July 2, 2025
Helping Reluctant Readers Break the Cycle
Many children don’t enjoy reading right away, but for some, that struggle stretches beyond the early stages of literacy development. These students are often labeled as “reluctant readers,” but a growing number of educators and librarians believe that term feels too permanent. Instead, they’re embracing the phrase “reading reluctantly” to better describe the behavior, not the student (Spencer Education).
As education expert John Spencer explains, “I’ve never met a student who was permanently disinterested in reading—only those who were hesitant until they found their rhythm and grew to enjoy it, sometimes even love it” (Spencer, 2021).
If we want students to take ownership of their reading journeys, we must first accept that resistance is often part of the process. Amanda Jones, an award-winning teacher-librarian, encourages parents and educators not to lose hope. “Do not worry about creating a reader overnight,” she says. “Foster the love of reading little by little, and remember: Reading is reading, whether it is a novel, magazine, or the back of a cereal box” (Jones, 2023).
The transformative moment when a child finally gets hooked on a book is possible for every reader, but it helps to have the right mindset, tools, and strategies in place (Scholastic). To support families and caregivers, the literacy experts at Rally Reader have gathered five practical ways to help children who are reading reluctantly break the cycle at home:
- Talk about movies and TV shows. Encourage kids to summarize plots, describe characters, and make connections. This builds comprehension skills, and if they enjoyed the movie, they might like the book might be even better!
- Let humor or suspense lead. Funny books, graphic novels, and thrilling adventures are powerful hooks. Once kids associate reading with fun, the momentum builds naturally.
- Make reading materials easy to access. Keep books visible and within reach—on shelves, in backpacks, even in the car. Rally Reader’s digital library of over 50,000 titles makes it easy to explore without needing shelf space.
- Explore their interests. Follow your child’s passions, whether it's sports, animals, outer space, or video games. Magazines, websites, and personalized book recommendations from librarians or reading apps like Rally Reader can spark curiosity and engagement.
- Bond through shared reading. Read aloud together or take turns reading pages. These shared moments help kids feel supported and show them that reading is something to enjoy.
Helping children who hold back from reading isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about showing up consistently with empathy and patience. When we use a low-pressure, interest-driven approach, reading becomes more accessible and less intimidating. By building small routines, following their interests, and creating shared experiences, we can help transform hesitation into confidence. Over time, those little moments can open the door to a lifelong love of reading.
Keep Learning:
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers: National Library Association