To Read or Not to Read: Fact or Fiction?
Reluctant Readers? Don’t Give Up!
In every classroom, there are the children who devour books — one after another — never seeming to lose their love of books - And then there are the ones who don’t, the reluctant readers, who struggle to find a topic or writing style that grabs them.
Sometimes these reluctant readers latch onto a book series that isn’t on the school’s recommended list — and we overlook what a huge breakthrough that really is. They’ve overcome the biggest hurdle of all: the choice to read or not to read.
In today’s tech-filled world, finding a quiet corner to enjoy a book has become harder than ever. Distractions are everywhere, and they usually come in the form of screens — not storybooks or newspapers. Social media competes for time and attention, making it difficult for many children to squeeze in any reading outside the classroom.
I remember this struggle well when my children were growing up and I speak from experience when I say don’t give up! One of my children loved to read but I also had a reluctant reader who was slow to get started. But both my children loved being read to — so I read aloud sometimes during supper and sometimes at bedtime: The Hobbit, Roald Dahl, Chris Ryan, fun poetry... whatever kept them listening. And there were sometimes audiobooks at bedtime too.
Then, almost without warning, my reluctant reader began picking up books on his own. His choices surprised me — first, fact books by the dozen, then more ambitious reads:
Swallows and Amazons and Swallowdale, Willard Price’s adventures and Michael Morpurgo, His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman and, to my astonishment, Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari.
It didn’t happen all at once. But he started reading widely and on his own. With this kind of evidence of the power of encouragement, you should never give up!
Here’s what I’ve learned: when there is a reluctant reader in the house, any reading is good. And while they will be encouraged to read fiction at school, and you shouldn't give up here, if they want to read non-fiction books, let them!
7 Non-Fiction Books to Encourage a Reluctant Reader to Read (like they did mine)
1. 13 Photos Children should Know (Brad Finger)
This is one of a series - chose the one that will appeal to your child, from artists, buildings, sculptures and so on. In this book, the photos include Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon and the fall of the Berlin Wall; the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics and the devastating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. These and other history-making photographs are presented with background information on the events and people they portray. A brilliant way to boost general knowledge while kindling the interest in the written word.
2. Rarely Seen (National Geographic)
Even those who don't normally like reading will enjoy this as there is very little text and the photos speak for themselves. Page after page of truly incredible images: from volcanic lightning to giant crystals, 30,000-year-old cave art sealed from the public to animals that are among the last of their species on Earth. You should all enjoy this one.
The ultimate guide to 200 of the world's greatest sports. Learn about the history, the rules and the players and read about the incredible techniques and tactics of the world's best competitors. For a sports fan, this is a page turner - a book to get lost in while everyone else gets stuck into their fiction!
4. A World of Information (James Brown and Richard Platt)
This visually stunning miscellany is a collection of incredible facts and figures. Do you know how many bones there are in the human body or how clouds form? What do you know about the Periodic Table or how to tie one of many different types of knots? The pages facing the drawings are filled with facts and indeed, a world of information. The whole family will want to get their hands on this and general knowledge will soar in your household. What's not to love?
5. What’s Where in the World (DK)
Where are the most explosive volcanoes? Where is the hottest place on the planet? And where are the world's deadliest creatures? More than 80 maps showcase the best of geography, nature, history and technology. Perfect for the inquisitive mind, so any reluctant reader will not find it difficult to delve into this book to satisfy their curiosity.
6. A Really Short History of Nearly Everything (Bill Bryson)
Bill Bryson makes the "How?" and the "Who?" of scientific discovery easy for us all to understand. Covering the wonder and mysteries of time and space, extraordinary accidental discoveries and the fact that, somehow, the universe exists and life came to be on this wondrous planet we call home, he manages to answer many of the questions your child might want to ask.
7. The Picture History of Great Buildings (Gillian Clements)
Throughout history, people have overcome every challenge to create fantastic buildings through war, trade, exploration and literature. From the tombs of the Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs to the astonishing skyscrapers that dominate our city skylines today, this fascinating look at the history of architecture and the people who made these incredible buildings possible gives an insight into society through the ages.
One Last Thought
When it comes to reluctant readers, it’s not about what they read — it’s that they read. Fiction, fact, graphic novel, cereal box… it all counts. Keep reading to them, encourage audiobooks, and don’t give up. The spark will come — even if it’s later than expected.