Yes; your little 8-year-old brother may just be refusing your efforts because "big sis" is a big reader and that's *her* thing--he wants to have an identity separate from yours, so somehow you and your family need to help him find a way to make reading *his* thing. Maybe you can make a big deal over something like, "I'd never read any of THOSE books!" and he might pick *those* books up! He may also follow your example more than you think--if you leave for college soon, be sure to leave some of your books around (maybe just casually tossed somewhere rather than ceremonially given to him, though that would be nice, and he might like that, too). He may pick 1 or 2 up when he's missing you (which he will very much but probably won't admit)! Also, as has been mentioned, some readers prefer magazines to books. He might like a subscription to a magazine in an area of his interest--you might take him to B&N's big magazine section (or another store where they have a range of mags. for different ages) and let him browse to see what he likes; maybe buy one or two before committing to a full subscription, in other words. Does he like news? TIME FOR KIDS is a nice publication for this age (sort of like _Weekly Reader_ but glossy and more grown-up looking).
Readers do tend to kick in big time around 4th and 5th grades, so he might be just ready to 'launch,' or he could be waiting for, or simply needing, a subject that will draw him in. I'd also ask my local librarian for tips, and maybe my English teacher. Many boys do face this problem being a boy among boys more than girls do among girls growing up, unfortunately--I know; I hate it, too, and I agree that the stereotype should offend all boy readers! I also like the idea of reading with him. Did your parents read to both of you? Do they still read with him, or is that something only you do now? Do you read around him, or more often after he goes to bed? Does he associate you and books with you trying to press them on him or genuinely wanting to *share* the experience of reading (something you enjoy so much) with him? Lots of things to think about and try!
ED.: Oh, and another idea--some readers (esp. boys, for some reason) prefer non-fiction to fiction. If you've only been suggesting novels, you might take him to the library and see what he picks up on his own from the non-fiction section.
Good luck to you--how nice that you, as his big sister, want to encourage your little brother in reading! What a nice sister to have! He's a luckly little boy!
~ConnieK
Message Edited by ConnieK on 08-11-2007 09:43 AM
Readers do tend to kick in big time around 4th and 5th grades, so he might be just ready to 'launch,' or he could be waiting for, or simply needing, a subject that will draw him in. I'd also ask my local librarian for tips, and maybe my English teacher. Many boys do face this problem being a boy among boys more than girls do among girls growing up, unfortunately--I know; I hate it, too, and I agree that the stereotype should offend all boy readers! I also like the idea of reading with him. Did your parents read to both of you? Do they still read with him, or is that something only you do now? Do you read around him, or more often after he goes to bed? Does he associate you and books with you trying to press them on him or genuinely wanting to *share* the experience of reading (something you enjoy so much) with him? Lots of things to think about and try!
ED.: Oh, and another idea--some readers (esp. boys, for some reason) prefer non-fiction to fiction. If you've only been suggesting novels, you might take him to the library and see what he picks up on his own from the non-fiction section.
Good luck to you--how nice that you, as his big sister, want to encourage your little brother in reading! What a nice sister to have! He's a luckly little boy!
~ConnieK
ABI wrote:
Wow, Thanks guys! Big help...though I've tried HP, and Lemony Snicket (by the way, I used to love those books too!)
I haven't tried Eragon---for same reasons RiftDoggy so clearly stated above, but i suppose i should just try...
And i guess the reason i expect him to read at his age, is well, because I did; and for some reason that just er..gets to me. Plus, everyone says it's bcause he's a BOY. I ask, what's the difference, really? If i were a guy, i'd be terribly insulted! Though sometimes i have to agree...i think he's basically just refusing to read now because he knows i want him to...demon child...
Message Edited by ConnieK on 08-11-2007 09:43 AM
When I was in high school one of my teachers assigned The Grapes of Wrath and I swear I thought I would die reading that horrible book. I dreaded that class. Then later that year we switched classes and the first day I walked into the new class, I saw a table full of various type books. We were to pick one and read at our own pace and then make a report. Now that was a class. Reading for a solid hour is hard to beat. The book I read was Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I thought it was pretty good.
Later, as a class we read The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton and The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. I enjoyed both of those immensely. I'm not super picky but there are authors I don't care to read such as John Steinbeck. He brings tears to my eyes and not in a good way.
Later, as a class we read The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton and The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. I enjoyed both of those immensely. I'm not super picky but there are authors I don't care to read such as John Steinbeck. He brings tears to my eyes and not in a good way.
