What to Read?

Dear S.,
The American Girl Series is great! You can even go to the library and find the history behind them. There are recipe books, reading books,and history books about them. You can even imitate the history after each book to get her interested. If other girls are interested you could get them together and to some activities. L. J

When I was 9 I remember reading the Little House books and also the Ramona books(Beverly Cleary). I still have fond memories of those books and I can't wait until my kids get old enough to enjoy these classics.

Have you tried the Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osborne? My son loved those. Also, I have heard that A to Z Mysteries is another good series, although my kids have not read those.

First, go to your local library and talk to the children's librarian about your daughter. Second, I would try to sign her up for the summer reading club.

Also, ask your librarian what programs they offer children. They may have guest speakers and crafts.
Take your daughter to library book sales and watch the clearance racks at the library. Garage sales offer great prices on books.

Also, what type of reading role model are you to your child? Do you have magazines and books around the house?
Does she see you enjoying flipping through magazines?
Does she see you making trips to the library or talking about books yourself? One of the reasons I enjoy C-Span's Book TV programs is the fact they highlight certain books and the authors talk about their books.
Get the picture?

What are some of the topics your daughter enjoys? If she likes animals try books on animals. If she likes baking books, try some fun children in the kitchen books. Quality reading does not have to be heavy duty reading where the child must be glued to a book for an hour. Most of all have FUN.

Still a heavy duty reader to this day. Yes, my home is loaded with books.

If you have a local public library with a great kids section go there and ask the librarian. It's made a huge difference with both of my children. One suggestion we had was the Stink books...he's the brother of Judy Moody and the books are hilarious. I even like reading them with the kids!

Also, if you still see her struggling at all with her reading, see if there's a place you can take her for help. We have a wonderful facility here in my town called ACLD (All Children Learn Differently). When my daughter was in first grade it was more than apparent that she was struggling with her reading. By second grade she was in remediation. I also signed her up for tutoring at ACLD, where they found that she didn't process the information she read in the "usual" way. No matter how hard she would try, she could not remember little details in what she read. Not a disability at all...just the way her brain processed things. Like they said when they explained it to me, she's just a "big picture" person. Her tutors were able to teach her "coping skills" and how to read when taking tests so she'd be able to answer questions in class and on tests. It's made such a big difference that now in 6th grade she's in an accelerated language arts class.

Good luck!

Hi S.,

My daughter is a reader. Thats the one thing she LOVES. And her favorite books right now are FUDGE (about a boynamed Fudge, who is always upto something), they have been reading it in class. So my daughter always checks out the next one after the one the class is on, so she is ahead of the game. I am not sure how challenging it is, but it is entertaining to my daughter. She has been reading a series calls THE BOX CAR CHILDREN, which she always has one or 2 of those cramed in her back pack. The neat thing abouthtat series is there are SOOOOO many. I think she is on book 8. I mean, there are a ton.... I am not sure why, but it seems that every kid likes to pretend (while playing with their friend) that they are orphaned and have to find their way....so pretty much in the story, the kids parents die, and the adventures that they endure, such as their grandparents leaving their hose to them when they die, and how they watch out for one another etc... a lot of life lessons.

A group of books that I really love are the ones that are written poetically, but about NOUNS, ADVERBS, VERBS, etc.... (looking now online to see what the series is called) Here is a link - http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b?url=node%3D4&fiel...
"Dearly, Nearly, Insincerely: What Is Anadverb?" (Words Are Categorical) by Brian P. Cleary and Brian Gable- and a bundle of others. I think it makes learning those sorts of words easy, easy to remember- and not only is she reading what she thinks are SUPER FUNNY books, but she is ahead of the game in GRAMMAR, and she doesn't even know that she is learning everything that older kids are (to the extent of older kids anyway). Another is: "Hairy, Scary, Ordinary: What Is an Adjective?" "Under, Over, by the Clover: What Is a Preposition?" She loves the writer and the illustrator.

