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How Much Do You Oversee A Child’s Book Choices?

By on January 12, 2015   /   Book Lists  

My daughter is in fourth grade, and by the grace of the book gods, she really enjoys reading. For the past year or so, if she’s not reading for school, she’s been reading—and re-reading—a few series; Dork Diaries and Diary of a Wimpy Kid being the two main ones.

I know what the experts say: let a kid pick their own books for fun. They’ll develop as readers and their tastes will evolve in their own time. I know! I know! And I had no problem with her book choices. She was happy, she was reading, I’d overhear her giggling from the other room. It was all good.

Except, I admit that there was a part of me that wanted her to try something new. Why? I’m not sure, exactly. Maybe I was impatient for her to read the books I’d devoured as a kid or I thought she “could” read harder books and would be happy if she made the leap. Mostly I worried that she’d get bored of the same thing over and over but blame it on all books and not on fatigue over these particular titles, and then she’d stop liking to read and then what?!?! (I have an active imagination, in case you’re wondering.)

The Phantom Tollbooth

The Phantom Tollbooth

I worked really hard not to say anything—no “Don’t you want to challenge yourself?” no “There are so many wonderful books out there, are you sure you want to re-read Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Talented Pop Star again?” Nothing. I don’t always do this as a parent, but in this situation I was actually smart enough to keep my mouth shut, trusting that either she’d move on or she’d be an adult who read Dork Diaries every night before bed. Hey, there are worse things.

I made a few stealth attempts, like taking The Phantom Tollbooth out of the library and reading her the first few chapters, but after that it sat sadly on her bed, gathering dust, while she revisited Greg, Rowley and Rodrick’s exploits again. Ditto Brown Girl Dreaming.

The Mysterious Benedict Society
Last week, I was at the library with her and her brother, and off she went to search the stacks. She returned with The Mysterious Benedict Society. She’d mentioned that a few friends in her class were reading it. It must’ve grabbed her—she’s been tearing though it every morning when she wakes up and again every night before bed, and she made us bring her back to the library today to borrow the second title (The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey) so when she finishes the first book she’ll be ready to dive into the second one.

She may wind up reading—and re-reading—this series for the next year now, too. That may be her way. Fine. There’s a reason experts tell parents not to rush reading and not to push “harder” books or “better” books or whatever it is we think is best for them. Because somehow kids will figure it out on their own, so long as they’re allowed to do so.

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Connecting New Books to Middle Grade Readers

By on January 9, 2015   /   For Parents, For Teachers  

In many classrooms around the country gone are the days of the class novel. Instead classroom teachers are expected to monitor each reader as they move through individual books that are at “just right,” independent levels. This requires a new way of thinking for the middle grade classroom teacher, the school librarians, and the publishers since many of the books the students will read are found in classroom libraries instead of the school media center.

So how can teachers (or parents) stay current in knowing what’s out there for their students (or children)? Here are some tips you can use.

1.  Check out the book lists at blogs like this one!

Since you are already here, take the time to check out our new releases by month. Our bloggers are constantly adding lists of new books for middle graders.

2. Form a partnership with your school librarian and/or media assistant

I would have thought that this tip was a given, but at an American Association of School Librarians conference I attended a couple of years ago I was surprised to hear that many school librarians and teachers do not have good relationships. Librarians told me that many of their teachers were unwilling to go outside the books they felt familiar with and had used in their classroom for years and years to try something new.  Instead, work with your school librarian to introduce new books to your readers.

3. Get to know your local children’s librarians and book sellers

Librarians and book sellers have been matching books to readers for years so it makes sense that they would have knowledge about the most current books. If possible, invite your local librarians into the school to talk to kids about books or to publicize summer reading programs.

4. Sign up for free subscriptions

Many subscription magazines have weekly eNewsletters that you can sign up for without any charge. Publisher’s Weekly Children’s Bookshelf is my favorite eNewsletter because of it’s easy to read format and article links. You can also sign up for Extra Helping at School Library Journal. Many local bookstores also have eNewsletters where they announce new books. Publishers also have enewsletters with new book announcements. If you are quick, you can sometimes request ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) of books that have not reached their publication date.

5. Attend book conventions such as Book Expo America, American Association of School Librarians, or NCTE

At each of these conventions, new books are highlighted and ARCs are even handed to teachers as you walk on the floor. Some of these conventions are costly or require membership, but if you can convince your school system to let you attend, they will often pay at least part of your admission.

Once you find all these new books, make a plan to read them. I know teachers are busy and the new common core objectives and curriculums have made us busier than ever before, but new books are worth exploring. While the older books should not be forgotten, new books move at the pace of our readers and connect to their world. A good classroom library has a mix of old and new to help every reader find what they are looking for. By taking the time to read new books and stay current, you are also connecting to the current world of the child. Plus, they are great, quick reads for you to enjoy too.

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