How to Get Teens Excited about Reading Books

Guest post by author Natalie Klein

How to Get Teens Excited
​about Reading Books

Do you have a teenager that never seems to want to pick up a book, let alone read one?

In a world of Snapchat and TikTok, it can seem that books have become a distant memory, and screen time has replaced any chance of reading.

But believe it or not, teenagers can enjoy reading again, and it's just a matter of finding that cozy sweet spot.

We look at 3 tips on getting your teen off screens and hooked on reading.

1. Dig deep and find out what genres interest them

Not all teens are interested in the same things, so dig deep to discover what your teen is drawn to and start from there.

• For example, if they enjoy action movies, they may be more interested in reading an action-packed novel.​
• Are they passionate about sports? Look for books about their favorite games or biographies of current players.
• If they're into history, find some historical fiction or non-fiction titles.

2. Let your teens choose their own books

Letting your teenager choose their own books to read will have them more likely to enjoy them. Being open-minded about their reading material will also give them freedom of choice.

• Introduce them to comics, graphic novels, magazines, novels, e-books and audiobooks to find a medium that suits them.
  
• Do they love a movie or series on a streaming service? Why not explore the book or comics if they have them available?

3. Expose your teenager to different places to buy books

As any book lover knows, there is no feeling quite like losing yourself in a good book. However, finding the right book can sometimes be challenging, especially for young people who are still exploring their interests. One way to help your teenager find the perfect book is to encourage them to explore various places such as:

• Comic book shops
• Bookstores
• Book exchanges
• Online retailers
• Library

​Offering your teenager a wide range of titles and allowing them to browse the shelves can help them find new favorites. By taking advantage of these resources, your teenager can discover a whole world of new books to enjoy.

4. Create an environment at home for reading

As a parent, you have the opportunity to set an excellent example for your children by modelling behavior that you would like them to adopt. If you want to encourage your children to read, make sure that reading is a part of your family's daily routine.​

You can also create an inviting environment for reading by ensuring plenty of books are in your home and setting aside a special place for reading. By modelling positive reading behavior, you can help your children develop a lifelong love of books.

Developing a lifelong love of literature

As any parent knows, teenagers can be a tough audience when it comes to reading. They're often more interested in their phones and social media than they are in picking up a book. Encouraging your teenager to read can be challenging, but it's worth it. By exposing them to a variety of books in different places, you're giving them the opportunity to find new favorites and explore their interests.​

If you make reading fun and exciting, they'll likely stick with it! There are plenty of great books out there for teenagers, so get started exploring and see what catches your teenager's eye. Reading is a lifelong habit that comes with many benefits, so help your teenager get started on the right foot today.

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Natalie Klein is an aspiring writer who loves writing for children of all ages and sparking their imagination.
Natalie also works as a website copywriter, crafting clear, concise and persuasive copy for small businesses.
When she’s not busy writing, she can usually be found listening to true crime podcasts, sewing and exploring all things related to the history of England.
www.nataliekleincopywriter.com.au