This last time my daughter asked me what she should get from the school library, I suggested "The American Girl" series. They are great, especially because my daughter is already in puberty - (AT 7!! OMG!! I DIDN'T EVEN DEVELOP UNTIL I WAS LIKE 16, OR SOMETHING REDICULAS!! CERTAINLY NOT EVEB CLOSE TO 7 years old!) So 'The American Girl' books focus on hygeine and growing up NICELY, taking care of ourselves. (Not that my daughter is nasty, grubby or hates to bathe- she is quite the clean child really), I just want to reiterate the importance of being good to our bodies and that the changes are happening in our bodies, and it is all natural- good, and happens to everyone. And that these changes can feel embarrassing to some people, but if we are aware of what is going to happen, then we can be ready for it, and she is even excited about them all. (Maybe too much-I don't remember being 'happy' about getting pubic hair- but then again, I don't recall my mother preparing me or talking to me about all of the puberty issues that were going to.... EVENTUALLY hit me!)

POETRY is another of her favorites- My daughter is very creative, and loves to read expressivley. Her teacher gives each child a job to do, and they are responsible for that job daily, changing weekly. (sweeping floors, wiping down lunch tables and desks, trash cans, delivering things to other teachers/ or front office, reading of a current event, the telling of a few JOKES for the day, classroom book organizer- etc...- I could go on....27 different jobs)!! My daughter gets the reading of poetry- more than most kids, because she is so good at it and the other kids want her to do it. She loves being able to pick the poem for the day, and reading it aloud- which is especially unusual for MY child, because my daughter has SELECTIVE MUTISM (an anxiety disorder that causes her to completely 'shut down'- so to speak. before I decided on putting her on medicines, people didn't beleive that she COULD talk. She would not participate, and would not look at any one in the eye, no good times, no laughter, no smiles, no interaction, no nothing- pretty much a miserable vegetable. So the fact tht she reads so expressively to the class- without any hesitation- is a MIRACLE!)...One of her favorite poetry authors is "Shell Silverstein" "Where the Sidewalk Ends" and a ton of others that I cannot think of at the moment. Books are very special to her. We get her nice hardbacks for those like poetry, that she will use for a very long time, and she really loves them (the hardbacks).

Anyway, I hope that your daughter may enjoy and pick up on some of these suggestions. Reading has to be fun for her to want to do it, and the only way she can really improve and thrive, is if she in entertained by it and is practicing a lot. Let her read you jokes, and YOU MUST BE VERY AMUSED. Get her a poetry book- and ask her to read it to you. Explain why people write poems, the different styles, and how they can really be "beautiful, moving and emotional...and truly funny even!" Tell her you are going to close your eyes, and you want her to read it to you so that you can visualize what she is reading to you. Then do the same to her- have her shut her eyes, and explain that she is to listen ONLY with her ears and imagination, while you read expressively, really giving her the visuals and allowing her to experience the emotion and feeling that POETRY is all about. Have her read to her grandparents, your friends, cousins, etc.... put her int eh spotlight so she gets more and more comfortable reading aloud and with expression. Reading is truly a gift! Poetry is sure to hook anyone to enjoy reading. As long as she has several books available, she can make decisions about what SHE really likes! Then, you must keep her supplied with different books that she hasn't already read (of her favorite kind), and keep around a favorite bundle, that she will love to read over and over again. I imagine that she has already mastered some of what I have mentioned, but I always write TO more people than the ONE person that I am replying to- as we all enjoy reading eachother's posts/advice/responses, especailly if it related to our own child, or may one day relate. :)

God Bless you and yours!

A.

Hi S.,

Sorry I haven't read all the responses, so please forgive repetition. I really liked what Angela and Joyce C had to say; keep reading to her!

The Bailey School Kids books were mentioned as being very good by two 3rd grade teachers I respect. Also anything by Patricia Polacco or Avi.

A book I love to recommend is "The Quilt-Maker's Gift" by (I think) Jeff Brumbeau.

