The Secret to Raising Readers: Let Them Quit Books (And Other Rules Worth Breaking)
Want your child to love reading this summer? Let go of the rules!
We’ve all been taught that finishing every book is a must, that comics "don’t count," or that rereading the same book is a waste of time. The truth? Those rules can turn reading into a chore.
Here’s What to Let Go Of:
• The "finish what you start" rule
◦ If a book isn’t clicking, it’s okay to move on. Interest drives engagement, and engagement drives growth.
• The idea that only chapter books are real books
◦ Graphic novels, joke books, and even video game guides are full of complex vocabulary and rich narratives.
• The worry about repetition
◦ Rereading favorite books builds fluency, comprehension, and confidence.
Try This at Home:
- Create a "Did Not Finish" basket at home so your child feels free to move on from books without guilt.
- Make space for different formats: audiobooks, comics, magazines.
- Let your child be the one who chooses what to read, and celebrate their picks—no matter how unconventional they may be.
When children are given autonomy over what, when, and how they read, they become more motivated and invested. This sense of control builds a positive reading identity, which is a stronger predictor of future success than test scores.
Teaching Tip: Letting a child quit a book doesn’t mean lowering standards. It means respecting their interests and trusting that engagement is the foundation of growth. The more they enjoy reading, the more they’ll do it—and the more they’ll grow. If your Little Reader doesn’t know where to start, take a peek at our suggested reading list to spark their next great book adventure.
Our Summer Reading Program supports this philosophy. Each box is packed with options that empower your child to explore their own reading journey, all summer long.