Leading By Example

Read suggests parents who want their children to read quality literature make a point of reading in front of their children so that the kids will follow their example. She says one of the most important parts of developing a love of reading in a child is finding a subject that holds their interest.

"If you turn reading into a task, it will always have a negative association in your child's mind, but if you let your child's interests lead, even if it's something you really may not think is important in your own mind, it can lead to bigger and better things," she says. "There's something written about every topic anyone could possibly be interested in."

Five Steps to Making the Classics Fun

1. Coordinate a monthly round-robin style meeting, where kids and parents convene in each other's homes to choose and discuss literature in a casual, comfortable setting. Bring along snacks and beverages, or have a sit-down dinner where you talk about the books while enjoying a meal together.
2. Speak to a local bookstore representative about hosting a weekly or monthly book club. In exchange for the meeting place, you might agree to purchase the group's reading materials at the shop.
3. Visit your community library and ask the librarian about starting a kids' classics club. For more information or to find the library nearest you, go to www.ala.org.
4. Ask your child's school librarian to host a reading group or ask if you can use the school facilities to host your own there.
5. Have the PTA organize a classics-related essay contest and offer a bookstore gift card to the winner.

For more information on local library reading groups, resources, and suggested children's reading lists, contact the American Library Association at www.ala.org.