If she likes cats, I recommend "Six-Dinner Sid" by Inga (Inge?)Moore; "Ginger" by Charlotte Voake; "Charlie Anderson" (can't remember author); "Three Tales [might be Stories] You can Read to Your Cat",---hilarious, can't remember author, published by Scholastic; a bunch of books by (I think) Mary Calhoun, one is "Henry the Sailor Cat" about a Siamese who can walk on hind legs; and "Spy Cat" by Peg Kehret and Pete the Cat (very good). These aren't exactly series; but if she likes a certain book she may like others by the same author. Can you tell we like cats at our house? lol

There is also a series by (I think) Ursula K. LeGuin called "Cat-wings" about cats that have wings. It was in the children's room at our library but I don't remember the grade level.

Your children's librarian at the public library may also be able to recommend good choices.

Good luck and have fun! I read a lot of fun stuff to my boys!

K. Z.

Magic Treehouse!! My son (9) loved them and read the whole series when he was 7 or 8.

What types of things is she interested in? What kind of movies or TV shows does she like? There are a lot of books out there, and you could likely find something that she finds interesting. Even if it involves her reading non-fiction, how to books, comic books, it is great practice for her. (I hated novels as a kid, but I read every craft book that the library had to offer.)

my daughter likes girly books like hanna montanna or high school musical my son is the one that does not like to read or do homework he failed kindergarten, but it looks like he likes to read "diary of a wimpy kid" i think is what it is called but it seems easy to them because of the little pictures it has, and trust me those books keep his attention. hope that helps.

I have to agree about the Junie B books. The writting is very poor and would be best to avoid. My girls loved the American Girl series. Let her choose one of the characters (dolls) to learn about. You can even pick the books up at a discount on Amazon or on eBay.

HTH~

Peace <>< ~ B.
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'The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams' - Eleanor Roosevelt

It has been a long time since my kids were that young, but I remember a book series that my youngest loved. He had a very difficult time learning to read we stumbled across, I think it was called "The Magic Tree House". If she likes adventure she would like this.

Find out what types of things she's interested in. Even at a very young age, I was interested in mystery books. If she likes nature, there are books about tornados, camping etc.. If she likes animals, there are plenty of books about the different species and their habitats. If it's something interesting to her she will be more likely to read it and understand it and it will help her read things she's not so interested in too. Let her shop with you to find something interesting. And remember, it might not be in the section for her age group. It's ok if it's for a younger or older child as long as you approve of the content. You can't always go by "for ages 8 and up" etc. Good luck.

Hi, S.,

My children (9 and 6) love the A to Z Mysteries by Rob Roy. They also enjoy Magic Treehouse books and the Boxcar Children series. And what about Little House in the Big Woods? Most little girls like that series.

I don't know if they're around anymore, but when I was little, I loved the Bobbsey Twins, and the Happy Hollisters. Oh! And the book Jane Emily was one of my all time favorites! And Twin Spell. Unfortunately I can't remember the authors, but I think one of them was by Janet Lunn, maybe...? A Candle in Her Room was great, too, but she's a little young for that one yet, it might creep her out.

Also, I strongly recommend you keep reading TO her. It is very important for parents to do this, but most parents stop reading to their children once they're reading on their own. Maybe Anne of Green Gables. Read a chapter each night. A little difficult for her on her own yet, but she will love the story and she can follow along with you as you read, which will be very helpful for her. And it wouldn't surprise me if you "caught" her trying to read ahead on her own, because one chapter a night won't be enough for her!

Best of luck,
J.

My daughter is 8 and is in the 2nd grade. She likes to read the Nancy Drew series. She also likes the Pony Pal Club series and the Rainbow Fairies Series.

I dont' know if they are still popular, but my girls enjoyed Babysitter Club, and Babysitter's Club little sister. You might give one of these a try. Also, what about Magic Treehouse books.
R.

