Written by Denise Gary
Librarians prepare! Prepare for kids distracted by . . . books! Kids Need to Read books, that is! The foundation has added 110 of the best contemporary books for kids, as well as two highly respected magazines to its admired book list. Besides new fiction titles, Kids Need to Read is proud to announce that it is now donating nonfiction books and graphic novels to the libraries and kids we serve. On top of that exciting news is the addition of a magazine category, initiated by our newly announced partnership with Highlights for Children magazines. Because quality magazines are highly appealing to reluctant readers, KNTR plans to add to this category in the future.
There is hardly anything more inspiring to young and old than true stories of heroism, determination and hope. Our new selection of nonfiction books include tales of overcoming adversity by relying on education, ingenuity, courage, creativity, faith, friendship, family and standing firm against injustice. What can be more inspirational to kids looking for the right path in life than reading about real people who have found the strength to rise above their difficulties and to fight for what is right? Children will absorb this life-changing knowledge by reading books from the Kids Need to Read list of great, nonfiction books.
We hear the questions repeatedly: “How can I get reluctant readers to read?” What can I give to boys to interest them in reading?” The power you are searching for can usually be found in the mighty, underappreciated graphic novel! Give an uninterested kid some of the KNTR recommended graphic novels and watch the magic unfold! Give them as many as it takes to hook them, then mix in some “reluctant reader” novels (marked with an asterisk on the list) in KNTR’s fiction and nonfiction categories. Motivating kids to read requires giving them something irresistible to enjoy and not pressuring them to read overwhelming material. Providing enticing graphic novels, mixed with patience can yield amazing results. Try them out. We dare you!
Please take a look at our expanded book list and use it to distract the children you love with books. Kids Need to Read offers a downloadable and printable pdf for your convenience. Take it on your next trip to the library or bookstore. Put some of the recommended books into your kids’ waiting hands. You will be glad you did, just as we are when we put books into the empty hands of the KNTR kids!
