Help! My Kid Hates Reading!

April 16, 2021 | Heather

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You spent hours and hours reading with your toddler. You loved reading when you were a kid. So why does your child cringe when a book enters their field of vision?

Let's be honest. Some people just don't like reading (gasp!), but that doesn't mean your child is one of them. We are here to help your reluctant reader find the joy of reading.

 

Problem 1: My pre-teen thinks reading is a chore

The REAL problem: reading IS a chore for them!

To make reading easier and more attractive for your reluctant reader, choose short novels that are funny or full of action. For my own reluctant reader, I like to read the first few chapters of a book out loud, to get him hooked on the story. Here are a few of my favourite recommendations for reluctant readers aged 9-12.

Cover image of The terrible two

The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett

When Miles moves to a small town with more cows than people, he plans to become the school’s best prankster. When he discovers there is already a champion prankster on the scene, the two unite.

Cover image of The strange case of Origami Yoda

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

Origami Yoda is just a paper finger puppet… or is he? Origami Yoda starts giving out wise advice that solves tough problems. How is this possible when his owner is the most clueless kid in school?

Book cover of Sideways stories from Wayside School

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar

The builders of Wayside School accidentally built it 30 stories up, instead of 30 rooms across. Each hilarious short chapter focuses on one of the kids in Mrs. Jewls' class on the top floor.

Cover image of Dust storm!

Survivor Diaries: Dust Storm by Terry Lynn Johnson

On a school trip, two sixth-graders are separated from the group and must use all their survival skills to survive a desert dust storm. Your child will want to read all the books in the fabulous Survivor Diaries series

 

Problem 2: My child will only read graphic novels

Solution: Not applicable. There is no problem!

Graphic novels are perfectly acceptable reading material for your child. They often have high vocabulary levels, yet are easy for your child to understand because of the picture clues. Check out our blog post about graphic novel read-alikes for Dog Man fans. Here are some lesser-known titles that make for great reading. 

Cover image of Mr. Wolf's class

Mr. Wolf’s Class series by Aron Nels Steinke

An accurate and funny slice of elementary school life. 

Cover image of Monster on the hill

Monster on the Hill by Rob Harrell

A village is ashamed that their village monster isn't scary at all.

Cover image of Kevin Keller

Kevin Keller by Dan Parent

Kevin Keller is an army son, and proudly gay. He moves to Riverdale and becomes friends with Archie and the gang.

Cover image of Phoebe and her unicorn : a heavenly nostrils chronicle

Phoebe and Her Unicorn: A Heavenly Nostrils Chronicle

Hilarious.

 

Problem 3: My teen only reads text messages

Solution: Make irresistible reading material available.

I like to leave books for my teen lying around in places where they might find themselves bored and device-less, such as in the washroom, or at the kitchen table. This strategy only works about one out of five times, but I consider that a great success when I'm competing with Instagram.

To interest your teen, try hi-lo novels, manga or other graphic novels. "Hi-lo" novels, such as Plank’s Law and Whiteout have highly interesting plots, but are written at a lower reading level, so your teen won't struggle while enjoying riveting reading. Check out our extensive collection of hi-lo books and ebooks. You can also find teen book recommendations on our website.

Cover image of Plank's law

Plank’s Law by Lesley Choyce

In this hi-lo book, Trevor works on his bucket list while dealing with his Huntington's disease.

Cover image of Whiteout

Whiteout by Vanessa Lanang

In this hi-lo book, a snowboarder struggles to survive during a whiteout in the mountains.

Cover image of Bleach. vol. 1, Strawberry and the soul reapers

Bleach, by Tite Kubo

One of our popular teen manga series.

Cover image of Primates : the fearless science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birut Galdikas

Primates by Jim Ottaviani

A highly interesting teen graphic novel about Jane Goodall and her peers.

Cover image of Superman smashes the Klan : the graphic novel

Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang

An exciting and timely graphic novel for teens.

 

Problem 4: My child won't even crack open a novel

Solution: Try non-fiction books that match their interests.

Does your child love cooking? Bugs? Minecraft? Star Wars? Slime? We have books on all of these topics. Does your child love being the centre of attention? Try books on magic tricks, gross facts or knock-knock jokes

Here are some irresistible non-fiction books that your child will want to read.

Cover image of Everyday magic for kids : 30 amazing magic tricks that you can do anywhere

Everyday Magic for Kids: 30 Amazing Magic Tricks That You Can Do Anywhere by Justin Flom

Cover image of That's gross!

That's Gross by Crispin Boyer

Cover image of Just joking sidesplitters : 300 hilarious jokes about everything including tongue twisters, riddles, and more!

Just Joking Sidesplitters: 300 hilarious jokes about everything, including tongue twisters, riddles, and more! by National Geographic Kids

Cover image of Baking kids love

Baking Kids Love by Cindy Mushet

 

If these tactics don't give you quick results, remind yourself that your child is actually reading every day. They might be reading messages in their video game chat bar, instructions from their teacher, or online reviews of the Lego ship they want. Your best bet is to continue to show how fun reading can be while you make some great reading material available to them. 

We would love to hear how your child likes our recommendations. Let us know in the comments. Best of luck to you!

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