S. I have found out with my volunteering at school specailly in the library children do not read for fun anymore. Find out if your school had what they call excellerated reading program. The kids read certain books hopefully chosen because they may like them then take a test and recieve points on their grade. Our school requires a certain number of points per quarter and grade. They don't read the classics either. What about the Harry Potter books. She could read a chapter a night. My grandson's read them after I did. I don't feel they are just a boys series. Maybe the choose a page mysteries. My oldest son liked thouse because they story keeps changing. It will ask a question at the bottom of the page and based on your answer tells you which page to turn to. So many different endings you could read it more than once and still enjoy. What kind of things would she be interested in. Ask the teacher or librarian they would know what's current. Another series that went over well at our school was Babysitter's club or the American Girl.

What about the American Girl Series? My daughter just loved those.

It kinda depends on her interests - Is she in to sports? Animals? My daughter loves the Big Apple Barn series. She also has a set of High School Musical chapter books. My 8 year old boy loves the Captain Underpants and because they are humorous, your daughter may enjoy them, too. OR, what about the older series like Nancy Drew (if she likes mysteries) or the Babysitter's Club or Sweet Valley High? You could check out a sampling of different books from the library or find some at a Half Price Books store just to see what she IS interested in. If she starts a book and it isn't keeping her interest, let her know she can move on to a different one she may like better? I've found that my 8 yr. old is way more interested in reading if it's something he enjoys like Star Wars, Titanic, history, reptiles, etc. It can be frusterating when a child isn't interested in books, but it may just be because she just hasn't found what she really likes, yet. Lots of luck to you and your daughter!!!!! :)

My son loves the captain underpants series. My neice is big into the sweetvally twins and babysitter club.

I have 4 children and they each like there own types of books. These types even vary throughout the year. I recommend going with your child to the library or bookstore and looking at several types. When she finds one she likes, you'll both be happy.

S., have you tried GooseBumps? by R. L. Stine. My daughter loves them also Tales of a Four Grade Nothing series. Good Luck. C.

You have already received lots of great suggestions so, I won't repeat any of those but, would add "Diary of a Whimpy Kid" series. There are 3 out so far with another coming later this year. Good luck!

Try the Magic Tree House series. My first grader loves them.

Fiction
Boxcar children are great
Amber Brwwn series
Judy Blume
Horrible Harry series
Beverly Cleary-Ramona
Little House books-they make easier versions if she neds them
Tommy DePaola-my favorite

Mystery
Cam Jansen
Encyclopidia Brown

Fantasy
Magic Treehouse series
Magic Schoolbus

And a few good website lists
http://www.missiondoloresschool.org/html/reading/reading_...

http://www.hedgehogbooks.com/cgi-local/cart/grade.cgi?gra...

Opinion of a reading specialist...and I would avoid Junie B. Jones (the writing is terrible) and Captain Underpants (moroni)
Find what she likes and go with that....try many different kinds of books.

Hi S.-

If she is in to animals...Animal Ark books my daught cannot put down. They are Chapter books and she has been reading them for the past year and a half (there are lot of them). Good Luck!

Check out Gander Publishing at ganderpublishing.com for high interest low level reading materials. You can choose from a wide variety of books with a wide variety of reading levels. They are specifically designed to hold interest while deloping confidence for the reader. There is also LindaMood Bell. They offer great programs. You can find the programs at gander as well.

HI S.,

My daughter has the same problem with reading. she is also in the 2nd grade.

I homeschool her and I reccomend this site -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianaHomeschoolers/

Even if you aren't from Indiana and homeschool, the ladies in the group will be happy to help you with any education question you have.

I asked them about my DD and a couple of moms said that their children were the same way, that they were right hand brained, in Public school it's set up for Left hand brained children.

She will get there she just get's it slow and takes off. :-)
That is the way my dd is. :-) They also suggested word flash cards for the words she has trouble with. and within 3 weeks my dd read her first book. :-)

THe books that might get her to read is Nancy Drew. you can buy a whole set. It is fun. I bought my DD some already. :-)

If you have ANY questions, PLEASE contact me. :-)

Thanks!!
L. Kay

There is a wonderful series called *Puppy Place puppies need homes and if your child likes animals they are great. Another is *Wierd School Ms. Daisy is crazy about strange things happening at school. My girls really never took to Junie B

I see great suggestions! To try them out the library is great. We make an outing of it and they think they are doing something special. I give them plenty of time to look around and find a book. Sometimes this takes awhile. I think this has given my kids a little extra push in wanting to read because they get to pick a book for them, not something boring that mom wants them to read or something like they have at home--even though some of the books they pick we have at home! I don't say anything, I figure if they will read it why not! It puts them in the drivers seat!

