Getting children to enjoy reading is something every parent is struggling with, and it’s not at all easier when you have teenagers. In fact, it can even be more challenging if your kid hasn’t become accustomed to reading by that point, as they’re much more likely to find it unbelievably tedious and mind-numbing. Recent studies suggest that, on average, attention spans are getting shorter, which is likely part of the reason why teens find it much more challenging to focus on reading and finishing a book. However, reading is essential for the development of critical thinking and vocabulary skills. It can change perspectives, help with stress management, expand general knowledge, and improve imagination, communication skills, and empathy.
The trick is finding the right books that teenagers will like to engage with and find interesting. Getting their attention is the best way to ensure that they will finish the books they read and look for more in the future as well.
Easy reading
Starting with something fun and accessible is the best option for younger teens. Miffy is a classic story about the importance of family and friendships that has a timeless appeal for readers from all age demographics. The Harry Potter series has become immensely popular over the years due to continuous engagement from a highly invested and dedicated fanbase. Harry Potter attracts new fans every year as a result of its blend of genres, which includes coming-of-age, drama, and fantasy. The plot takes place in a school, and the themes include relevant topics that teenagers can relate to, such as love, courage, humility, identity, and the importance of overcoming one’s fears.
Howl’s Moving Castle is another good idea for fantasy lovers. The novel was adapted into a Studio Ghibli film in 2004, a production that was later nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The Giving Tree is only 64 pages long but has been one of the world’s most controversial children’s books since its 1964 release. The reason for this stems from the relationship between the boy and the tree, interpreted as either proof of selfless love or an allegory for an abusive relationship.
The Chronicles of Narnia, considered a classic of children’s literature, is set in the fictional realm of Narnia, a place populated by talking animals and mythical creatures, and follows the adventures of several children who end up playing important roles for the inhabitants of this magical world. For those who want to engage with the books they love even more, there’s the option of buying merchandise from places such as https://miffytown.com/. Ornaments, photo frames, keychains, and handmade stuffed animals can all make beginner readers feel closer to the characters they’ve grown to love.
Flowers for Algernon
“Flowers for Algernon” was initially published as a short story in 1959 and was later expanded into a novel in 1966. The story follows Charlie Gordon, a 37-year-old man who undergoes an experimental surgery whose aim is to make him more intelligent. So far, the procedure had only been attempted on animals, and the greatest success had been a laboratory mouse named Algernon. Although the surgery is an initial success, Charlie’s life doesn’t improve as a result of his tripled IQ. The themes of the short story are highly relevant and include the mistreatment of people dealing with intellectual disabilities, the connection between intellect and emotions, friendship, loneliness, ignorance, and the meaning of happiness.
The War of the Worlds
This H.G. Wells science fiction classic is set in the mid-1890s and takes place during the onset of a Martian invasion. The Martians are described as looking similar to octopuses but are a threatening presence because of their use of weapons that are far more advanced than anything humans possess. They use a chemical weapon known as “black smoke”, heat rays, and 100-feet tall war machines known as “Martian Tripods”. The novel has been interpreted in several different ways, but the predominant interpretation is that it serves as a commentary on imperialism, prejudices and superstitions, with Wells noting that he drew inspiration for the plot from the true events of the Black War, a violent conflict between Aboriginal Tasmanians and British colonists which lasted between the mid-1820s and 1832, and which resulted in the near-extermination of the native population.
The Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings is a defining classic, an epic high-fantasy novel set in the fictional Middle-earth and populated by elves, dwarves, men, orcs, and wizards. Tolkien started the story in 1937 with The Hobbit, a much shorter book and perhaps even a more accessible gateway to Middle-earth. The plot focuses on the heroes’ attempt to keep their world free from the malevolent influence of the Dark Lord Sauron, who seeks to rule the entire Middle-earth with the aid of the One Ring. The story was influenced by Tolkien’s personal experiences during the First World War, philology, religion, and mythology. Going on a quest, the dichotomy of good and evil, fate, free will, industrialization, the necessity of protecting the environment, and finding the strength to move on after experiencing losses without disregarding the importance of the events that had just passed are among the key themes presented in Lord of the Rings.
The Phantom Tollbooth
“The Phantom Tollbooth” tells the story of Milo, a bored child who receives a magic tollbooth that allows him to travel to the Kingdom of Wisdom. Joined by the humbug and a dog named Tock, Milo sets off on an adventure to recover the kingdom’s exiled princesses, Rhyme and Reason. The story is full of puns and idioms and sees the main character discover his love for learning and knowledge. The central theme of this story is the importance of education, as well as making sure to apply everything you’ve learned and put it to good use. Remembering to appreciate the beauty of everyday life can be challenging for everyone, but instilling it into teenagers can help them have a more optimistic and positive outlook and be more resilient and emotionally strong. Lastly, “The Phantom Tollbooth” also encourages the use of common sense.
Getting teenagers to enjoy reading can be quite challenging sometimes, but finding the right book for every reader can help tremendously.