How to Get Your Child to Love Reading, by Esme Raji Codell

I saw this book on Algonquin's list and I had to take a peek. How to Get Your Child to Love Reading: For Ravenous and Reluctant Readers Alike is not a new release. It's on Algonquin's back-list. I had a feeling though that this might be one of those great How-To resources that were worth looking into.


How to Get Your Child to Love Reading is a cousin to Read for the Heart (linked to my thoughts) or Honey for a Child's Heart. I would say the difference is in the author. Esme Raji Codell is a former schoolteacher and school librarian who is clearly passionate about children's literature. Her enthusiasm for it jumps off of the first few pages as she makes the argument that some children say that they do not like reading simply because they haven't been matched with the right book or author. Codell isn't so much a proponent of one-size-fits-all but certain-books-for-certain-children to develop a love of reading, learning and maturing.

"With the right guidance, and some freedom of choice, he will find authors he likes. Most problems arise in school settings when too many mismatches have been bound into one big fat textbook that the child is assigned every day, or if the literature made available to that child is of poor quality or incongruous with the child's ability and interests. When this happens, no one can accuse a child of being unjustified if he forms negative associations with books and takes that bloodcurdling leap into the world of "I hate reading." (page 5)

From the front page to the last, this book is filled with ideas on how to connect children with books in meaningful ways. As Codell says, this is not just a book about ideas but it is about personal experiences. Things you will find inside these pages:

1. Thematic reading lists.
2. Tips for reading aloud.
3. Encouragement to know the child you are reading to or with.
4. Ideas for incorporating art into the reading experience.
5. Websites to further your own knowledge about certain books.
6. Brief introductions to a variety of well-known children's authors
7. Activity and event ideas surrounding BOOKS!


How to Get Your Child to Love Reading is a handy resource to have available whether or not your kids love to read or hate it. (My kids love to read. My general idea is to spread books all over the house so that they are always underfoot and "in the way." The children are attracted to the "mess" and naturally take to it. Yes, this is my theory. It's not that I just haven't gotten around to shelving the books. No, no. Books probably belong on the floor. They are better loved that way. So far, my messy book plan seems to be working!)

I liked flipping through this particular book as it inspired me to find new ways to enjoy good books with my children. Codell has an excited sounding writing voice which motivates me onward. You know that if you say something in an exciting tone, you can almost make anyone believe everything you say. Of course, it helps if your audience is already pre-disposed to agree with your argument.

Thanks, Algonquin, for allowing me the opportunity to browse this book!