Reply to Is the Percy Jackson series well written?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Getting kids to like reading is more important than what they are reading. [b]If they like it and love it then they will eventually branch out[/b], but if they think reading is a chore they are more likely to develop a lifelong 'its a chore' attitude about it.

I felt this when my daughter was really into graphic novels. I did not get it and thought they were lame, but she was reading on her own volition. Then she picked up other books. She's now in the like 99% percentile for reading and is constantly taking in some type of story. She has inhaled the percy jackson books and it led to her reading all kinds of other versions of greek and roman and even norse and egyptian mythology.

When it comes to instilling a love of reading I personally have really tried to adopt the philosophy that any reading they WANT to do is good reading and I try to nudge within their interest zones rather than write them off. I'm actually pushing through percy jackson myself right now just because of how much she loves it. Do I love it? Not really. But watching the show together and being able to talk about the differences between the books and the shows is creating a memory/experience of the joy of reading a series and talking about it etc.

Trying to find something similar for my younger son right now to ignite the same fire![/quote]

I am really not sure about the bolded. I think parents (and schools) need to first get kids to like reading, but also introduce them to harder but worthwhile books along the way, possibly as readalouds. My kids know that alongside their "cupcake" books that are just fun, they have to read "meat and potatoes" books and "vegetables" books that are both fun and work. We started in on that kind of literature when they were babies, so while there's some grumbling they still love reading and they do it - with some occasional grumbling. But often when I tell them it's time to read some book I want them to read instead of the umpteenth installment in the Puppy Place series (or whatever), they grouch right up until the 2nd chapter, devour the book, and then thank me afterward.

I don't think there are very many people who will slog through even The Hobbit much less, say, Ulysses by James Joyce because they just love reading.[/quote]

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