Can you recommend any books that are at a lower reading level but would still appeal to older students?

It can be difficult to find books that have high interest and are also written at a level so that children with reading challenges can enjoy them. A good starting point would be to talk to the special education teachers, reading specialist, and librarian at your child’s school. In addition to recommended books, you may also want to ask for suggestions of children’s magazines. Magazines tend to have appeal for all students and have many advantages for struggling readers because of their interesting and current topics, large number of graphics, short articles, and “adult” look. Also consider asking the librarian for suggestions of books of poems. There are some hilarious contemporary poets out there whose poems have mass kid appeal. And because poems, like magazine articles, are short, they are instantly gratifying and provide an immediate sense of accomplishment for all readers.

The following articles provide suggestions for ways to encourage reading, describe the benefits of reading aloud to children, and list book titles for reluctant readers:

• Reading Tips from Kids
• Encouraging Your Child to Read
• When Kids Hate to Read
• How Can I Improve My Child’s Reading?
• Tips for Encouraging Kids to Read

This next set of articles provides information about choosing books, audio books, poetry, read aloud books, determining a child’s reading level, and lists other recommended books:

• Children’s Books and Authors
• Hooking Struggling Readers: Using Books They Can and Want to Read
• Benefits of Audiobooks for All Readers
• Using Poetry to Teach Reading