Most young kids love reading, but when the busy school year starts, it can be challenging to find the time to encourage them to read for fun.
It\u2019s important to remember, however, that the more kids read on their own time, the higher they tend to score on tests.<\/p>\r\n
In fact, about 76 percent of students who report reading for fun on their own time once a week or more perform at the high end of basic level testing, while 14 percent of students who never or hardly ever read for fun perform below the basic level, according to the American Library Association.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
So how can we get kids reading during their free time when they\u2019re already so busy in and out of school?<\/p>\r\n
\u201cKids should be exposed to a variety of books and genres so that they can figure out what they enjoy,\u201d says Stephanie Fryling, Vice President of Merchandising, Children\u2019s Books, at Barnes & Noble. \u201cIf kids love the books and topics they\u2019re reading about, like a graphic novel, they\u2019re much more likely to reach for a book as often as a video game.\u201d
It can be a challenge, however, to know what reading to get for your kids, let alone put down money for them.<\/p>\r\n
That\u2019s part of the reason bookseller Barnes & Noble started a national Kids\u2019 Book Hangout. This free, seasonal event offers kids, parents, and caregivers a chance to gather together to learn about a range of books for grades 1-6, as well as play fun games and activities related to the stories and characters.<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWe wanted to create a fun, friendly environment for kids to learn about new books and genres so they can find what interests them,\u201d Fryling says.<\/p>\r\n
The first Kids\u2019 Book Hangout, held this summer, was a big success, drawing over 10,000 kids to Barnes & Noble bookstores around the country. Fryling expects the next Hangout to be even bigger.<\/p>\r\n
The second Hangout will take place Saturday, October 20, at 2 PM, and features a range of books and graphic novels about friendship, adventure, and mystery. Barnes & Noble partner with Penguin Young Readers and Random House Children\u2019s Books on the following titles:<\/p>\r\n
* \u201cThe Cardboard Kingdom,\u201d by Chad Sell
* \u201c5 Worlds: The Sand Warrior,\u201d by Mark Siegel and Alexis Siegel
* \u201cThe Last Kids on Earth and the Cosmic Beyond,\u201d by Max Brallier
* \u201cSquirm,\u201d by Carl Hiaasen
* \u201cMonstrous Devices,\u201d by Damien Love<\/p>\r\n
During the Hangout, booksellers will introduce the books to the kids along with games, activities, and free giveaways. Barnes & Noble will also sell the books for 20 percent off in stores and online on the day of the event.<\/p>\r\n