Books are boring. They don’t blink, buzz or blip entertainingly. They don’t convey instant social affirmation like Snapchat. They don’t even make a cool whirring noise like a fidget spinner. Books require effort. All true. But they also nourish imaginative thinking, prompt discussion and create real, lasting neurological change, including the development of empathy. Great — so how do you get your kids to read?
Truthfully, you can’t. The more you push, the less they’re likely to willingly comply — and if it’s compulsory, it’s unlikely that you’re going to get them to true enjoyment. In my experience, both as a parent and a teacher, the best bet to get kids to read is to provide them with books that a) address specific interests (soccer, rap, dogs — whatever they are into) and b) are by the author of previously-enjoyed or much-read-by-peers books (Suzanne Collins, John Green and currently Jay Asher come to mind immediately).
The more YA literature I read, the better equipped I feel to make recommendations. But for those with perhaps more mature reading tastes, ask your local librarian and/or make liberal use of the book award lists that are widely available online. I have found the Printz, Coretta Scott King and Alex Award lists particularly helpful. What follows are some of my best bets — books that kids have responded to as well as some likely-to-hit newer titles.
‘Blur’
Blur by Steven James is a little bit Twin Peaks-like. I had a student tell me that this is the first book she’s wanted to keep reading. Spoiler: It’s a trilogy, so there’s plenty more if it’s a hit! (Amazon, $6.65)
‘Eleanor & Park’
by Rainbow Rowell is one of those books that kids say is just true. Great characters and beautiful writing make this one a hit with many. Slight sexual content. (Amazon, $11.20)
‘Ender’s Game’
The book Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card is so much better than the movie (if this is a hit, follow it up with Ender’s Shadow, which retells the story from the point of view of another character). Contains some graphic violence. (Amazon, $6.39)
‘Gone’
Gone by Michael Grant is described by YALSA as Lord of the Flies envisioned by Stephen King. This is also the first in a multi-book series. Note: The book is intimidatingly large, but the font is generous and there is a lot of white space on the pages, making it accessible for all reading abilities. (Amazon, $5.16)
‘I Am Princess X’
I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest is a hybrid of traditional and graphic novels, mixed with a mystery that my own son fell into in a big way. (Amazon, $7.06)
‘Illuminae’
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff is an epistolary novel (it’s all letters, ship’s logs and other types of direct communication) set in space in 2575 packed with action, romance and some twisty surprises. (Amazon, $11.17)
‘Panther in the Hive’
Panther in the Hive by Olivia A. Cole is dystopic fiction with a zombie twist — a good bet for Hunger Games fans. Contains some gross descriptions of zombie violence and mature language. (Amazon, $14)
‘The Sun Is Also a Star’
The movie of Nicola Yoon’s book Everything, Everything is about to be released, so expect her latest, The Sun Is Also a Star, to rocket in popularity. It’s a great love story about knowing yourself and being open to others. Contains sexual references and mature language. (Amazon, $11.39)
‘Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina’
The memoir Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina by Michaela DePrince and Elaine DePrince looks at Michaela DePrince’s journey from Sierra Leone to the stage. If it’s a hit, also try Life in Motion by Misty Copeland. (Amazon, $7.19)
‘A Tale Dark & Grimm’
My sons loved A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz. They are in fact dark and rather gross, which they adored. This author’s newest work is The Inquisitor’s Tale, a Canterbury Tales-like story that’s gotten a lot of praise and recognition. (Amazon, $7.19)
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