For some children, picking up a book can feel like a daunting task. They may lose interest within seconds—putting the book down, moving on to another activity, or staring blankly at the page. These children, who either can’t or won’t engage with reading, are often called reluctant readers.
This article will explore the factors that contribute to reading reluctance and offer practical strategies to help foster a greater love of books.
Many reluctant readers are fully capable of reading but find it a chore, often preferring more engaging pastimes. Others may face learning difficulties that make reading particularly challenging.
As parents and teachers, you might feel torn between pushing your child to read more and giving them the freedom to abandon the activity altogether.
However, both of these approaches can be counterproductive.
Forcing a child to read leads to frustration and resentment, further discouraging them from establishing a positive relationship with books.
On the other hand, allowing children to completely give up reading for pleasure, especially in their early years, can hinder their long-term academic growth and limit their development of essential literacy skills.
Here are some of the most common reasons why children may avoid reading:
Some children may be intimidated by text-heavy books, while others lack interest in certain genres and topics. They may also resent being told what to read, feeling it takes away their autonomy.
A book may be too advanced and difficult to understand for a child’s current reading level. This can make them feel overwhelmed and anxious. Conversely, a book that’s too simple may fail to engage them, leaving them bored and disinterested.
Some reluctant readers may struggle with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia or language processing disorders. Children could even have eyesight issues like lazy eyes or blurred vision that interfere with their ability to focus on text.
Establishing a comfortable and inviting reading space at home or in the classroom will help reluctant readers develop a more positive perception of books.
Parents and educators can also integrate reading into daily routines in a fun and engaging manner.
Dedicate some time every day to reading aloud to your child and talking to them about the books they’ve recently read. Have a goal of spending 20 to 30 minutes per day on casual reading.
Take your child to local libraries and make it a special monthly or fortnightly outing. For more excitement, pick a theme for each trip. Have your child explore the shelves and choose a book to borrow that fits that theme.
Try out apps, e-books, and other interactive story formats that play with sound and animation. These can be engaging for children who dislike reading text-heavy print books.
Ensure books, magazines, and other reading materials are always available around the home and classroom. Having easily accessible options encourages spontaneous reading in children and makes it a natural part of daily life.
Turn reading into a game by introducing small challenges or competitions. For example, make children find certain “secret” words or phrases in a book or ask them to share the most fascinating fact they encounter in a non-fiction book.
One of the most important steps in nurturing a child’s love for reading is matching books to their interests. Pay attention to what excites and engages them—whether it's a favourite hobby, activity, or topic—then offer books that feel personally relevant to your child.
For example, a child who enjoys sports will be more inclined to pick up a story about football players or a biography of a famous athlete. This approach works for any interest a child might have.
From animals and space exploration to fantasy worlds and food, the key is to provide children with a range of options that speak to those specific interests.
Evaluating a child’s reading level is vital for choosing the right books for them. Pay close attention to how they read aloud: Do they understand what they’ve just read? Can they recognise familiar words, or do they struggle with new vocabulary? Do they pause frequently or seem unsure?
Children who lack confidence with new words or have difficulty understanding text may benefit from books that are at a simpler level.
Parents are also encouraged to speak with their child’s teachers to better understand their reading capabilities.
Many parents and educators believe that only full-text books count as “real” reading. However, alternative formats like graphic novels and comic books can be just as engaging and valuable.
These books help improve comprehension and visual literacy skills, as they require young readers to interpret images alongside the accompanying text.
For more non-print reading options, consider audiobooks. They are an excellent choice for reluctant young readers, as they provide an immersive experience while helping to build pronunciation and vocabulary skills.
Looking for books that can capture the interest of reluctant readers? There are plenty of engaging titles to choose from. Here are some popular suggestions to introduce to your child:
Ages 5 to 8
Ages 9 to 12
For parents, the best way to encourage children to read for fun is by doing so yourself. A study by Scholastic found that 80% of children who read frequently report having parents and other people in their lives who also enjoy reading.
That’s why it’s important to take the time to regularly read in front of your child, even when you are not reading to them. Share interesting stories or facts from your reading sessions. When children see you making time for books, they learn to view reading as a fun and worthwhile activity they can participate in too.
Alongside parents, peers are an invaluable source of support for reluctant readers. There are several activities that young readers can participate in with other children:
Book clubs are a great way for children to read the same book and then meet to discuss it, whether in person or online. This social interaction makes reading feel more engaging and less like an isolated activity.
Organise reading sessions where children pair up or form small groups to read together. They can take turns reading aloud, help each other with difficult words, and learn from each other while building confidence.
Encourage children to talk about the books they’ve read in a verbal or written review format. Ask them to discuss what they enjoyed, what they didn’t like, and what they found interesting. This helps children engage more deeply with the material and improves their ability to express their opinions.
Cultivating a love for books in reluctant readers takes time. Creating comfortable spaces, establishing routines, and selecting the right reading materials are just a few steps you can start taking today.
Remember, every child is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It may take some trial and error to find what works for each child.
Stay patient, consistent, and persistent—your support for these young readers will help build a lasting, positive relationship with reading.
Have you had success in motivating reluctant readers? If you have tips or strategies that helped inspire a reluctant reader, we’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Discover more ways to support young readers with I Can Read’s comprehensive reading programmes.