When library staff members talk to younger school groups, we often check to see whether they know what “fiction” and “non-fiction” mean. Many kids have figured out that fiction means “fake” and non-fiction means “not fake.” They’ve also recognized what adults may have forgotten after years of reading non-fiction texts for papers and reports: non-fiction can be fun!
I’m not saying that if you didn’t think your eighth-grade history textbook was a barrel of laughs, you were missing something. In fact, one author, Steve Sheinken, who is now writing non-fiction books for kids and teens used to be a writer for textbooks and saved up all of the amusing and fascinating stories he wasn’t allowed to put in those textbooks. He has all of the material he could ever need for new books.
So if your child is looking for an exciting adventure story, or their new preoccupation is cowboys or animal stories, take a walk down the library’s non-fiction shelves. There are non-fiction books that look like picture books, some that are easy readers, and chapter books too. If reading isn’t their favorite thing to do, but having a chance to win the summer reading program prize has them motivated, then non-fiction books are a great way to get those reluctant readers to sit down with a book. Just wait until they learn we have one on their favorite sports team, or spies, or pirates, or whales, or dinosaurs, or crafting.
Non-fiction books support struggling and reluctant readers in several ways. Very interesting subjects will motivate readers to stick with a difficult book that they might otherwise abandon if it’s not captivating. Non-fiction books often have pictures, graphics, headings, and summaries, all of which offer supports for the information beyond the text. Finally, many non-fiction books don’t need to be read from beginning to end. A struggling reader can get the information and enjoy reading only the parts of the book that are most interesting.
If your kids (or you) get hooked on a subject, check out some of the databases available through the library’s website or gowyld.net. Universal Class has online classes on everything from accounting and spiritual studies to pet care and hobbies. There’s Britannica Kids, and Culturegrams, and History Study Center where you can find those interesting facts and stories about everything from animals to history to geography and other cultures. Plus, these databases are available even when the library is closed. Did you know that July is National Anti-Boredom Month? How about checking out a non-fiction book with activities, or recipes, or crafts to keep the boredom at bay this month? Or taking a free online class?
Have you ever wanted to start an herb garden, or upcycle some furniture? Next time you’re in the library, grab a non-fiction book and get started.
Reader Comments(0)