Reaching Reluctant Young Readers
By (author) Rob Reid
Not available to order
Publication date:
09 March 2017Length of book:
262 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersISBN-13: 9781442274426
Reaching Reluctant Young Readers features 150 middle-grade books. Each profiled title has the potential to hook the reluctant reader and lure them to read the entire book. To specifically encourage elementary and middle-school-age reluctant children to read, there is first a pitch to get the reader’s attention. That is followed by a short reading passage to “set the hook” and encourage the young person to read the rest of the book on their own. Further, the book contains several hundred additional recommended titles.
The books selected for this collection were chosen following the criteria of reluctant reader books created by the Quick Picks committee sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association. While these guidelines were designed for young adult books, they also work well for middle-grade books. The criteria include:
The books selected for this collection were chosen following the criteria of reluctant reader books created by the Quick Picks committee sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association. While these guidelines were designed for young adult books, they also work well for middle-grade books. The criteria include:
- clear writing (no convoluted long sentences with sophisticated vocabulary),
- high interest “hook” in the first few pages,
- well-defined characters,
- interesting plot, and
- familiar themes.
As K-12 school librarians can attest, it is no easy task to connect elementary and middle grade students to pleasurable reading material. Indeed, convincing these discerning customers to accept one's recommendations can be an effort fraught with stubborn resistance. A happy book match, however, can induce a librarian adrenaline-rush akin to bagging prized game; and so it is easy to understand why librarians continually strive to help their most reluctant readers. In Reaching Reluctant Young Readers, author Reid provides a valuable resource to librarians. Using the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) selection criteria, Reid has created an annotated bibliography of 150 high-interest books. The predominantly fiction titles are organized by 15 genres such as fantasy, superheroes, graphic novels, and even the germane ‘Books about kids who hate to read.’ Although reluctant readers are often stereotyped as being adolescent males, Reid's selections are not bound by gender lines but rather will appeal to all children in grades 3 to 8. Annotations give recommended passages to read in pitching the books, as well as pertinent reader recommendations for similar works. Of value to teachers, librarians, and anyone studying children's literature and its reception.
Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students through professionals/practitioners.
Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students through professionals/practitioners.