How I Get My Kids To Be Readers

This ‘How I Get My Kids To Be Readers’ post contains Amazon affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own.

I often get asked how I get my kids to love reading.

Our oldest five children have all loved reading as kids and teens. (Our youngest is only four and already loves books—but she doesn’t read independently just yet.) When people notice this, they’re usually amazed and almost always ask the same question: HOW? The truth is, it didn’t happen by accident.

A Little Background

I grew up loving books. I’m not exactly sure how that happened, especially since I’m the only one in my family—out of three kids, plus my mom and dad—who truly loves to read. But from as early as I can remember, you’d find me with my nose in a book 24/7.

On the bus ride to school.
Between classes.
During every spare moment of free time.
Long into the night, reading by the glow of my alarm clock because I was supposed to be asleep.

Books were always a constant companion. So when I became a mom—and later decided to homeschool—raising readers was extremely important to me. I wanted my kids to experience the same joy, escape, and wonder that books gave me growing up.

Here’s what I did.

1) Read to Them When They’re Little

From baby on, my husband and I read to our kids every single day.

Not just when it was convenient.
Not just when they were calm.
Every day. Even multiple times a day!

Reading aloud was simply part of our routine—like eating meals or brushing teeth. Even when they were tiny, squirmy, or didn’t fully understand the words; I knew they were soaking it all in. They learned that books mattered. That stories mattered. That reading was just something we did as a family.

I know those early years of read-aloud time laid the foundation for everything that came later.

2) Always Keep Lots Of Books Around

We have always filled our house with books. Stacks of them in all the nooks and crannies. We had so many we actually renovated and created a library closet! But in our home, you’ll find:

• Books on shelves.
• Books in bedrooms.
• Books in baskets.
• Books everywhere.

Studies show that children who grow up in a home with at least 80 books have greater literacy and numeracy in adulthood. A home library is great for helping promote reading and math skills (more than college alone can!).

But beyond the research, there’s something powerful about books simply being available. When books are within reach, kids are far more likely to pick one up. We never treated books as precious, untouchable objects—they were meant to be handled, read, reread, and loved. And yes, we’ve even worn books out and had to replace them because they were favorites!

3) Introduce Them To The Magic Of Worlds Unknown

Even into the tween years, we have continued reading aloud as a family. From nightly Bible time to chapter books, reading together is always good.

Once kids experience how deeply a great story can captivate them, something clicks. They realize that reading isn’t a chore—it’s an adventure.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”

Books are a uniquely portable kind of magic. They let you travel anywhere, become anyone, and experience worlds far beyond your own. And once kids truly feel that magic, you’ll have a hard time keeping books out of their hands.

Final Thoughts On Creating Kids Who Love To Read

Raising readers isn’t about forcing books or pressuring kids. This will almost always backfire. Instead,it’s about creating an environment where stories are valued, curiosity is encouraged, and reading is woven naturally into everyday life. So I suggest you:

Start early.
Surround them with books.
And never underestimate the power of reading aloud—even when they’re “too old.”
Final option, have them start with graphic novels! These are ‘less pressure’ and the pictures help make the book less intimidating!

The love of reading is a gift that lasts a lifetime.

Scholastic Books Is A Great Place To Start Building Your Home Library!

When it comes to reading and books, there’s one name that almost always immediately comes to mind…. Scholastic! I know you remember the always popular Book Fairs, right!?

I love how Scholastic offers books for all ages and reading levels. From board books to early readers then story books, graphic novels, and full novels. Their selection truly encompasses it all. (They even have activity kits!) So if you’re on the path of creating readers, check out Scholastic Books and start building your home library.

Books For Everyone = Scholastic

Board Books

• You’re Eggstraordinary: Show your little chick how eggstra-special they are with this adorable, sturdy board book that features soft, fluffy chick feathers. With Sandra Magsamen’s signature message of love, this is an eggscellent way to celebrate springtime, Easter, graduations, birthdays, and beyond!
• Touch and Feel ABC: Scholastic Early Learners: Learn your ABCs with this interactive touch and feel board book. This novelty book features a gentle, rhyming text, simple labels, and easy-pull tabs that make it perfect for young children to turn the pages.

