Moms Inspire Learning

From my Son to Yours: Books that Pull Teens In

My 13 year old goes through cycles. Sometimes he barely reads at all, and sometimes he can't put a book down. Since he started middle school, so many things are now competing for his time and attention. And let's face it, books aren't exactly what boys talk about at the lunch table.

More Fun Reading for Tweens and Young Teens

As I was walking out of the local middle school with my son and a few friends last week, I noticed there were brief student book summaries posted on the walls because they're having a contest. So, I reminded my son to get some blank sheets to fill out.

Well, one of his friends said, "Wow. You read?" He said he never reads because he doesn't like it. I tried to explain that he just needs to find a book that interests him, but I don't think he was really listening.

Great Sports Fiction for 10 to 14 Year Old Boys

Thank you, John Feinstein! My 12 year old son is devouring your books, one by one. His least favorite sport is basketball, and while he usually avoids books revolving around it, he loved Last Shot. Anyone who's looking for some great books for reluctant sports readers, you might want to give these a try:

Cover-up: Mystery at the Super Bowl

Change-Up: Mystery at the World Series

Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery (Final Four Mysteries)

The Rivalry: Mystery at the Army-Navy Game

I love to give books as gifts during the holidays. With less time being spent outside (at least where I am, in the cold), it's a great time to snuggle up with a great book. It's even better to see your children doing so. Happy reading!

Oh, and if you're looking for more books for tweens and teens, please feel free to check out my From my Kids to Yours category.

 

Books Against Bullies

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that I strongly believe that exposing your child to a wide variety of reading material is essential to the development of morals, values, critical thinking skills, and cultural understanding. It's the one way children can learn about themselves, others, and the world around them without leaving their homes, other than talking about current events with their families, teachers, and peers.

Well, after half of my religion class argued that they didn't see any point in reading anything other than Facebook last year, and seeing how children interact these days, I'm pretty sure that a large percentage of students are not reading books other than the ones assigned in class. And according to a 2007 Boston.com article, even college students and grads are not reading nearly as much for pleasure either.

Is it more likely that people who don't read will become bullies? Will reading prevent people from exhibiting this kind of behavior? I have no statistics to share. It would be hard to quantify.

More Fun Sports-Related Reads for Tween/Young Teen Boys

When GreenGuy found out that a favorite author, Tim Green, had not one, but two new books out, we had to drop everything and go get them! I'm always happy to see my see my son reading and enjoying his books because as I've said before, he's such a positive role model.

The Question of YA Book-Based Movies

Did your tween ever come home from a sleepover talking about an R-rated movie a friend's parent let them watch? It's happened to me a few times over the past couple of years. It's bad enough that many tweens are viewing PG-13 movies without the guidance of their parents, but R movies?

While movie ratings are clearly a gray area as it is, the subject becomes even more complex when it comes to YA books turned into movies. For example, the film industry seems to be taking young adult books, such as Twilight and Confessions of a Shopaholic, and turning them into movies which are marketed to a much younger audience than the author intended them for.

Reduce Anxiety by Being Brave

Too much of anything is never a good thing, and the same is true when it comes to anxiety. So, if you find your child worrying a little too much, here is a resource which might just help him to focus on the positive:

Striking Gold at the School Library

Welcome to National Library Week! 

As someone who spends a lot of time seeking out great books online and offline, especially at the public library, I always appreciate it when I get a recommendation from a friend, a blogger, or a librarian. It makes my life so much easier!

Boy Lost in Another Sports Book

There's a book out there for everyone. You just have to seek out topics and authors which capture your interest. My son has proven that time and time again.

Boy Lost in a Book Again!

I haven't updated you about my own children's reading selections in a while, so I thought I'd change it up over the next couple of posts to give you an update.

Someone asked me if I ever ran out of things to write about. The answer is definitely NO! I have way too much to write about, and not enough time to do so. As you know, I've been trying to blog less - it's really hard for me, though!