pictured so many parents I know who, concerned
about their kids' lack of enthusiasm for reading, head out to
the book store and try to find that magical book that will turn
things around. In my mind's eye I saw them facing floor-to-ceiling
shelves lined with the newest titles, desperately hoping one
book would jump out from the rest and scream,
"I'm exactly what you're looking for!"
I wrote this book for those parents, and for you, if you find
yourself in a similar situation.
Once children are well into second grade they should be able
to read
age-appropriate books on their own. Once they're in third grade,
they
should search out books that appeal to them and read without
much parental or teacher prompting. But some kids don't follow
this path and need a little help. As you probably know, getting
a reluctant reader to pick up a book is much harder than simply
turning off the television and demanding they read. Choosing
books for these kids involves more than going to the library
and checking out books you loved as a child. That's why in Chapter
2, "When Bribes Fail: How to Help Your Child Learn to Love
Reading," I outline ten tips for parents to help them get
their kids excited about the reading process, how to connect
books to other things going on in their kids' lives, and how
to determine what kinds of books their kids will enjoy. One point
reading specialists make over and over is that you need to match
a book to your child, not try to force your child to read a pre-determined
book.
But beyond learning what your child might like to read, one
of the most valuable things a parent can do is to learn what
elements make up a good book for reluctant readers.
In Chapter One, "Where Do I Start?" I describe eight
characteristics that give books what I call "Reader Appeal."
These are (and I explain them in much more detail in the book):
- humor,
- well-defined characters,
- fast-paced plots,
- concise chapters,
- suitable text,
- kid relevance,
- unique presentation
- and visual appeal (the last two apply to nonfiction titles).
Then, in Chapters 4-8, I review 125 carefully selected books
that fit these criteria. Since I believe short lists can be more
effective than long ones, these books are presented to you as
a starting point, to help you determine where your child's reading
level currently is, and the kinds of books he or she will actually
read. The reviews cover about two pages each, and include a picture
of the book cover, an excerpt from the text, a synopsis, information
on why this book appeals to reluctant readers and who might like
it, and further reading recommendations if your child likes this
book.
"Best Books for Kids Who (Think They) Hate to
Read" is designed to help you become an expert in children's
books, to learn how to spot a book your child will like, and
know where to find it in the book store or library. And, eventually,
you can pass this knowledge on to your child as he or she moves
from being a reluctant reader to a lover of books.
Buy
the book!
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Best
Books for Kids Who (Think They) Hate to Read
125 Books That Will Turn Any Child into a Lifelong Reader
by Laura Backes
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