Disclosure: I received this book as part of a Litfuse tour. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

Since books have always been a big part of my life, from even my earliest memories, it’s difficult for  me to imagine NOT wanting to read.  I’ve been known to read the car manual out of sheer desperation for reading material.  Becoming a language arts teacher seemed inevitable!  These days, when parents come to me with the worry that their child hates to read, the desperation starts to claw at my heart all over again.  I’ve got to find a book for that child!   It seems to me that most children don’t actually hate reading; they just haven’t found “their” book yet.  If you want to know how to get your reluctant reader into a good book, try some of these tips! 

1.  Don’t be afraid to start with pictures.  If you have a young child, use books that have only illustrations.  This way, your child can tell the story by reading just the pictures. There’s no right or wrong, which takes the pressure off of your reluctant reader.  The Snowman is a good choice for this type of reading.  For an older child, try getting a high-interest magazine or graphic novel.  My daughter can’t get enough of the Maximum Ride Manga books, which eventually drew her to the novel series.
2. Read the first book in a series — together.  There are two big draws to this suggestion. First, your child will love spending time reading the book with you.  Secondly, a series begs to be read.  I can’t tell you how often reluctant readers in my classroom have gone on to read sequels of books that I introduced as a read aloud. My daughter started with the first Maximum Ride book and devoured the rest within a few days. It’s like eating just one delicious chip out of the bag — you’ve gotta have more.  If you are short on time like many families are, try downloading an audiobook to listen together in the car.  This is how our family reads many books together.  My kids love it, and it helps to make our long commute more tolerable.
3. Consider your child’s natural pursuits. Children are naturally drawn to stories.  Cartoons, conversations, and even music all point to this fact.   If you can find a book about a topic that your child will already be motivated to read, you’ve won half the battle.  If your child is interested in horses, for example, why not consider Blue Ribbon Trail Ride?  This book has much more than just an interesting mystery.  Problem-solving, friendship, and compassion for others are all elements of this tale.  The characters are as realistic as a group of kids playing in your backyard.  They learn about personal responsibility and forgiveness as important life lessons.    This is a charming book to read as a family, and a great option for reluctant readers.
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   source: Flickr

   Tie in an activity with the book.  There’s no shame in having a reading incentive.  If there’s a movie based on your child’s book, offer to see it together when your child finishes reading the story.  If you read Blue Ribbon Trail Ride, end the book with an afternoon of horseback riding. There are also some fun activities in the back of the Horses and Friends series to make this idea even easier for you!   For a reluctant reader, it’s often necessary to relate the book with something enjoyable before the act of reading become pleasurable.

5. Be a reader yourself!   You don’t have to doom your child to a lifetime of hating reading — even if you feel that way.  Your child will take the cue from you.  Let your child see you reading the Bible, the newspaper, or a novel.  There are so many options in fiction these days, you’re sure to find something that you’d enjoy!   I like to read books that my daughter would possibly enjoy, so I generally stick with young adult novels or even historical fiction.  Recently I read the book The Prophetess.  I liked how the book shows Deborah as a young woman who was unsure of herself, yet grew to become one of the greatest women of the Old Testament.  Though she didn’t always believe in herself, her husband knew her strength.  History buffs will appreciate the ancient wisdom described in the biblical events of Deborah’s time.  The characters that might seem flat in your Bible just leap off the page in The Prophetess! Some parts of the story felt slow, but I plugged along – rewarded by an exciting event or adventure each time.  By reading a book, you’re living out what you want from your child.  What a way to set an example!

Do you have any suggestions to help reach a reluctant reader?  I’d love to hear!

Books That Need More Attention giveaway bonus word list 

9/30  discover
10/1   learn
10/2   inspire
10/3   legends
10/4   individuals
10/5   geography
10/6   famous
10/7   events
10/8   facts
10/9    landmarks
10/10   influential
10/11    history
10/12   caricatures
10/13   biographies
10/14   teach