How to Get High School Kids to Read More

Some teens are just natural-born readers. They love picking out new books, discovering new authors, and may even be working on their own book for publication. Other students, however, may not have the same love of the written word. As a parent, you understand the importance of reading and may be looking for ways to help your child discover literature. If you have a teen who is less than excited about reading, here are a few ways to get your high school kid to read more with these tips and resources.

Get your high school kid to read more with these tips and resources

We often hear that the movie is never as good as the book, but often a movie may be just the catalyst your teen needs to jump into reading a book. If there’s a movie that your child truly resonates with, consider spending time watching the movie adaptation together, as a family.

Books for Teens that are Also Movies  

Everything, Everything, Nicola Yoon

The  Fault in Our Stars, John Green

The Maze Runner, James Dasher

Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda, Becky Albertalli 

Offer Your Teen Incentives for Every Book They Read

You know your child best and as such, you know what motivates them. Whether it’s the promise of Friday-night sushi or a gift card to their favorite online store, offering incentives is a great way to get high school kids to read more. In a recent study, it was determined that adolescent kids do just as well with positive reinforcement as their younger counterparts. So dig out that old reading log and let your teen earn something fun as they burn through their ‘to be read,’ pile. 

Using Audiobooks As a Means to Get Your Kid to Read More

Your teen may actually love hearing stories but just isn’t enamored with actually holding a book and reading it. If that’s the case, consider looking in to audiobooks as a way to get your kid to read more. Whether you choose a subscription from Audible.com or look to Scribd.com for audiobooks, there are countless options. Invest in that pair of wireless headphones your teen has been asking for and load up some audiobooks on their phone. They can listen while mowing the grass or washing the dishes. That’s a win/win for the entire household.

Consider Family Read-Alouds

It may sound strange, especially when older kids can already read to themselves, but there has been a resurgence of family read-aloud time in recent years. In fact, Sarah Mackenzie, of The Read-Aloud Revival, says, “Reading with teens can be pure magic. It’s such a simple way to slow down and enjoy one another’s company. And it’s really important to enjoy our teens’ company.” Mackenzie is the founder of The Read-Aloud Revival where she helps parents discover the magic of reading aloud together.

Books Your High School Student Will Enjoy Reading 

Getting your high school student to read more can be challenging but if you dig in and try to find authors that resonate with that age range, you may just luck out. Finding books that tell the stories of teens in the current age can be significantly helpful. Kids want to read about other kids just like them and through books, you can help your child figure out their place in the world. 

With literature that tackles a variety of topics from social justice issues, sexuality, and relationships, helping teens make connections to their lives and the lives of protagonists in the books is a great way to begin conversations. The books act as sort of an ice-breaker to difficult issues or challenges your child may be facing. Not every book has to serve a larger purpose, reading as a form of relaxing entertainment is also a great habit to get into.

Attend a Young Adult Book Fest with Your Teen 

Every November in Charleston, Ya’ll Fest draws readers and young adult authors from all over the country. The 3-day young adult book festival offers readers a chance to meet their favorite authors, get books signed, buy new books and sit in on panels. In 2018, actor Jason Segel, from How I Met Your Mother and Dispatches from Elsewhere, was on hand to sign his book, Otherworld. He also participated in a popular panel about character development. 

In past years, some notable Black authors, like Nic Stone, author of The Hate You Give and Angie Thomas who wrote, The Hate You Give, have attended. Divergent Author, Veronica Roth was also another well-received Y’all Fest speaker. For ideas on books that your high school student will love, the Ya’ll Fest website is a great start. If you’re in the area or can get there, consider a trip to Charleston to attend Ya’ll Fest with your teen. Similarly, in California, Ya’ll West event occurs every year. 

Get Your High School Kid to Read More with These Popular Books 

Helping your teen choose books that resonate with them is a great start to getting your high schooler to read more often. While some kids may say they want to be in control, they often don’t have the follow-through that comes with age. Consider sending them a link to ‘a really cool site’ you saw that had some great book ideas they may want to consider. This way you’re planting a seed, offering a resource, and letting them make the final decision and have control over what they’re going to read.  

Dear Martin, Nic Stone

The Hate You Give, Angie Thomas – this one is also a movie 

All the Things We Never Knew, Liara Timani

The Summer of Jordi Perez (and the best burger in Los Angeles), Amy Spalding

Finding Miracles, Julia Alvarez

Almost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir, Robin Ha

Say Her Name: Poems to Empower

Little & Lion, Brandy Colbert 

Puddin’, Julie Murphy

I Have Lost My Way, Gayle Forman 

Getting your high school kids to read more often may seem difficult. When you suggest ‘read a book’ you may be met with an eye-roll or a shrug, but there are so many benefits to reading, that it’s important to keep trying. You should also consider practicing what you preach if you’re not reading voraciously already. By modeling the behavior you want your teen to exhibit, you show your teen what it is that you value and what you focus your attention on. Instilling a love of reading, in your child is an invaluable gift you can give as a parent that will serve them well as they move into adulthood.