With great anticipation and excitement, my kids signed up for the library summer reading program.  My 3 1/2 year old doesn't really understand it yet, but getting him into the groove is the most important thing I can do to grow him as a reader.  My to-be-1st grade daughter was very enthusiastic.  We visited the library and perused the shelves of the early readers books. I am overwhelmed by the choices myself, so I can only imagine how my 2 darlings were feeling. Trying to guide my daughter to make better book choices is still going to be a challenge.  I found myself even choosing pink, pretty, princess books. 

So the double-edged sword for me is that I want my kids to love reading.  I also want them to expand their reading choices.  My daughter has a great interest in nature and learning aside from the normal princess books she wants to read.  We found great National Geographic books on butterflies, sharks, whales and dinosaurs.  My "aha" moment?  Girls can read and enjoy non-fiction too.  I know as an educator that choice is the most important factor in getting kids to read and be excited about books.  I just want my darlings to read from a wide variety of texts and by finding out what they love, we are finding great books to support those interests and support reading as well.

My point to this post is that it's hard, even as an educator and reading teacher, to help kids in their journey to becoming a reader.  It's not easy, not always fun, but always a challenge.  All of their thoughts, questions, connections and conversations about the books we read excite me.  As a parent, if you have kids who aren't excited about reading, your best resource is the library.  The library is welcoming, cool in the summer, and offers books for any age and interest.  Ask your librarian for help.  Check out what other kids are saying about books and you'll be amazed what's out there.