Encouraging kids to read can be a difficult task. To be completely honest, I didn't enjoy reading until I was in the seventh grade. For many of us, it takes trial and error until we finally find a book that makes us fall in love with reading.
The same is true for your children. Your kids need to find a book that sparks their interests and makes them want to read. This book will be different for each child, but once you find this book, your child will be hooked on reading. If you are hoping to get your kids eager to read books, you are in the right place.
Here are five books to encourage your kids to read:
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1. The American Girl Series
One book series to encourage your girls to read is the American Girl series. This was one of my favorite book series, even though I was a bit late to the game. Despite being a teen when I read this series, I thought it was very well-written and connected with readers of all ages.
The original series characters include Felicity, Kirsten, Addy, Samatha, Molly, Josephine, Kit, and Kaya. Each of these characters has thoughtful storylines and truly connects the reader with the character. Each character has her own multi-book series and features a unique time in history, serving as a great lesson in history and culture for young readers. There are more characters added to the series each year as well as the yearly “Girl of the Year.” While your son might not be interested in the American Girl series, your daughter might find a new favorite series and a new friend in the pages of these books.
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2. The Chronicles of Narnia Series
A second book series to encourage your kids to read is The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. The series starts with “The Magician’s Nephew” and ends with “The Last Battle.” Throughout the series, you will connect with various characters and see the fantastical world of Narnia through their eyes. While many people are familiar with Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, there are many more characters to meet.
A beautiful addition to The Chronicles of Narnia series is that it tells the story of the Gospel in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” Lewis beautifully illustrates the Gospel through Aslan dying in place of Edmund. Your child might not pick up on this right away, but as the parent, you could help point them to the connection between Aslan and Jesus. This might encourage your child to continue reading the stories, knowing that Aslan will always be the great savior of Narnia just as Jesus is the great Savior of mankind.
It is important to note that throughout the series, elements of death and grief are prevalent, so ensure that your child is old enough to understand and process these issues.
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3. War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
War Horse follows the story of Joey, a horse, and his many owners. Joey’s ultimate owner is named Albert; however, they are separated during the Great War. Similar to Morpurgo’s other writings, it is historical fiction. In this way, he tells a story while teaching about history. This book is a great way to help your kids learn more about WWI.
If your child truly loves the book War Horse, there is a sequel called, Farm Boy. Additional works by Morpurgo are An Elephant in the Garden, The Butterfly Lion, and Little Manfred. All of these books are great options to try following “War Horse."
(Bonus: All of Morpurgo’s books include illustrations that your kids will love.)
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4. The Wings of Fire Series by Tui. T. Sutherland
The Wings of Fire series is centered around Clay, Sunny, Glory, Starflight, and Tsunami—unique dragons that go through various trials, tribulations, and adventures. This is a fun, clean series for young readers who enjoy fantasy and quests.
(It is important to know ahead of time that this series does have some violence in it, which could be scary for younger readers.)
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5. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
While many people think they are familiar with this beloved tale, they might be surprised by the original book. Many people have seen movie adaptations, but they haven’t yet read the original book. Kids of all ages are sure to love this book with its twists and turns. If your kids are younger, you could read this story aloud to them and help them be more encouraged to start reading themselves.
By setting an example, it will help them feel more prone to pick up a book for themselves. Even if your kids have not shown interest in reading yet, your excitement might be the perfect motivation. Most kids love stories—they just have to find the right one to read.
Happy reading!
RELATED: While exploring essential books and movies for children, consider tuning into this podcast episode discussing why The Passion of the Christ movie may warrant a second thought before viewing.
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Originally published Wednesday, 03 April 2024.