I don't know if your daughter is into Spongebob but I have these books that I read to my daughter when she goes potty and they are by Scholastic. It is a 12 book phonics reading program. Each book teaches something like long a, short e, plurals, etc. I think they are like 1st or 2nd grade level but they don't really say. I bought these on ebay but I am sure they are still around. They are really cute short stories. You could go to www.scholastic.com they may have other ones out there.

Maybe she would like Amelia Bedilia. I think it's fun to say.

Is there any tv show she likes that may have books?

My son loves the Horrible Harry series. It finds it very amusing. We also try to get books that are in his interests (even if they are not a series). We also give him $5 every time he brings home those scholastic book orders. This way he always has a new book to read. I asked his teacher what level he was at and she told us right about 3.1 (this is high for second grade so be sure to speak with your daughters teacher). She reccomended books that were anwywhere from 2.8 to 3.2. Every book on the book orders are numbered. So, we just circle the books that are at his level and he can spend his $5 on any one he wants. Then I know that he is going to be interested in reading it. Also don't count out reading to her while she follows along. It has worked great for us! Good luck and God bless.

S.,
I skimmed through the responses and agree with many of them; American Girl series, Magic Tree House series, Little House series. Also try Gooney Bird, and Amber Brown series (this one starts young and Amber grows up in the books). For a 2nd grader the Harry Potter books are too difficult, you don't want her to get discouraged. Magazine and even comics are good. Let me say I'm not a fan of comics but the comics or graphic novels that are out today are in no way the comics that I was familiar with as a kid- there are ones written for beginners, the one that comes to mind is Baby Mouse-- your public library is more likely to have the graphic novels than your school libraries unless it is very well funded. Have your daughter read aloud to you too, it helps with the fluency and talk about what is going on in the story as it helps with comprehension.

B.
mother of 1, school librarian to about 450 middle schoolers

Try The Black Stallion or the Thoroughbred series if she likes horses. Eragon is good but be ready to explain words to her. Take her to the library and let her look around, that would be my best advice for you. You may also want to try American Girl and The Royal Diaries series ( a bit of history in those) and Nancy Drew.
Good luck and be patient, one of the best things to remember in trying to get her excited about reading is to read to her!!

What about NANCY DREW, OR BABYSITTERS'CLUB, and there is a series about girls and horses, and of course HARRY POTTER books, and you could ask your local librarian too.

Try the Magic Tree House series. You will both enjoy them.

I sell Usborne Books and we sell different types of books for different ages of kids. Our books are for kids Birth -early teens.

We have books about nature, Ballet, castles, history, science (Trucks, trash and recycling, weather, why do we eat, your body, china, cowboys , pirates, firefighters), Paperbacks (Elizabeth I, knights, Planes).

We have books in different series for kids 7 and up. Various books (Series 2 and 3- would be your daughters age). Books about famous people like Martin Luther King,and Anne Frank, Hitler, Napoleon, Christopher Columbus) etc.

We have books/cd's, Ballerina series, Sandy Lane Stables series, we have True adventure stories.

Other books, (activity books, hunt and find, arts and crafts, puzzle books, cooking books, nursery rhymes, flowers,plants, story books, Seasonal, hobbies, Myths and fantasy, modern art, Music, foreign language books and English).

Check out my website:
www.ubah.com/T2267

J. R.
Educational Consultant for Usborne Books and More

If you are anywhere near the Centerville Public Library, I highly recommend their Youth Services Department. Bring your daughter with you so they can chat with her and find out what she is interested in. Good Luck!