From: Killeen, Erlene <Erlene.Killeen>
Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2006 13:21:08 -0400

Books that worked well with reluctant readers:

Many of the series that are out there are targeted at our children's short attention spans and they try to build followings:

For the Harry Potter fans, I had success with the Zack Files series and the Secrets of Droon series. Older, better readers would go for the Unfortunate Events. When the movie came out, lots of kids checked the first one out but it didn't seem like most of the poorer readers could stick with it.

Judy Moody was very approachable and kids "liked" her! The two books about her brother, Stink, were immediate hits. These books were great for second and third graders trying to make that leap out of picture books to some longer, sustained reading.

Tons of kids in our schools read the Animal Ark series. Every kind of animal has its own story. They look like longer, developed books but the actual reading level is pretty easy. A plus for the alliterate -- those who can read but won't!

When I saw the success of the series books -- often hardback copies of the paperback titles (Turtle or Follett bound types) I couldn't resist buying all types of series, some not the "great literature" we were all taught to insist upon. I usually picked 3-4 of the early titles to give them a try. I always read two -- sometimes more. I'd read all the Ready Freddy series the two days before they went on the shelf. They didn't take long and had hidden elements in the line drawing pictures. It was really easy to do readers' advisory!!

Make sure you put all those brand new titles (and mix in some old ones that still look new) on display for that first library visit as school begins. Watch 'em grab anything that's new or on display. I saw a great set of signs at the Arlington Public Library last week. In the middle of every book display there was a sign that read "Please check out books from this display!" How inviting and encouraging! ;) Erlene
Received on Tue 22 Aug 2006 12:21:08 PM CDT