15 Jul Engaging Reluctant Readers: Tips & Tools

Not every child loves reading right away, and that’s okay! At the library, we know some readers just need a little extra help finding the right book or format to fall in love with reading. Whether your child avoids books, gets overwhelmed by big blocks of text, or just hasn’t clicked with the right story yet, here are some ways to help turn reluctant readers into enthusiastic ones.

Try E-Books & Audiobooks

It may sound funny, but many reluctant readers are more engaged when reading on a screen! E-books often offer helpful features like adjustable font sizes, read-aloud options, and built-in dictionaries that support vocabulary and comprehension. One study found that reluctant readers using Chromebooks and e-books showed increased focus, confidence, and comprehension during reading time (Abington-Pitre & Briggs).

Try This: Explore free e-books through our library’s digital collection, or ask a staff member to help you get started.

Graphic Novels Are a Game-Changer

Graphic novels combine illustrations and text, helping children follow a story without feeling overwhelmed by too many words. These books are especially helpful for visual learners, English language learners, and students with dyslexia or ADHD. Research shows they improve comprehension, vocabulary, empathy, and reading confidence (Walker).

Great Picks: New Kid by Jerry Craft or The Tea Dragon Society by Kay O’Neill.

Keep It Fun, Not a Chore

If reading feels like punishment, kids are more likely to resist. Experts suggest avoiding reading as a “have-to” task. Instead, build joy and routine into it. Read to your child– even older ones! Reading aloud helps kids learn tone, punctuation, and vocabulary. According to Mason & McGraw, when reading feels like fun instead of work, engagement goes way up.

Try this: Turn reading into quality time. Choose a book you both enjoy and read together, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Laugh at the silly parts, talk about what’s happening, and make it feel like a shared adventure…not homework.

Build Small Reading Wins

Confidence fuels motivation. When children experience success, big or small, they want to read more. Educators recommend starting with short, manageable texts your child can conquer. Positive experiences encourage them to keep going. ALL reading counts!

Tip: Let kids pick short comic strips, recipe steps, or fun articles.

Look For: Series like Scholastic Branches books.

Whether your child is a bookworm in the making or still figuring out their reading style, we’re here to help. Stop by the Children’s Room for personalized suggestions, or explore our e-book and audiobook collections. Reading should be fun, and we’re ready to help your family find the magic.

Sources

Abington-Pitre, A., & Briggs, C. J. (2020). E-Books & Reluctant Readers: To Engage or Not to Engage. Journal of Literacy & Technology, 21(4), 86–126.

Rossington, K. (2024). Stealing it back – Reengaging reluctant readers and their kidnapped attention. METAphor, 1, 25–28.

Walker, S. (2025). Drawing Them In: The Power of Graphic Novels in Key Stage 2. Access (10300155), 39(1), 44–49. 

Written by Madelyn K., Youth Services Librarian