As a high school librarian, I hear it a lot. Many of my readers express that they used to read "all the time," but due to homework, work, and social events, their moments of reading for pleasure are far and few between. In fact, "In recent years, less than 20 percent of U.S. teens report reading a book for pleasure" ("Teens Reading").
It is notable that many teens wish to read, but are not sure how to fit in to their schedule, or where to start to jump start the routine again. If that is the case, here are few tips that may help you find your way back to the benefits of reading for fun.
1). Think back to the books you enjoyed as a child. What type of books lured you in? Action adventure? Comics? Fact books? Let your librarian know you previous favorites, and we can start from there. You can also use GoodReads or Amazon--just type in the book you loved and new recommendations will pop up that other customers or reviewers enjoyed in the same genre.
2). Try something new. The young adult genre is flourishing. New characters, worlds, and social situations are published in YA regularly. If you don't know what's new, check your library shelves. New books are usually highlighted or set aside from the regular stacks. Borrowing a book from your local library is low-risk, and doesn't cost a thing if you decide the new genre isn't for you.
3). If YA doesn't suit your needs, try adult fiction/nonfiction. Many books crossover between the two genres, and are suitable for various ages. Rule of thumb--with any book--if the subject is something that doesn't work for your beliefs or comfort level, put it down and move on. Life is too short to spend time on a book that doesn't jive with you.
4). Try Graphic Novels. The genre is growing rapidly, especially for teens. This style of book is often underrated. The plots are well-woven, and the accompanying graphics require the reader to use multiple brain power functions (all without realizing the process).
5). Try an audiobook. Some readers respond to this auditory experience. It's easy to get swept up in the plot, and you continue to learn new vocabulary and concepts along the way.
6). Unplug. Put your phone and/or devices away each night and uplug from social media and games. Give yourself some breathing room away from technology. This breathing room may inspire you to pick up a book, or at the very least, give you much needed peace away from your phone and its burdens.
7). Join a reading challenge or book club. Read the same book with a friend. Read a book, go see the movie. Take part in interactive reading experiences to liven up your reading connection.
No matter your approach to reading more, just remember that reading for fun can be a stress relieving activity. Reading also widens your life understanding and capabilities for empathy. Please don't hesitate to reach out to your librarian, reader friends, or teachers--join the reading craze, and find your way back to adventure.
Twenge , Jean M. “Teens Today Spend More Time on Digital Media, Less Time Reading.” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, 2018, www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2018/08/teenagers-read-book.
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