When is the last time your kids enjoyed reading a book? I don’t mean when they toughed it out. I mean when they genuinely broke out laughing or couldn’t wait to tell you what happened next? Maybe that’s what’s missing in our well-meaning approach to getting our kids to read. Maybe we need to lighten up and give them the opportunity to see that books are a form of entertainment.
Start with one of these
The books in this list largely use words your kids know. They involve characters in situations your kids can relate to. Some of them were written years ago, yet I’ve heard teens and adults speak fondly of the characters and tell me that they read them for pure enjoyment. Maybe one of these series is right for your kid:
Trixie Belden by Tatham. Trixie, Honey, and Jim live in a world that is perfect for a group of friends who love horses, swimming, and mystery.
Junie B. Jones by Park. Think Ramona Quimby with a sassier attitude and questionable grammar. I’ve seen flat-out non-readers devour these books.
The Babysitters Club by Martin. These books are about friendship, working together, and the ups and downs of growing up. They’re told in first person, so for many kids, they feel personal.
Humphrey by Birney. This little hamster has spunk and a very curious mind. These books combine a bit of fantasy with the reality of a classroom that draws kids right in.
Magic Tree House by Osborne. What kid doesn’t love Jack and Annie. The moment this brother and sister realize they can travel anywhere just by pointing at a page in a book is the moment the adventures begin.
Share the experience
Ask your kids a few questions about the book to start a conversation:
- What was the funniest thing that happened?
- Would you want to be friends with the main character?
- What else would you like to see?
Bottom Line
If you’ve tried everything you can think of, try these series. Or, visit the library and turn you kids loose in the stacks. Yes, let them pick a book by its cover. Then, set aside some time for them to see what’s inside.