Make a Match: Books for a Striving Reader
In January, I wrote my first post for our Make a Match series. To be frank, it is a plea to my readers for help to find that “just right” book for the tougher bookworms-in-training.
I love working with young readers because each one is unique and they all open my eyes to new ways of approaching literacy. Read-alikes are my go-to lists when parents ask for recommendations or I see a reader likes a certain genre.
But sometimes, that isn’t enough. Over the years, there are readers who have stumped me. They have very specific likes, dislikes, and reading needs … and I have run out of ideas to hook them on a book.
Meet Our Reader: 10-year-old boy who wants to read Harry Potter books like his friends do
- He likes reading, and will read for fun … sometimes. Nudging is usually required to get him to pick up a book.
- He has tried pushing himself to read HP, but he gets frustrated by the long sentences.
- He is prone to abandon things that are too hard or too long (even if he likes it).
- He is a good speller and is “on grade,” but struggles with comprehension.
Our Young Reader’s recent reads:
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
- Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey
- Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
Make a Match Goals
Books that grab and keep our young reader interested. Ideally, they are books that can “secretly” help improve comprehension. Our reader wants to be reading “sophisticated” titles like his peers, not the “baby books” from second and third grade.
I’d also love to mix in a little nonfiction, too!