Story Books

• Rhea’s Rodeo: Rhea LOVES Rodeo Day! She loves the boots and buckles and ruffles. She loves riding her trusted steed, Galleta, alongside her mighty girl teammates. But more than anything, Rhea likes to WIN! As she and her friends stampede through the arena, Rhea can almost taste victory. But will she be able to get back in the saddle if they don’t take home the coveted trophy?
• Dream Big (Clifford the Big Red Dog): Clifford and his best friend, Emily Elizabeth, both started out small in a big world. But they grew big together and learned to keep dreaming, even when they felt small. When they were feeling scared, they had each other to lean on. And when one of them needed help, their best friend was always there to lend a helping hand (or paw!).
• How NOT to Make a Jelly Sandwich: Frankie has her own way of doing things―the FUN way! In her world, the ordinary becomes more enjoyable with a little original thinking. If you want to make a delicious jelly sandwich, for example, just follow Frankie’s five simple steps!
• Rumpelstiltskin: Once upon a time there was a clever girl with a not-so-clever father. When her father claims she can spin straw into gold, the king forces the girl to perform this impossible task. She has no other choice than to accept a strange deal from a mysterious little man. But when he arrives and attempts to collect the debt, the fiendish trickster Rumpelstiltskin discovers that he is the one who has been tricked!
• Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story: The first book from the brand new and pun-tastic Delicious Duos series, Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story explores the heartfelt and hilarious story behind the iconic pair!
• Kiki and the Can: Paint His World: When the citywide mural project comes to town, Kiki finds a spray can of paint, and turns the blank walls of his neighborhood into a colorful canvas that lets him express himself through his vibrant artistry. At the same time, he shows the world the super-power of his cultural community and celebrates what it truly means to be a hero.
• Mama Says I’m Fine: When a young girl faces tough obstacles or hard days, her mama always soothes her with two loving words: “you’re fine.” Incredibly simple, yet powerfully affirming, she discovers that being fine can mean so many things — sometimes it means having courage and speaking out, sometimes it means being proud of who you are. 
• Awe!: This breathtaking journey will take you to the Grand Canyon and the deepest reaches of the sea. It will invite you to share moments of giving and to feel the joy of family and community. It will lift you to the highest heights and make your spirit soar.
• When You Dream Big!: It’s Dream Big Week at school! Everyone is excited to share their dreams for the future — except Charley. She has no idea what she wants for her future. But on her walk home, Charley learns that even if she doesn’t know exactly what she wants to be when she grows up, she knows what KIND of person she wants to be.

