Your Child Doesn't Hate Reading. They Haven't Found Their Genre Yet.

I've met very few students who truly hated reading. Most simply hadn't found the right book yet.

They didn't hate reading. They hated what they had been asked to read.

Imagine being handed a random novel and told, "If you don't enjoy this, you must not like reading."  Just like adults, kids have different tastes in books. The key is helping them discover stories or topics that genuinely spark their interest.

Every Reader Is Different

Reading isn't one-size-fits-all. Some kids love solving mysteries and puzzles. Others want fast-paced action and adventure. Some prefer learning about real things like sharks, space, or history. Many love humor or graphic novels. That's normal.

The goal isn't to make every child love every book. The goal is to help them discover what excites them about reading.

Start With Interests, Not Reading Levels

Instead of asking, "What should my child read?"

Ask, "What does my child already love?"

🕵️ If they like mysteries...

Try The Inheritance Games or The Parker Inheritance. Both are perfect for readers who love solving puzzles and uncovering clues.

🏀 If they like sports...

Try Ghost by Jason Reynolds. It's fast-paced, inspiring, and perfect for readers who love competition and perseverance.

🐉 If they like fantasy...

Try Amari and the Night Brothers or Scythe. Both are great choices for readers who enjoy imaginative worlds and unforgettable adventures.

😂 If they like to laugh...

Try Restart. It's funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly thoughtful.

🌎 If they're fascinated by history...

Try The Book Thief or One Crazy Summer. Both bring history to life through unforgettable characters.

📖 If they enjoy comics or visual storytelling...

Try New Kid by Jerry Craft. It's a wonderful choice for reluctant readers or anyone who enjoys graphic novels.

Reading Doesn't Have to Mean Sitting Down With a Novel

Reading comes in many forms, and they all help build important literacy skills.

Reading can look like:

• Graphic novels

• Magazines

• Recipes

• Sports articles

• Blogs

• Song lyrics

  
  

Reading is still practicing vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking, even if it doesn't look like the books you remember from school.

Three Things to Stop Doing

❌ Don't force your child to finish a book they genuinely dislike.

❌ Don't worry if they reread the same series five times.

❌ Don't say, "That's too easy."

Sometimes the best thing you can do is to simply get out of the way and let them enjoy reading.

One Last Thought

The goal isn't to raise a child who reads every book. It's to raise a child who believes there's something worth reading.

Need Help Finding the Right Fit?

One of my favorite parts of teaching is helping students discover something they genuinely enjoy reading. If your child is struggling to enjoy reading, I'd be happy to help them discover materials that match their interests while building stronger reading, writing, and communication skills along the way.