Book+Choice

== = = = =  How to Raise a Reader = =  In [|Family media management], [|Educational issues] by [|Regan McMahon] , on 01.10.12 = = = = Kids become lifelong readers for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes there's one key book that captures a kid's imagination and opens him or her up to the exciting world of fiction. Other times, a teacher who assigns great books in class sparks a hunger for more big ideas and fine writing. In some cases, parents influence kids' appreciation of books by sharing their own love of literature and modeling reader behavior -- always having a book to read, taking books on vacation, reading before bedtime, making regular trips to the library and bookstore, etc. Here are our best tips for nurturing a love of reading that can last a lifetime: **Read aloud:** This comes naturally to lots of new parents, but it's important to keep it up. Kids will enjoy it longer than you think. For babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and kids in early grade school, it's wonderful to have a kid on your lap, snuggled next to you on the couch, or drifting off to sleep in bed as you enjoy picture books together. You may have to read your kid's favorite a hundred times, but just go with it. Your kid will remember the closeness as well as the story. And try nonfiction for those who are curious about pirates, Vikings, robots, castles, history, sports, biography, animals, whatever. For second through fifth graders, read those rich and meaty books that might be missed otherwise, maybe classics like [|//Treasure Island//] or // [|Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.] // Many parents think that as soon as their kids learn to read on their own, they no longer need to be read to. But kids still love it and benefit from it as they hear the rhythm of the language, learn correct pronunciation, and get to relax and just take it all in. Kids will get the idea that there's something worthwhile in books and that there's something special about time spent with a parent. **Savor the series:** It's common for kids to become book lovers for life after getting hooked on a series. And there are lots of good ones that keep kids hungry for the next installment. Some reliable prospects: [|//Ivy and Bean//], [|//Judy Moody//] for beginning readers; [|//Harry Potter//] , [|//A Series of Unfortunate Events//] , and the [|//Percy Jackson series//] for middle graders; and // [|Hunger Games] //,[|//Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants//] , and [|//Twilight//] (unless you think vampires are too creepy) for older kids. **Grab onto a genre:** Kids go through phases of genres they're passionate about, from [|girl detectives] to <span style="color: #00b5ad; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[|science fiction] and <span style="color: #00b5ad; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[|fantasy]. Don't get hung up on whether it's considered great literature (although some genre books are). Be happy that your kid is devouring books one after the other. **Feed the favorite-author addiction:** Once your kids finds a writer they love, they may want to read all of his or her books -- a great excuse for a trip to the library or an opportunity for book swapping among friends and classmates. Here are some good bets for favorites. Younger kids: Dav Pilkey (<span style="color: #00b5ad; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[|//The Adventures of Captain Underpants//] ), Beverly Cleary (<span style="color: #00b5ad; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[|//Beezus and Ramona//] ). Middle grade: Kate DiCamillo (<span style="color: #00b5ad; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[|//Because of Winn-Dixie//] ), Neil Gaiman (<span style="color: #00b5ad; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[|//The Graveyard Book//] ). Tweens and teens: Judy Blume (<span style="color: #00b5ad; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[|//Are You There God, It's Me Margaret//] ) and Sarah Dessen (<span style="color: #00b5ad; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[|//Just Listen//] ). = = = = = = = Here are some tips for choosing a great book! =