Guest post by Debbie Woodliffe

Reading for pleasure is an often-overlooked part of child development, but it can lead to improved well-being and learning later in life. So, to help the kids in your life read more, let’s look at a few recommendations for struggling readers, some books which explain the world and some stories that are suited to fast learners.

Let’s make reading fun and accessible for all and ensure we’re choosing the right books for their abilities…

Did you know that research suggests those who read for pleasure are more likely to get better results in maths, vocabulary, and spelling tests as they grow? And that children with reading difficulties are more likely to have mental health and well-being issues later in life.

Reading books is about more than learning – it’s about escaping, discovering other cultures, and understanding more about different experiences. Plus, as evidenced by the #Booktok and #Bookstagram hashtags online, they can create communities and help you find your people.

Here are some 2022 children’s books that might best suit young readers:

Bug Scouts: Out In The Wild By Mike Lowery
Ages: 7-10

It’s a graphic novel about adventure and friendship with a few bugs and humor thrown in for good measure. With easy-to-follow paneling and snappy imitable dialogue – it’s a fun one for sure.

The Cartoons that Saved the World by Tom Ellen
Ages: 8+

Full of fun language and crazy characters, this illustrated adventure follows besties Finn and Isha as they try to save the cartoon world and their friendship. The short chapter and imaginative illustrations make this ideal for those with short and wandering attention spans.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Överlöde by Jeff Kinney
Ages: 9+

This popular book series strikes again with its iconic illustrations and diary-like style. Follow Greg and co as they try to become rock stars and stay friends, at the same time.

Books about the world
With climate change, the cost-of-living crisis, war, and discrimination being hot topics these days, it’s likely that children have started to ask questions. These books can help them understand some of the experiences others face and help them learn to be more accepting and considerate.

The Book of Legends by Lenny Henry
Ages: 9-11

This fast-paced fantasy is full of jokes, family and fantasy as twins Fran and Bran try to reunite their family. With Bran having hearing difficulties, this is a great option to show how deaf characters interact and discover the world.

Everest Reaching the Roof of the World by David Long
Ages: 7-11

Non-fiction might not be the first choice, but David Long and illustrator Stefano Tambellini tell the tales of real-life missions to the top of Everest with gusto. The short length of the book as well as the dyslexia-friendly font make this a great choice for those interested in geography and historic adventure.

The Little Match Girl Strikes Back by Emma Carroll
Ages: 7+

Teaching us about the trials of Victorian London and the crisis of the match girls, this story follows Bridie as she learns to change her destiny and help her friends. It lends itself well to discussions of poverty, strikes, and unionizing, which are so prevalent these days.

Princess Olivia Investigates: The Wrong Weather By Lucy Hawking and Zoe Persico
Ages: 6-10

Explore other cultures and the impact of weather on the environment, animals, and citizens along with Princess Olivia, and see how the things we do can make a difference.

Books for the avid reader
Some kids learn fast and devour books with no problem. Others need to learn faster to catch up with their classmates or to recover from a break. Luckily, there are plenty of books to help.

Ukrainian Reading Resources by Badger Learning
Ages: 8+

The Russia-Ukraine war may have slowed in the winter, but there are still hundreds and thousands of displaced adults and children that need to learn to adapt to their new surroundings. Local governments are providing support for sure, but these FREE dual language e-books are sure to help them begin their language learning journey at home.

The Double Trouble Society by Carrie Hope Fletcher
Ages: 11+

With magic, disappearing children and two best friends on the case, this book is a page-turner for sure. It’s a great option for those who love to read, as a sequel is out in 2023!

Unstoppable Us: How Humans Took Over the World by Yuval Noah Harari
Ages: 9-14

With full-colour illustrations, this book charts the rise of the human race throughout history and could help kids who have had a learning break catch up with their peers in history and geography lessons.

Reading should be fun for all, so adapt to what the children want to read, what they want to learn, and how they want to learn to see the best results. Hopefully, these books have given you some new ideas to try.

Teach & Kids Learn believes that when educators lead with passion, knowledge, and thoughtful instruction, students learn! 

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