1. January 2013

2. What research tells us… According to the NEA’s report, To Read or Not to Read, the progress made in reading at the elementary level seems to stop as kids enter their teen years. “Use it or lose it” effect -> As teens read less, they read less proficiently. As they read less proficiently, teens struggle more academically. As they struggle more academically, they do less well in the job market as they exit high school and/or college. The inability to find a book of interest is the top reason many teens do not read.

3. Results of poor reading skills Correlates significantly with…  Unemployment  Lower wages  Less promotion in workplace  Decreased likelihood of being civically and culturally-minded (less likely to vote, volunteer, etc.)

4. Benefits of Reading According to a 2007 report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), students who read for fun on a regular basis scored higher in reading than those who read rarely or not at all. Improved vocabulary and comprehension skills (which results in higher test scores) These skills transfer into greater post-secondary success and increased “marketability” in the eyes of potential employers.

6. Set the tone – Let your child see you reading for enjoyment. Provide and be open to a variety of reading materials – Don’t get hung up on the idea that your child has to read a novel. Accept other forms of reading material (magazines, newspapers, comic books/manga/graphic novels, etc.) Support their reading interests/Provide choice – -gift subscription to their favorite magazine -gift card to a bookstore -visit bookstore/library together

7. Familiarize yourself with popular teen literature -view various “book- browsing” sites geared toward YA literature -see movies that began as books (“Twilight effect”) -also provides you with insight to concerns of today’s teens and provides an icebreaker to discuss these concerns

8. E-readers & Digital Devices E-readers such as the Kindle and Nook are very popular with many readers. Because today’s teens are so attached to their electronic devices, some may find the incentive to read if an e-reader is made available. Several free apps available for smartphones, iPads, iPod Touch, etc. that enable teens to read directly from these devices. Examples: Nook app Kindle app iBooks app

9. What to avoid… Pressuring, nagging, or bribing Criticizing what they read Lavishing too much praise Over-pushing your interests – let them explore the topics that interest them

10. What’s Popular Among Teen Readers Current Trends Dystopian fiction (stories of characters struggling for survival and/or fairness in post- apocalyptic societies) Fantasy/Paranormal Series (all genres) Fairy Tales for Teens Steampunk Fantasy (a category of science fiction that includes a mash-up of the Victorian era and the future and includes the use of steam- powered machinery) Books based on movies Favorite Authors & Series Sarah Dessen Mike Lupica Rick Riordan James Patterson Cassandra Clare Nicholas Sparks Hush Hush series Beautiful Creatures series Divergent series Pretty Little Liars series Diary of a Wimpy Kid series Halo series Mortal Instruments series

11. Book Browsing, Recommendations, and Reviews BookBrowse www.bookbrowse.com/quizwww.bookbrowse.com/quiz www.whatshouldireadnext.com www.yournextread.com *(Suggest other books based on what you’ve read/also includes book reviews) www.yournextread.com www.goodreads.com *(social networking site for readers) www.goodreads.com www.shelfari.com *(also includes notes for parents to preview any questionable content) www.shelfari.com

12. Book Browsing, Recommendations, and Reviews www.amazon.com *(EXCELLENT for browsing books related to interests – also includes some book trailers) www.amazon.com www.harperteen.com www.guyslitwire.com www.christianbook.com

13. Content Concerns *There are several websites available for parents to review any questionable content that may be included in YA books. Also, book reviews on sites such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc. may also include information regarding the appropriateness of a book for certain age groups. www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews www.shelfari.com www.bookalachi.com www.storysnoops.com

14. Bibliography How parents can encourage teens to read. 2008. Retrieved January 13, 2013 from http://www.adlit.org/article/23399 http://www.adlit.org/article/23399 Reading is fundamental. n.d. Retrieved January 13, 2013 from http://www.rif.org/us/literacy- resources/articles/teenagers-and-reading.htmhttp://www.rif.org/us/literacy- resources/articles/teenagers-and-reading.htm Motivating reluctant adolescent readers. 2000. Retrieved January 15, 2013 from http://www.adlit.org/article/27269 http://www.adlit.org/article/27269 Motivating teens to read. n.d. Retrieved January 15, 2013 from http://education.fcps.org/ths/node/999http://education.fcps.org/ths/node/999 Adolescent reading motivation. n.d. Retrieved January 14, 2013 from http://www.morgansd.org/District/SuperC/Adolesc entReadingMotivation.pdf http://www.morgansd.org/District/SuperC/Adolesc entReadingMotivation.pdf

15. Bibliography Realistic ideas to get teens reading. 2011. Retrieved January 15, 2013 from http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/realisti c-ideas-get-teens-reading http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/realisti c-ideas-get-teens-reading If your boy won’t read. n.d. Retrieved January 15, 2013 from http://www.scholastic.com/resources/article/if- your-boy-won’t-read http://www.scholastic.com/resources/article/if- your-boy-won’t-read