Jon Scieszka on kids who hate to read

One of our all-time favorite authors here at Gratz Industries, Jon Scieszka (author of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, among many others) was recently named the first National Ambassador for Young People's Literature by the Library of Congress. We can't think of a better choice!

I love Scieszka's answer to parents who say their kids don't like to read. From an interview with Roger Sutton of The Horn Book:

• Try expanding your definition of reading to include humor, nonfiction, graphic novels, magazines, fantasy, science fiction, online content, audiobooks. Your kid may just hate to read assigned reading. Ask them what they are interested in. Empower them by letting them choose to read, and to choose what to read. Allow them to not like what might be your favorite reading.

• Be a positive role model. Talk to your kids about how you choose your reading, what you like, and what you don't.

• Avoid demonizing new technologies. TV, games, the Internet, and movies compete for kids' time and attention. But they are not the anti-reading devil. We need to help kids become critical consumers of all media. They can enjoy both TV and books. Each provides its own pleasures.

Amen, Ambassador!