On top of these interesting new insights .. I've had conversations with the school librarian- my daughter's best friend- and other Moms that have revealed a wide spread reading of the "Twilight" series by 4th and 5th grade girls. So- your daughters have not read Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" series- but they are jumping to read about a lusty teenage vampire who has a dysfunctional hormone swollen relationship with a girl that eventually leads to sex and death and the girl giving up every single molecule of herself to be with a boy?(yes-I have read them.) The school librarian- much to her credit will not have the books in the elementary school library. That leaves it up to the parents. There's time for these books- later. When they are emotionally mature enough to think about the issues raised in the Twilight Series. Not at 9 when unicorns and wizards on the page are as real to them as a freaky vampire boyfriend can be. At 9 - words on the page etch into the brain.
At 9!!! At 9 - 13 the books kids read are the books that will be their favorites. The books they will love. The books that will be their escapes from puberty and cliques and pressures and family stress. At 9-13, the imagination thrives!! If you feed it, it can lead to the creation of who they will be as adults.
Between 9 and 13, I read some of my all time favorite books. My Mom hung a hammock in the backyard in the summer and handed me a stack of books saying "Here- you're gonna love these". That's what it takes- some time - a pitcher of lemonade - a parent suggesting, making an effort, showing interest- handing the book to the kid.
Some of the Books I read between 9 -13:
1. A Wrinkle in Time
2. The Lion , the witch and the Wardrobe
3. From the From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
4. Little Women
5. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
6. SO many Nancy Drew books
7. Jane Eyre
8. David Copperfield
9. The Last Unicorn
10. Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn
11. All Judy Blume books(has there been any other author that deals w/ puberty better?-I don't think so)
12. Tolkien (my older brother LOVED these)
13. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass (my favorite book of all time)
How do you get your kids to read???
I think it's part of my job as a parent to seek and find great books for her to read. It is not hard to do. Walk up to the library counter - the librarian will be so happy when you ask her for recommendations. Go to the book store armed with your kids interests- tune in to what your kid likes. Is it music? Is it horses? Is it mystery? Is it sports? - Find the book with the hook. Hook 'em. It's a domino effect. The Scholastic book club Flier is for you to look at too. Blurbs about each book- right there for you to read and the books are discounted so much.
I have Frankie- my neighborhood boy who does not love to read. I buy him comics and young graphic novels. He gets a bag of them for his birthday - and his parents tell me- before they toys get played with- the books are all read. I know he loves science- I know he loves action. Franklin Richards- son of the Fantastic Four- boom. BIG HIT.
Comics are a gateway book. There is nothing wrong with comics- you peruse them first. You decide which are appropriate or not. My daughter loves comics and that doesn't stop her from picking up 500 page novels.
Turn off the TV. (I am not a TV hater. My kid watches TV. But I decide when- or she asks.) So turn it off and turn ON the imagination with a book. TV is the reward in my house. Is everything else done?- Sure. Watch away. A dvr is an awesome tool. Save up their favorite programs- so they can watch them when they have the time. If a kid has a book that he/she is really into- they won't put it down. "TV- what TV?" ".. shhh.. Mom, I'm reading".
I recently read a book about life on an Indian Reservation - opened my eyes and mind up to another life experience so drastically different then my own- but in that book.. I connected to a 14 year old kid. From age 29 - 37 , I got to go to Hogwart's School Of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 2 years ago - I was in the Napoleonic Era- and every few years I visit Pemberly w/ my friend Jane Austen. My love of reading probably began with Peter Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh, Richard Scary and Curious George- but it took hold between 9 and 13. Seize those years parents... cause after that... the kids want to choose for themselves, as they should.
I hope this wasn't too preachy. I know, from personal experience- life is hectic and crazy. Being a parent is a constant race from place to place while juggling all of life's flaming swords. Reading slows that pace down. Give that gift to yourself and to your children.- Kelly
Ps- The List I sent to the school librarian of elementary -school appropriate graphic novels:
Our Author/Illustrator Visit in March - Woo Hoo!
Oddly Normal, Vol. 1 (Paperback)
~ Otis Frampton (Auth We just got these- Maggie likes the first one a lot.
Babymouse #1: Queen of the World! (Paperback)
There are 12 books in this series. Maggie has 10- likes them a lot.
The Whole World's Crazy (Amelia Rules) (Paperback)
We have a few of these. Good- deals with divorce
~ Kazu Kibuishi (Author) this hasn't come out yet- but looks good.
We have these- 2 Amulet Books - fantasy adventure. Death of one parent- on level of Harry Potter
Maggie has these- a girl's diary/journal- the flip side of Wimpy Kid- Resourceful girl
Sound Off! #1 (DANIEL BOOM AKA LOUD BOY) (Paperback)
Have bought this for boys as gift
Knights Of The Lunch Table (Paperback)
Graphic Classics:series of classic books.
I have given these as gifts to boys. I think Boys connect with comic books so easily- reluctant readers will read these and then pick up a real version of the book later.
Below is a list I made over a year ago- some titles may still be in print. I don't own all of these- so can't say if they are all good.
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$13.60 Used & New from: $12.91
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$10.80 Used & New from: $7.99
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- a little mature humor- 5th grade. fart humor- name calling - won lots of awards
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$14.96 Used & New from: $10.00
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- Wordless- Gorgeous book
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$9.99 Used & New from: $1.49
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$13.46 Used & New from: $1.28
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The list author says:
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$26.37 Used & New from: $14.50
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$10.17 Used & New from: $3.56
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- Maggie has this loves it- good for 2-3rd graders
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$9.56 Used & New from: $2.99
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$10.17 Used & New from: $0.18
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$8.00 Used & New from: $0.73
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More in this series- great for 2-3rd graders
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More in this series- maggie liked this a lot- girl Indiana Jones-ish
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$11.55 Used & New from: $0.01
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$6.99 Used & New from: $0.95
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Maggie has this- Ok -not great
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$11.66 Used & New from: $5.72
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$8.95 Used & New from: $3.16
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$9.32 Used & New from: $5.69
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$7.95 Used & New from: $2.21
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$4.99 Used & New from: $0.01
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$4.99 Used & New from: $0.01
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$10.39 Used & New from: $3.79
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