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*shakes head*
Apr. 12th, 2013 12:07 amI was at the bookstore the other day when I overheard this rather one-sided conversation. A mom and her son, probably about ten years old, standing in front of the award winners bookcase. It's really a bit of a monologue.
*picking up Shiloh*
Have you read this one yet? It's really pretty exciting! No? Well, how about this one, The Giver? It's sorta like The Hunger Games! And here's another one by the same author!
That last book was Number the Stars, and if you've ever read any of these books I think you can picture the expression on my face. Welcome to the death march through literature, kid! When none of these sparked an interest she dragged him over to the popular series section, with similar results. Asking him what he's interested in or offering a book that is a dear personal favorite of her own (which would require knowing what the book is about, I suppose) was not an option for some reason.
Here is a pro tip, from somebody who just loves to butt in: when suggesting books to kids who aren't interested, first ask if the like sad books that will make them cry. When they say no, don't offer them books that will make them cry.
*picking up Shiloh*
Have you read this one yet? It's really pretty exciting! No? Well, how about this one, The Giver? It's sorta like The Hunger Games! And here's another one by the same author!
That last book was Number the Stars, and if you've ever read any of these books I think you can picture the expression on my face. Welcome to the death march through literature, kid! When none of these sparked an interest she dragged him over to the popular series section, with similar results. Asking him what he's interested in or offering a book that is a dear personal favorite of her own (which would require knowing what the book is about, I suppose) was not an option for some reason.
Here is a pro tip, from somebody who just loves to butt in: when suggesting books to kids who aren't interested, first ask if the like sad books that will make them cry. When they say no, don't offer them books that will make them cry.
