The author claims that obliging a child to read for a specific length of time and then record the details can turn reading into more of a chore than a pleasure. Apparently reading logs can turn some children off reading altogether--including kids who were enthusiastic readers beforehand.

Hearing about anything that can put a child off reading is heartbreaking for us! We would like to see every child (and adult) have access to books that they actually want to read. There's no greater pleasure for us than connecting a child with the right book. Especially when that child claims not to like books.

 

A couple of weeks ago, we helped a young boy who said he hated reading. Strong words! We picked out books together, based on his interests (humor, cars and animals) and, while we helped out other members of his family, he sat down in a corner to look through his pile. He never got beyond the first book. He read through the first two chapters then and there, and insisted his mother buy the book for him immediately. So much for hating reading! It's a great example of how putting the right book into a child's hands can make all the difference.

 

The summer reading lists that we've put together contain books that we know kids want to read. Some of them are literary--but always a good story. Others are simply fun to read--funny or full of action. All of them are books that will lure a child into a world that they won't want to leave. Some examples are below.

 

As for reading logs? A single article doesn't necessarily mean they should be discarded. But it's certainly something to think and talk about--which is happening on our Facebook page. Join the conversation here! And thank you to all for your great and engaging commenting!