Jenna Idenward's Reviews > How to Raise a Reader
How to Raise a Reader
by
by
I received an ARC from NetGalley (thanks, NetGalley!) and was tickled to find I liked this book as much as I did. This feels like the parent companion to voices in education like Donalyn Miller and Penny Kittle. It talks more about prolonging readaloud snuggle time into elementary school than an aggressive dream of high test scores in teenagedom. I agree with other reviews that it would make a darn perfect baby shower present.
The book is divided into parts, tackling babyhood, toddlerdom, early readers, middle grade childhood, and teenage years separately. Each part has a summary of what reading looks like at that age, some tips and caveats, and then a list of recommended books. I was charmed to see the books included were a mix of current and classic, and always kept representation in mind. The authors are clearly writing for a bookish audience, with ever-so-occasional nods to classic literature ("It is a truth universally acknowledged that a child in possession of the ability to read must be in want of a series") that prompt delight more often than eye-rolls.
As a middle school teacher, this is a book I know I'll recommend to parents when they bemoan their child is not the reader they had hoped. It is not a fix-it plan, but it does provide guidance. Make time. Strive for intrinsic motivation. Show your reading. Let books be available, without being forced. Accept topics and genres you don't think are "good enough." I plan to buy a copy to put outside my door during parent conferences.
The book is divided into parts, tackling babyhood, toddlerdom, early readers, middle grade childhood, and teenage years separately. Each part has a summary of what reading looks like at that age, some tips and caveats, and then a list of recommended books. I was charmed to see the books included were a mix of current and classic, and always kept representation in mind. The authors are clearly writing for a bookish audience, with ever-so-occasional nods to classic literature ("It is a truth universally acknowledged that a child in possession of the ability to read must be in want of a series") that prompt delight more often than eye-rolls.
As a middle school teacher, this is a book I know I'll recommend to parents when they bemoan their child is not the reader they had hoped. It is not a fix-it plan, but it does provide guidance. Make time. Strive for intrinsic motivation. Show your reading. Let books be available, without being forced. Accept topics and genres you don't think are "good enough." I plan to buy a copy to put outside my door during parent conferences.
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Reading Progress
May 27, 2019
–
Started Reading
May 27, 2019
– Shelved
May 27, 2019
–
35.65%
""It is a truth universally acknowledge that a child in possession of the ability to read must be in want of a series. Why fight it?"
Really enjoying this so far! Sentimental and progressive and dorky, in the best way"
page
77
Really enjoying this so far! Sentimental and progressive and dorky, in the best way"
May 27, 2019
–
63.43%
""If you are a literary-minded type yourself and feed tempted to weigh in on the 'quality' of your teenager's reading material, just don't––save your disapproval for vaping, not books.""
page
137
May 28, 2019
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Finished Reading