The United States is in the midst of a literacy crisis, with many Americans lacking adequate literacy skills or having skills equivalent to a fourth-grade student or lower. Statistics show that this crisis may persist, as only 43 percent of fourth-grade students in the U.S. scored at or above proficiency levels on the National Assessment of Education Progress exam. Parents should introduce their children to reading as early as possible, but it's also crucial to select reading materials that spark their curiosity.
Understanding a child's likes and interests is paramount to selecting the right reading materials. Early on, a guardian or teacher's main goal should be fostering a love of reading. Children are more likely to view reading as a chore or school assignment if they are forced to read about characters, subjects, and settings they have no interest in. As children read more, they may branch out into unique genres. Young readers typically enjoy stories that reflect their own experiences. A child who plays baseball would likely enjoy reading a book that involves the sport in some way, such as Bette Bao Lord's children's classic In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson.
Illustrations are a major part of the reading experience for younger readers. While the quality of illustrations is subjective, families should look for book illustrations that add meaning and depth to the story. The purpose of illustrations is to draw young readers further into the story and maintain their engagement when the act of reading and maintaining concentration becomes tiresome. Quality illustrations are detailed and colorful, and they expand on the written narrative. Children's books with notable illustrations include The Fable of the Bully Dragon by Jeff Dinardo, How To Hug A Cactus by Emily S. Smith, and Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are.
While illustrations can be important, guardians and educators should also prioritize the written word by looking for books that use varied language and interesting vocabulary. Constantly encountering unfamiliar words and new sentence structures can be difficult, but it is essential for language development. Elliot Kreloff's are often praised for their use of language, including Worth the Wait, and Please Don't Make Me Fly.
One of the most important traits of an effective children's book is a relatable main character and supporting cast. As mentioned, young readers react best to stories that reflect the world they know. It is hard for readers to connect to a story if they do not understand or relate to the viewpoint of the character. Relatable characters not only help children develop a lifelong love of reading but can contribute to a sense of self-empowerment. When considering a children's book, adults should consider how main characters interact with real-world issues and how they process important emotions, including fear, anger, sadness, and joy.
Finally, children's books should push young readers on their reading journey, but they must also be developmentally appropriate. Important questions to ask include "Will the child understand the book's message? and "Can the child follow the language and vocabulary used to tell the story?" Adults can gauge a young reader's comprehension by discussing stories after the child has finished. Based on the child's response, families and teachers can make more accurate reading recommendations.
