Getting a child excited about books can feel like a challenge, especially in a world full of screens that offer infinite distractions. However, with the right approach, you can help your child experience the same joy of getting lost in a book that you had as a kid. Here are some tried-and-true strategies to spark their interest in reading.

 

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1. Guide Your Child When Choosing a Book

One of the biggest reasons kids resist reading is that many books today have shallow core themes. Encourage your child to explore books based on timeless values like persistence, friendship, and “doing the right thing even when it comes at a cost.” These themes have always resonated with the human soul and always will. That’s why the most memorable stories ever written revolve around these subjects.

2. Make Reading a Social Activity

It’s great to curl up in bed and read a book alone under a lamp, but books don’t have to be a solo activity! Try setting up a book club with friends, reading the same book together as a family, or encouraging them to discuss books with their classmates. Even listening to audiobooks together can make reading feel more fun and engaging. Additionally, reading a book together strengthens the bond between parents and children and gives kids an opportunity to open up about their personal struggles and concerns.

3. Find Books That Reflect Their Interests

A child who loves video games might enjoy a book with a game-themed adventure, while an animal lover might prefer stories about pets or wildlife. The key is to connect their reading material to their passions. Ask a librarian or bookseller for recommendations that align with their interests. If you can’t visit a library or bookstore, you can search for books online using keywords related to your child’s interests.

4. Introduce Fun Formats

Not every child enjoys traditional novels. Graphic novels, audiobooks, illustrated chapter books, and even books in verse can be great alternatives for kids who struggle with long passages of text. These formats still build literacy skills and can serve as a gateway to more reading. The key is to recognize your child’s reading stage and find books that match their literacy level and interests.

5. Read Aloud (Yes, Even for Older Kids!)

Reading aloud isn’t just for young children. Middle-grade kids still enjoy being read to, and it can take the pressure off struggling readers while helping them become immersed in a story. It’s especially fun for your child to see you modulating your voice and making faces as you impersonate the book’s characters.

6. Make Reading a Reward, Not a Chore

Avoid making reading feel like homework. Instead of using it as a punishment or requirement, make it something special. Create a cozy reading nook, offer fun incentives (like a trip to the bookstore), or let them stay up a little later if they’re reading in bed. This way, your child will develop a positive association with reading time.

7. Lead by Example

Children are more likely to develop a love for reading if they see the adults in their lives enjoying books. Let them see you reading for fun, talk about books you love, and share your excitement about storytelling. Don’t hide from your children the incredibly healthy habit of reading.

8. Connect Books to Real-Life Experiences

Find ways to bring stories to life. If they read a book set in a museum, take them to one. If they read about an adventurous hike, plan a nature outing. Relating books to real-world experiences makes reading feel more meaningful.

9. Keep Trying Different Books

If your child doesn’t like one book, don’t be discouraged! Sometimes, it takes a little trial and error to find the right story. Keep offering new options until something clicks.

10. Celebrate Their Reading Achievements

Make reading a reason to celebrate! Whether it’s finishing a book, discovering a new author, or reading for a set amount of time, acknowledge their accomplishments and encourage them to keep going.

Helping a middle grader develop a love for books is a journey, but with patience and creativity, you can turn even the most reluctant reader into an enthusiastic book lover. The effort pays off, as studies show that kids who read have a better understanding of the world, articulate themselves more effectively, and build stronger social skills. In other words, they become more intelligent and develop a lifelong love of learning.

I would be honored to be part of your child’s reading journey with my book, Johnny Rikkens’ Fantastic Worlds. I wrote this book to be fun, entertaining, and focused on timeless human values. It’s a true page-turner that will help your child develop a love for reading. You can gift my book to your child by clicking the link below. Happy reading!

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