By Heather Peterson

Now that school is back in session, and students and parents have refocused on academic success, they may wonder, “What role does reading play?” For many students, reading falls into two main categories during the school year: reading out of necessity (translation – school assignments) and reading for pleasure. Ask a student to describe pleasure reading, and they come up with descriptors such as interesting and, well, fun, while necessary or required reading is often described as the opposite.

Librarians are frequently approached by parents who are concerned because their child or teen “isn’t a reader.” School, library and other literacy experts usually refer to these individuals as reluctant readers. Reluctant readers can be any age (even adults), and they may not like to read because they find it difficult or uninteresting.

How can you help a reluctant reader enjoy reading more? Families find success in many ways:

* Family reading time. Families read together – either aloud or silently, either the same book or separate books. It is a time when adults model good reading habits for their children.

* Audio books. Listening to audio books can provide incentive for the reluctant reader and enhance reading skills. It’s especially effective if a reluctant reader reads a book while simultaneously listening to the audio book version.

* It’s important to choose materials that interest your child or teen. Find material that connects to the student’s life or is something they care about. Rather than the traditional book format, your child may prefer comic book-style graphic novels. Or a magazine about a hobby that your child is already interested in (and good at). Some online games have detailed instructions and require intensive reading to play. Nonfiction – such as silly joke books, books on the supernatural, pets, gross stuff or other topics popular with kids – can have great appeal for the reluctant reader.

* Participate in a “Paws to Read” session at Hennepin County Library. Young children read aloud to certified volunteers and trained therapy animals to improve kids’ reading confidence and literacy skills. Check the program schedule for upcoming sessions: http://www.hclib.org/pub/events/.

Where to begin your search for books and other materials to motivate a reluctant reader?

* Come in and ask a librarian for suggestions.

* Our KidLinks, TeenLinks and BookSpace Web pages offer extensive reading lists organized by subjects and genre: http://www.hclib.org/kids/books/, http://www.hclib.org/teens/read.cfm, and http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/.

* One of our favorite resources on the Internet is the “Guys Read” site, www.guysread.com. Founded by author and former teacher Jon Scieszka, this Web resource is packed with suggested reading for guys, especially.

Some children and teens are reluctant readers due to disinterest, even though they are strong readers. Parents need to offer gentle encouragement and guidance and foster the potential reading interests that the child possesses.

Heather Peterson is a librarian at the Eden Prairie Library.

Titles to motivate reluctant readers

* Series such as “Shadow Children” by Margaret Peterson Haddix, “Chronicles of Ancient Darkness” by Michelle Paver, “American Chillers” by Johnathan Rand, and “Septimus Heap” by Angie Sage. For elementary age students.

* Books by publisher DK (Dorling Kindersley), which have wonderful photos and unique page layouts. For elementary and middle school age students.

* “Feed” by M.T. Anderson (especially audio), “Airborn” by Kenneth Oppel, the adventure series, “Warriors” by Erin Hunter, and the “Alex Rider Adventure” series by Anthony Horowitz. For teen students.

* Book clubs are fun and motivate reluctant readers. Organize your own book club, or join one at a Hennepin County library. Book clubs for kids and teens are scheduled at various libraries throughout the year, but especially during the summer: http://www.hclib.org/pub/events/.