Encouraging Reluctant Readers

For a young kid, reading can seem intimidating. They have reading homework, reading tests, reading quizzes and there are always bigger, harder words out there to learn. Not only that, much of what they’re expected to read might not reflect their experiences or capture their attention.

It is easy to see how kids become reluctant to read, but the First Book Marketplace is here to help. Sometimes it only takes one book to get a child excited about reading. Our Reluctant Readers section is curated with this in mind! This section is filled with fun, easy-to-read titles to get kids of all ages reading!

Hippos Are Huge! by Jonathan London

Hippos may make you laugh, but watch out! Acclaimed naturalist Jonathan London takes an exuberant look at these massive, swift, and super dangerous animals.

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe

A visually stunning picture book biography about modern art phenomenon Jean-Michel Basquiat, written and illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award winner Javaka Steptoe.

A Letter to My Teacher by Deborah Hopkinson

A letter from someone who was once an exasperating second-grader reveals her experiences with a teacher who brought out the best in her.

Bravo! Poems About Amazing Hispanics by Margarita Engle

Musician, botanist, baseball player, pilot—the Latinos featured in this collection come from many different countries and from many different backgrounds. Celebrate their accomplishments and their contributions to a collective history and a community that continues to evolve and thrive today!

The Trials of Apollo #2: The Dark Prophecy by Rick Riordan

After experiencing a series of dangerous—and frankly, humiliating—trials at Camp Half-Blood, Apollo must now leave the relative safety of the demigod training ground and embark on a hair-raising journey across North America.

To find more great books and resources that will encourage reluctant readers, visit the First Book Marketplace and explore our selection of award-winning and diverse titles.