Choosing Books

Core Idea

Part of becoming a reader is learning to pick out books for yourself. You can choose a book by looking at the cover, reading the title, remembering an author you like, or asking someone for a suggestion. Choosing your own books helps you develop your own tastes and makes reading feel like something you get to do, not something you have to do.

How It's Best Learned

Visit a library or bookshelf and pick out a book on your own. Talk about why you chose it -- was it the cover, the topic, a character you recognized? Try choosing books in different ways: by topic, by the look of the illustrations, or by asking a librarian or friend. Keep track of the books you chose and which ones you liked.

Common Misconceptions

• Thinking there is a wrong choice when picking a book; any book that interests you is a good choice.
• Believing you have to finish every book you start; it is okay to put one down and try another.
• Assuming someone else always needs to pick your books; learning to choose for yourself is an important skill.

Explainer

Becoming a reader means learning to pick books for yourself. You get to be the boss of what you read! There are many ways to choose a book. You might pick a book because the cover looks pretty or interesting. You might pick it because you love the title, or because it has an animal or character you care about. You might remember an author you like and choose their book. Or you might ask a librarian, a teacher, or a friend for a suggestion.

Choosing your own books is fun and important because it helps you figure out what you like. Maybe you love funny stories. Maybe you love books about animals, or space, or friendship. Maybe you love books with amazing illustrations. When you pick books yourself, you discover what makes you happy and excited about reading. And that is when reading becomes something you want to do, not something you have to do.

Here is something important: there is no wrong choice when you pick a book. If the cover catches your eye, that is a good reason. If your best friend recommends it, that is a good reason. If the title sounds silly, that is a good reason too! And here is another secret: if you start a book and do not like it, you can put it down and try another one. You do not have to finish every book. Reading should feel good, not like a chore.

As you practice picking books, you will get better at knowing what you like. You will develop your own taste in books. And that is something to feel proud of!