Director’s Thoughts – 3/30/2024

This is a subject I’ve waxed poetic about more times than I can count, but I think it’s a great reminder before heading into summer. Reader’s choice matters. My first thoughts on this always go directly to kids. Probably because I’m comfortable in the children’s department and often still help out at the reference desk with questions from parents.

Graphic Novels

You may or may not be surprised by the number of parents who come up to the desk with very clear ideas of what kids should be reading. It’s often to lament that their kids won’t pick up anything but a graphic novel and that they want them to read a “real” book. Spoiler, graphic novels are real books. And it bears repeating, graphic novels are real books. In these instances, I’ll often share with parents and caregivers that it actually takes more brain power to read a graphic novel than just text on the page because your mind has to interpret not only words but pictures as well. And I always like to remind families that any reading is good, so if your child is reading graphic novels, they’re already ahead of many other kids.

Classics

Parents will also often revert to finding classics, books they’re familiar with from either their own childhood or titles that carry some weight from lasting through generations. And while some of these books are phenomenal, and some kids will love these books, they’re not for everyone. While Diary of a Wimpy Kid may never be considered a classic, Jeff Kinney hit the jackpot on finding a format and subject that kids resonate with – and they love them! I’ve got kids who can rattle off every title, the plot points, character, setting, and which one is their favorite and why. And isn’t that the point of reading? To love it?

Nonfiction

Kids may also not be interested in reading fiction. This is not uncommon, but can make parents frustrated because they’ve got a kid who “just doesn’t like reading.” My answer to that is, “We haven’t found the right book yet.” (It’s also my answer to adults when they find out I’m a librarian and mention they don’t like to read.) Oftentimes, we focus on providing kids with fiction titles, but some kids might be more interested in learning new things while they read – enter nonfiction.

Another topic I talk about often is that the nonfiction of today is nothing like the nonfiction that existed when I was growing up. Today’s nonfiction is bright, bold, attractive, and engaging. It draws readers in with fascinating facts, narratives that read like stories, and sidebars filled with primary sources. If you’ve got a kid who is reluctant to read, why not try a nonfiction title about an interest they have? It might surprise you.

Format

You can also try different formats to engage readers and provide choices. Maybe it’s read aloud time together or with an audiobook (and yes, listening to books is still reading), maybe graphic novels or novels in verse are a better fit, maybe reading on a tablet or another device. There are so many ways to read; limiting reading to physical books does kids a disservice.

Don’t Forget Adults

I think that it’s important to remember that most adults read for fun and enjoyment as well. I’d argue that many of the New York Times bestsellers aren’t the highest literary merit – and that’s okay. People enjoy reading the stories, and that’s the point. When people hear I’m a librarian, they automatically think they’ll be able to get amazing book suggestions from me. More often than not, they’re not looking for kids’ reading recommendations, and this is where I have to tell them I don’t read very much adult fiction. And it’s because I prefer reading YA and middle grade instead. There are so many books being published every year, don’t waste time on the books that you feel like you have to read; instead spend your time reading the books you want to read.

While it’s important for kids to gain literacy skills and to make sure there isn’t something they’re struggling with in terms of a disability, kids should learn (at the youngest age possible) that reading is fun. It’s exciting, enjoyable, calming, and a great hobby that can be carried with you for your whole life.