Graphic Novels

• My Tokyo Summer: Abby lives in the United States and loves comics, zines, and punk music. Yuuko lives in Japan and loves manga, American movies, and creating art. When Yuuko visits New York City and sees a comic that Abby made, she writes a letter to Abby and they become pen pals. Later, Abby takes the opportunity to enroll in a summer art program in Japan, and the two girls get the chance to meet in person. What follows are charming and funny adventures in Tokyo as Abby and Yuuko explore the city together.
• Midsummer Sisters: Kenzie and Quinn aren’t just stepsisters ― they’re best friends. They’re spending the summer with their grandmother, kayaking in the marshy coastal islands she calls home. The Outer Banks are also home to a herd of wild ponies, and the girls fall in love with a fragile newborn foal that they name Starling.
• Offside: When Al and Nicky’s rivalry threatens to tear the team apart, everyone’s going to have to pick sides. That is, until Palmer looks into why Nicky joined the team, and he starts to realize that there’s a bigger problem than what’s on the field. . .
• Sidekicks Thick As Thieves: Captain Amazing, the longtime hero of Metro City, has retired, and he’s enjoying a much-needed vacation at the World’s Biggest Ball of Yarn. But while he’s away, there’s trouble at home! A massive data breech disrupts the Society of Superheroes, and a flash drive containing sensitive information about Captain Amazing and other heroes winds up in reckless hands. Meanwhile, an unannounced visitor named Whipley arrives at the captain’s house, and his pet sidekicks — Manny, Roscoe, and Fluffy — are skeptical of the stranger’s intentions. The only sidekick excited by the visit is Shifty.
• Talons of Power: Turtle isn’t one of the heroes he reads about in stories. If he were, he’d use his animus powers to help Pyrrhia — instead of keeping his abilities a secret, even from his own sister. Now that Darkstalker, the sinister and impossibly old dragon from Pyrrhia’s most notorious legends, has returned, Turtle knows his own role is simple: hide. And stay hidden.
• A Blurmp in Time (Catwad’s Friend Blurmp #1): Peanut butter & jelly, macaroni & cheese, socks & underwear… Good things come in pairs, and Catwad and Blurmp are no different. This time, it’s Blurmp’s turn to shine! Join Blurmp as he travels through space and time, “helping” with the creation of the pizza in 18th century Italy, making friends with zombies, even venturing to a world full of other Blurmps, and much more. Full of laughs, the return of Blurmp (and Catwad) is not to be missed!
• A Blood Moon (Snowlands #1): Feba, an orphaned wolf cub, is believed to be cursed. Her rare white fur is said to be a bad omen. When a mysterious creature starts killing members of Feba’s pack one by one, all eyes fall on her. She has no choice but to run away, forced to roam the perilous Snowlands all on her own …
• I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018: Still reeling from the life-changing challenges that propelled him and his mother across the country, Josh finds solace in the California wilderness and in the newfound friendship with his cousin Holly. But on a trip into the nearby forest, Josh and Holly suddenly find themselves in the middle of a frighteningly powerful firestorm, one which threatens to burn down everything in its path. Josh needs to confront the family issues burning him up inside, but first he’ll have to survive the flames roaring all around him.

Chapter Books

• Theft of the Ruby Lotus: Ria Bailey finds herself in quite a fix, and it’s all because of a strange treasure that turns up in the mail one fateful day. It might be a ruby, and it just might hold the key to some troubling developments in her life.
• The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia: To Sparrow Xia, power feels like fire; red-hot sparks dancing along her fingertips, or the blazing flames her brother wields. In a world where kids have magic and adults don’t, being a super-rare fire mage should give her the edge she needs to make the most of her magical years. But Sparrow feels like a fraud—for all its rarity, her fire-magic is so weak she can barely conjure more than a match flame. 
• The Claiming (The Last Resort #2): For the first time, Teddy is actually excited for the school year to start. His new neighbors, Lila and Caleb, are transferring to his school, which means he’ll finally have real friends! But Teddy has a secret he’s desperate to protect — one that explains why none of his classmates have spoken to him in years…
• Magnitude: When Cora leaves her house in the early morning hours of April 18th, she expects trouble to find her, like it somehow always does. But as she makes her way to the San Francisco docks to look for her father, the earth begins to shake and suddenly, Cora realizes that she’s not just in trouble—she’s in danger.
• After My Brother Sam: Tim has lost both his father and his brother, Sam, to the Revolutionary War. And for what? The war continues, with fighting and bloodshed all around him, no closer to peace. As the violence grows, Tim and his mother struggle to stay neutral, but Tim’s anger is unrelenting. Haunted by memories of his brother’s final moments, Tim is starting to realize that eventually, everyone must take a side. But which side should pay the price for his brother’s death: the British or the Rebels who led Sam into the line of fire? 
• The Road from Nowhere: There’s one road in Gatchett’s Gluch—population forty-five—a silver mining town in the high Colorado desert. That means there’s only one way in and one way out.
• Burn the Water: The year is 2425 and London is underwater. Three hundred years ago, rising oceans drowned a vast majority of the English Isle. London is now a jungle of dead skyscrapers and submerged streets. Fighting over the scraps of a world none can remember, two Houses—the Crowns and the Rogues—have been at war for three centuries. Rafe is the Rogue army’s fiercest captain. Jule is the Crown army’s deadliest soldier. They are vicious and merciless, courageous and beloved by their Houses. They are sworn enemies. And then they fall in love.

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