My biggest challenge as a middle-grade fantasy author was to create a book with a story so rich and fascinating that it would make kids choose to put their phones aside and read it! Based on the feedback I’ve been receiving from parents, I feel my effort paid off. It brings joy to my heart to know that my book is being read by kids and maybe serving as their gateway to the world of literature.

However, the challenge remains: I have more books to write, and screens are offering more and more distraction by the day. Despite having researched the impact of screens on kids and their development for a while now and gathering a set of knowledge and skills to deal with it, sometimes I feel that making a kid pick up a book is like a final boss challenge. Who would choose to read a bunch of words put together while games and social media offer infinite entertainment at the tap of a finger? Beyond that, how can an author compete for the attention of readers when the mysterious and complex algorithm that runs all the internet services can profile kids and their preferences in minutes, offering them exactly what they like? It’s a hard task for sure, but not impossible.

With all that in mind, I thought, “But what if books could be just as exciting as screens?”

The good news is that with the right strategies, you parents can make reading so irresistible that your child will want to turn the page instead of reaching for a phone or PC. Here’s what I discovered about how to do that:

1. Turn Reading Into an Adventure

Video games and social media thrive on excitement—that feeling that you’re about to discover or face something new. So why not bring that same energy to books? Just try:

• Creating a reading treasure hunt where kids uncover clues in their books.
• Letting them role-play as their favorite characters from stories.
• Setting fun challenges (e.g., “Finish this chapter before bedtime to unlock a special prize!”).

2. Let Them Choose Books That Excite Them

One major reason screens win over books is that kids get to pick their content, and this alone proves they have no problem when it comes to deciding what they really want. So give them that same control with reading! Let them browse the bookstore, library, or e-book catalog to find stories that match their interests—whether it’s fantasy, mystery, or graphic novels. Trust in their capacity of making choices, only guiding them on the way to not let anything inapropriate for their age fall on their hands.

3. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Screens don’t have to be the enemy. You can:

• Download audiobooks so they can listen while playing or traveling.
• Get interactive e-books with animations and sound effects.
• Use reading apps that gamify the experience with points and rewards.
• Let the right people influence them. Kids like to be part of something, and with the right people influencing them, they will likely adopt their behaviors. On Instagram, for example, there’s a girl who goes by the handle @little_reading_wizard. She’s a true bookworm and constantly posts about the books she’s reading.

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🔥 Looking for an adventure your child won’t be able to put down? 🔥

Introduce them to Johnny Rikkens’ Fantastic Worlds, a thrilling fantasy novel packed with mystery, magical realms, and unforgettable characters. If they love video games and action-packed movies, they’ll be hooked from page one. Who knows? This might be the book that sparks their lifelong love of reading!

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4. Make Reading a Social Experience

Kids love playing multiplayer games and watching YouTube videos with friends—so why should reading be any different? Try:

• Family read-alouds with different members voicing characters.
• Book clubs with their friends or classmates.
• Reading “buddy” time where siblings or friends take turns reading to each other.

5. Create a Reward System

Games reward progress with levels and achievements—so why not books? Set up a simple rewards chart where finishing books earns points toward fun treats like a special outing, a new book, or a movie night based on their favorite novel. Besides that, don’t forget that compliments are also a reward. Let your children know that you are aware of their reading habit and that you are proud of it!

The Key: Make Reading an Experience

By transforming reading into something as immersive as digital entertainment, you can spark a genuine love for books in your child. It’s not about taking away screens—it’s about making books just as exciting. And once they get hooked on the right story, there’s no turning back!