Once, when I was substituting in a 6th-grade language arts class, this quote was on the door.
“If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book yet.”
This is so true for all readers. Trudging through a book takes all the pleasure out of reading and discourages you, especially if reading is a struggle in the first place. Finding that book that transports you to a different realm is magical. Just like finding the shoe that fits, it is finding the correct author or book. I sometimes pick books based on the title or the jacket description. Once I started reading the book, I got a feel for the author’s writing style. If the story doesn’t hook me in the first few chapters, I put it aside and find another book to read. Life is too short to spend time on something I don’t enjoy. In the end, isn’t that the reason for pleasure reading.
To grow a reader, allow them to explore the many genres and writers. Don’t get discouraged if they have difficulty finding a book they love. Keep offering a different selection. Share information from books that you enjoy. Check if the library has a monthly email newsletter announcing new releases. Talk to friends and see what their children are enjoying. Read together! Help your children enjoy this journey; they will never be bored or lonely.