Read Kiddo Read
I love to read and as a parent and teacher am always happy to hear a child say the same. However, for many children it just isn't so. Convincing them that reading is actually fun– can sometimes pose a challenge, especially as they get older. According to the 2008 Kids and Family Reading Report by Yankelovich and Scholastic, despite 80% of parents wanting their kids to read for fun, most kids claim there aren’t enough really good books for their age group.Best-selling author, James Patterson, has taken this issue to heart. As a father himself, he knows that one of the main obstacles for young readers is a lack of books kids can truly connect with, those rare stories that draw you in and keep you reading until the very last word. I have been known to hide under the covers with a flashlight to "just finish this chapter" on many occasions and Patterson has made it his mission to give this experience to children everywhere. His hope is to instill in them a love of reading.
He recently launched a new website, www.readkiddoread.com, in order to give kids of all ages access to truly great books. Whether you are still enjoying picture books with your baby or have an older child reading at an advanced level, ReadKiddoRead acts as a resource for finding the best books. Each featured book, hand-selected by Patterson, includes a synopsis, related themes, quotes from critics, links to find the book in any number of locations (including local libraries), and even similar suggested reads. In addition, the website provides resources for finding book discounts and promotions, features interviews and contributions from authors and celebrities, and even allows members to connect with each other via a Ning community.
Teaching a child to enjoy reading is the best gift we can give. Through books they can learn anything, go anywhere, and become anybody. The adventures and knowledge is endless. Providing kids with a love of and appreciation for books gives them something that will remain with them throughout their lives.
Plus, if anyone can get even the most reluctant readers interested in great stories, it’s James Patterson. I had the opportunity to review his book Daniel X earlier this year and was captivated by the story. I have since then shared it with some 5th grade boys in my school who were reluctant readers and watching them become engrossed in the story was awesome.
So if you have a reluctant reader in your family or know of one check out ReadKiddoRead and give the gift of reading this Christmas.
Remember: Books make great gifts and stocking stuffers!!!
*This post is part of a blog tour by Mother-Talk.
3 Thoughts from you all...:
I can't wait until there are more books on the site.
DD loves to read and is always looking for new titles. I ended up showing this to the librarians in the children's section at our library...but I still think that they are better. ;) One day I had to go grab some paper to write down all the cool books she was suggesting for DD. I'm sure the website will catch up soon and we've found a few that DD has tried on there.
I grew up as a reluctant reader. Now I write action-adventures & mysteries, especially for tween boys, that girls and boys hate to put down. My web site is at http://www.maxbooks.9k.com and my Books for Boys blog is at http://booksandboys.blogspot.com
I also have a short story in a new book called LAY UPS and LONG SHOTS, published by Darby Creek Publishing. It's a Junior Library Guild selection. I'm also featured in an article in the 2009 edition of Children's Writer Guide.
My other books are all ranked by Accelerated Reader
Max Elliot Anderson
thanks for the link. what a great idea. my son (13) loved Patterson's book "Daniel X". all 3 of my kids have come to love reading and our problem is finding new books for them to stick their noses in. this will definitely help!
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