By Regan McMahon, commonsensemedia.org
 
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to: www.commonsense.org.
 
Kids become lifelong readers for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes, there’s one key book that captures a kid’s imagination and opens him up or her up to the exciting world of fiction. Other times, a teacher who assigns great books in class sparks a hunger for more big ideas and fine writing. In some cases, Savvy Aunties influence kids’ appreciation of books by sharing their own love of literature and modeling reader behavior—always having a book to read, taking books on vacation, reading before bedtime, making regular trips to the library and bookstore, etc.
 
Here are our best tips for nurturing a love of reading that can last a lifetime:
 
1. Read aloud.
 
This comes naturally to lots of new aunts, but it’s important to keep it up. Kids will enjoy it longer than you think. For babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and kids in early grade school, it’s wonderful to have a kid on your lap, snuggled next to you on the couch, or drifting off to sleep in bed as you enjoy picture books together. You may have to read your niece’s or nephew’s favorite a hundred times, but just go with it. They will remember the closeness as well as the story. And try nonfiction for those who are curious about pirates, Vikings, robots, castles, history, sports, biographies, animals, whatever. For second through fifth graders, read those rich and meaty books that might be missed otherwise, maybe classics like Treasure Island or Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
 
Many parents think that as soon as their kids learn to read on their own, they no longer need to be read to. But Savvy Aunties know that kids still love it and benefit from it as they hear the rhythm of the language, learn correct pronunciation, and get to relax and just take it all in. Kids will get the idea that there’s something worthwhile in books and that there’s something special about qualAuntie time spent with their favorite aunt.
 
2. Savor the series.
 
It’s common for kids to become book lovers for life after getting hooked on a series. And there are lots of good ones that keep kids hungry for the next installment. Some reliable prospects: Ivy and Bean, Judy Moody for beginning readers; Harry Potter, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Percy Jackson series for middle graders; and Hunger Games, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and Twilight (unless you think vampires are too creepy) for older kids.
 
3. Grab onto a genre.
 
Kids go through phases of genres they’re passionate about, from girl detectives to science fiction and fantasy. Don’t get hung up on whether it’s considered great literature (although some genre books are). Be happy that your niece or nephew is devouring books one after the other.
 
4. Feed the favorite-author addiction.
 
Once your nieces and nephews find a writer they love, they may want to read all of his or her books—a great excuse for a trip to the library or an opportunity for book swapping among friends and classmates. Here are some good bets for favorites. Younger kids: Dav Pilkey (The Adventures of Captain Underpants), Beverly Cleary (Beezus and Ramona). Middle grade: Katie DiCamillo (Because of Winn-Dixie), Neil Gaiman (The Graveyard Book). Tweens and teens: Judy Blume (Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret) and Sarah Dessen (Just Listen).
 
5. Count on the classics.
 
Books are called classics because they continue to engage readers generation after generation. There are no guarantees, but you could try introducing your nieces and nephews to books you loved as a kid and see which ones click. Some good ones to try are the Dr. Seuss and Narnia books, Charlotte’s Web, and The Secret Garden. Check out our Classic Books for Kids list to find more.
 
6. Find books about the things your niece or nephew loves.
 
If your nephew adores horses, try Black Beauty or any of the titles on our list of best Horse Books. If he’s wild about cars, trucks, and trains, check out our list of Vehicle Books. Librarians, booksellers, and Internet searches will help you find books on any favorite topic.
 
7. Funny is fine.
 
Some parents wrestle with letting their kids read Captain Underpants, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and other edgy humor books about kids getting in trouble. Talk to your nieces and nephews about the content, and help their parents realize that kids like these books not because they want to imitate the characters’ actions but because they can live vicariously through their bad behavior. Humor is a great pathway to book loving.
 
8. Comics are OK.
 
Graphic novels are among the hottest trends in children’s publishing, and they can get kids hooked on reading. Kids may start with Squish and Babymouse and move onto Diary of a Wimpy Kid. But these series can also lead to more sophisticated fare, such as Marzi and American Born Chinese. Find other titles in our list of best Graphic Novels.
 
9. Make reading a family value.
 
Actions speak louder than words. Take your nieces and nephews to the library once a week or once a month to get new books, make regular outings to your local bookstore, hunt for low-cost books at used bookstores or second-hand shops, and show them that finding a good book is like a treasure hunt.
 
Fit reading into your family lifestyle. Set aside time for reading only—turning off the TV, computer, and cell phone. Encourage focused reading time, either for independent reading or reading aloud. Take preschoolers to story time hours and libraries and bookstores. For older kids, a book club can be fun. Read to the kids at bedtime whenever they stay over. Provide time and space for your nieces and nephews to read for pleasure in the car (if they don’t get car sick!), on vacation, after homework is done, and on their own. Warning: It could be habit-forming!

Published: February 12, 2013