Helping Kids Become Readers

Kids find it fun to select books to buy at a bookstore.

One of the most exciting moments for me as an author is when I am doing a signing at a bookstore, and parents make the effort to ensure that I am introduced to their children. We take a few minutes to talk about my being an author, what I wrote and I talk about writing and reading in general. It is nice to discuss with children and teens what their reading habits are and what they are currently reading. Right now, it seems that The Twilight Saga series is the most popular. It’s great when I run into the studious types who enjoy non fiction such as bug and dinosaur books.

I have on occasion witnessed when children really want a book, have taken several minutes to pick their favourite, have requested it be purchased, but for whatever reason are denied by whomever is with them (be it Mom, Dad or Grandma). I hope the denial comes with a good reason, and not just ‘no - just because’. I know there are libraries to take out books, and that children are inundated at schools with book order forms, author visits and book fairs where they can pick out books, but the bookstore provides something special for kids. To be honest, I’d rather see a child purchase a book (especially with their own money), than head to the toy department and purchase something else.

The last thing I’ve also come across which really does bother me at a bookstore is when I see a child accompanied by an adult, and they are picking out a gift with some money they have either saved or been given. With their savings clutched tightly in their hand, they take their time and finally find that specific book they really want. They show it to their accompanying adult, who right away turns it down in favour of a stuffed toy or some other trinket not at all related to reading. In these instances I would sure like to see the parents (grandparents, aunts, etc.) forgetting about the toys and really encouraging a good read.

While we adults enjoy perusing through the bookstore (or not), we can’t forget that bookstores offer quite a bit of magic to children too. Help raise a reader by allowing their interests in reading to be met.