Sometimes all it takes is one book to engage a child who may be reluctant to read. Though it’s the end of the school year (for most), it’s never too late to try to entice a new reader. Here are a few books that explore reading and/or writing as a topic:
Miss Brooks Loves Books (And I Don’t)
by Barbara Bottner is a great book to show a child that not everyone enjoys reading, but there is a book in the library for everyone. If your child is overwhelmed by the amount of books in the library or book store, read aloud this book. Encourage him to choose books to read based on his interests.
The Jellybeans and the Big Book Bonanza
by Laura Numeroff is another great book that demonstrates the power of reading. Similar to Miss Brooks Loves Books! (and I don’t), Anna and her friends must find a book about a thing they love in order to write a book report. All of her friends find one, will Anna?
The Best Story
by Eileen Spinelli is a great book to show children where ideas may come from for writing. The narrator of the story wants to write the “best story” to win a prize with her favorite author. She enlists the help of her family members for ideas, but nothing seems quite right. Her mother reminds her that the best stories come from the heart.
Library Mouse
by Daniel Kirk is an adorable book to read aloud to children. Sam, the Mouse, lives in the Children’s Section of the library. He loves to read and one day decides to write a book. He places his book on the shelf for the children to find. Will they find it? What will they think?
For lessons related to these books, check out Picture This! Teaching with Picture Books.
Do you have innovative ways to encourage kids (specifically reluctant readers) to read? I would love to hear them!
©2010 by Dawn Little for Literacy Toolbox. All Rights Reserved. All Amazon links are affiliate links and may result in my receiving a small commission. This is at no additional cost to you.
Tags: books about reading and writing, motivating readers and writers
This entry was posted on May 20, 2010 at 9:30 am and is filed under Dormant Readers, engage readers, family literacy, literacy, Motivation, reluctant readers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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Literacy Toolbox 
May 20, 2010 at 9:49 am |
My son is a good reader. He’s just finishing the first grade. This may be a good book to read to him. We just have to work a little harder to find the right books. He got into Amulet, a comic strip type adventure/fantasy story, recently. He chose to stay inside and read instead of play outside the other day. He said reading his book felt like playing.
May 26, 2010 at 1:32 pm |
It is good to have something fun to engaged children that aren’t excited about reading. What do you suggest for children who struggle with reading and decoding skills?