On Foisting Books Onto Kids
by Zia ~ December 21st, 2006. Filed under: Books.Nonfiction Readers Anonymous weighs in on the wonders of Susan Cooper, and reminds me to reread the set for myself this season. We did, however, buy the boxed Dark is Rising set for Steve’s nephew last Saturday. It was a hard decision for Steve. You see, he’s always been the ultra cool uncle–especially after he gave Ben the very expensive skateboard he was riding when he busted his Achilles heel tendon. It’s hard to top that gift.
“He doesn’t like to read,” Steve protested. We were standing in Elliott Bay Books.
“Yeah,” I said, “that’s a problem.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t get him books then.”
“No, we should. I meant that not liking to read is a problem. We need to fix that.”
Which may sound snotty, but really, I do believe in foisting books on kids. At the worst, the books sit unread on shelves. At the best, they read them and discover wonderful new worlds.
I’m not above bribery either. We slipped in a note that said, “Don’t let your mom catch you reading the dirty parts.”
December 21st, 2006 at 3:04 pm
Oh, my, I just laughed and laughed as I read this. First you got me with “yeah, that’s a problem” (which it is! I am so tired of people saying, “oh, boys just don’t read” and leaving it at that!), and then the genius of slipping in the “dirty parts” note. I didn’t know it was possible but you have just further increased my pleasure in reading this series. And, please note, I got it as a gift from my older sister. Didn’t read it right away but when I did….wowza. There was no going back. Foist away!
December 21st, 2006 at 3:27 pm
I am so glad to have provided entertainment! In all seriousness, I think he probably would like reading, but probably doesn’t get exposure to much outside school. I was appalled at something his grandmother told me; apparently, Pennsylvania (where he lives) has this computerized and approved list for book reports. Kids go in, select their grade level and choose from a list of books. What happened to browsing the library shelves? What happened to independent research on finding the types of books you like? And why must one be limited to grade level? It just makes me grumpy. No wonder he hates to read; it’s so structured.
December 22nd, 2006 at 2:52 pm
I absolutely agree with foisting books on kids! In fact, one well-chosen book can light the fire of a non-reader… and then you’re the literary hero of the year!