Finding+the+Right+Book

Chapter 14, “Finding the Right Book,” from// When Kids Can’t Read // As often teachers are avid readers, the teachers should not use themselves as guides in selecting which books will appeal to their students. Instead, teachers should ask their students (especially their reluctant readers): “If you absolutely had to read a book, what would it need to be like for you to enjoy it?” (285). Teachers should be aware of the appealing characteristics of fiction books for reluctant readers: books should be thin in length with short chapters, adorned with plenty of white space, include some illustrations, portray well-defined characters in direct action-filled plots, contain characters who are similar in age of the students and face tough life choices, and use realistic and simple language. Mysteries and humor novels are always popular. Beers also lists the desired features of nonfiction texts. Beers presents creative ways to sell books to students, such as reading excerpts aloud which hook the students, displaying book jackets on bulletin boards, taking a trip to the library, etc. At the end of the chapter, Beers provides a short list of resources and suggestions to help teachers to find books for their students.