Reading together

Educational consultant Diane W. Frankenstein takes up a question many adults ask: what turns a child into a strong reader? Her answer is that the right book, followed by conversation about the story, helps a child connect with what they are reading. The guide is written for the adults who shape young readers, including parents, teachers, librarians, and other caregivers.

The book explains how to help children find something worth reading and then, through discussion, how to uncover meaning and enjoyment in it. Its advice is meant to turn reading into a shared activity rather than a chore.

The core of the book is more than 100 book recommendations for readers from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, each paired with conversation starters. Titles discussed include Betty G. Birney's World According to Humphrey, Gennifer Choldenko's Notes from a Liar and Her Dog, and David Shannon's Bad Case of Stripes, and several of the books covered have won awards. The stated aim is to help children grow into readers who keep reading long after they leave the classroom.