How to get modern kids reading

Reading is a beautiful gift.

I am an avid reader. our home is full of books, the old fashioned kind found in this photograph:)

I am always searching for good reads for myself and my kids.

It begins to get really exciting when one can share the good adult read with a teen. 

I came across this interesting article on reading.

enjoy!

http://www.edudemic.com/what-really-gets-kids-reading/

Lets Listen to a Story!

Audio Books are a great wat for children to learn to enjoy books. We have listened to a great deal of books on "tapes"( remember those) and on dvd over the years with our kids. Here is a great link below, sharing audio books with us. Enjoy!!

http://www.scholastic.com/parents/blogs/scholastic-parents-raise-reader/free-audio-books-and-why-you-should-try-them

The Ordinary Hero by Tim Chester

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41y8POcA9-L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU02_.jpg

It is with enormous excitement that I recommend this excellent book. I have been reading it this holiday and have been challenged, reminded, rebuked, encouraged and have fallen in love with Jesus again. I think it is safe to say that this book will singlehandedly bring about great fruit in any and every Christan's life who reads it.

The theme is about living with the Cross= Jesus at the very heart of who we are. It is clear, easy to read and practical. It is sure to remind you if not challenge you and many fronts.

The first chapter is entitled: How do you know God loves you?

This is a great way to start and it is a good question to ask. I asked my kids after reading it and was surprised and interested at their answers. 

The amazing thing Chester does is to draw us from the cross to our present lives in Christ. If God loves us this much well then what does that mean for....

* how and when I love others

*accepting others

* laying down my life

*complaining when I am let down by others

*being gracious to others

These are just a small taste of some of the great gems in this great book.

The chapter entitled: The way of the Cross just blew my mind. This is the challenge to make sure we are really selfless ; self-denying- self-surrender and not merely as the world calls us to self-expression; self-confident;  self-fulfilled and self love. This chapter is a reminder that we are made for something much bigger than the small kingdom of our self made world.

There are 5 parts to the book which are the key areas relating to the cross and each has several sub headings. If you are wanting to come to the cross for the first time or if you just need to be reminded about who jesus is and what his dying means for your life, then this is a book you will thoroughly enjoy.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to explore the Christan Cross shaped life more clearly and with real desire to have a changed life.

Hungry for more..... The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzzanne Collins.

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzzane Collins .

I am not one to do what everyone is doing, just because it is in. The same goes for reading the latest crazy. BUT, having said this, I have to admit that THIS particular latest book trilogy is excellent.

check out the offical web page.

http://www.thehungergames.co.uk/

It has become the favourite read for our family. It is a book for teens and a good adult read. In fact, I have not been able to put it down. It is well written and the thrilling plot keeps you clued to the pages. The chapters are long and full. They always end with a gripping piece that keeps you turning the page to the next chapter.

I am not going to give a hint at all of the story. 

Just to say it is fairly violent but not in any gory detail. 

It is more a discription of an action and the result and she does not go into unneccessary detail. 

A good read!!

The Roman Mystery Series

I spent this holiday reading through the series written by Caroline Lawrence. The Roman Mystery Series.  These books were introduced to our family about 8 years ago by a friend who brought them from the UK. 

Check out the web site.  http://www.romanmysteries.com/

These books are set in Ostia when Rome was at its hight of rule. The stories revolve around a group of teenagers who set about solving a mystery in each book. There is a thread that runs from book to book although each stands alone. 

They are well written and extremely exciting. Full of intrigue and "who done it" stuff.

I would recommend them for children who are good readers and who love a mystery. 

The books also include a great deal of good history around the time it is set. This is really excellent!!

The first book in the series is called "The Thieves of Ostia".

These are well worth a read.

Has you child read any of these?

and then Came Number 3!!

Our first 2 sons took to books , literally like a duck takes to water. They learned to read will little effort or problem and they have loved reading ever since. Every night brings with it that time. The time to snuggle in and settle down to some good read or another. Neither of them is without a book , ever. They swap and share books with friends at school and have developed a rather extensive favourites list.

And then came number 3..... Our third son likes to read. He likes books and he is a good reader. He dose not love to read. He told me the other day, while at the library, "I hate books". My heart literally stopped. I was absolutely horrified. We chatted about reading and books etc etc.
The sad thing is that we have not invested nearly enough 'book time' with this little fellow. And so the challenge is on . How are we going to fan into flame the love of reading and books into this little men. I suspect the key, and all children have a key, is to find the right sort of books for him. We have tried all the best reads of the bigger boys but to no avail.

And so we gently encourage and build up and praise and offer this and offer that. The solution to this problem is still unsolved. The magic of a good book has not yet worked its charm on this little man.  We are setting our minds and problem solving as a family to this one and the bigger boys are coming up with their own solutions. Friends who have big families are adding much value and so we press on, book in hand and prayer in heart. The find the book lover in this child yet.