Not every child falls in love with reading right away. For many, learning to read—and learning to enjoy reading—can feel overwhelming. Some children lack confidence, get frustrated, or simply haven’t found the right book to spark their interest. As a parent, summer offers a perfect opportunity to help your reluctant reader make reading a fun and rewarding habit.

Here’s how you can encourage more reading at home this summer (without turning it into a chore!).

Let Kids Choose Their Own Books

One of the most powerful ways to get your child interested in reading is to give them the freedom to choose what they want to read. Whether it’s books about dinosaurs, sports, mysteries, or silly jokes, kids are more likely to read when the topic excites them.

Take regular trips to the library and let your child explore. They might not choose a classic novel—and that’s okay! Reading anything they enjoy still counts as reading (including graphic novels).

Make Reading a Game

Introduce simple reading challenges with fun rewards. You can create a summer reading chart, a sticker reward system, or even a homemade “reading bingo” featuring different genres or types of books (a graphic novel, a poem, a book with a one-word title, etc.).

The goal is to make reading feel like a fun achievement rather than a requirement.

Try Different Formats

Books don’t have to look traditional to be valuable. Comics, graphic novels, joke books, and magazines are all great ways to ease reluctant readers into the world of reading. These formats are especially appealing because they combine visuals with text, which can make the reading experience more engaging.

Some kids even enjoy joke books or trivia collections—perfect for short bursts of reading that build confidence.

Create a Cozy Area Just for Reading

Reading doesn’t need to happen only at a desk or the kitchen table. Encourage your child to find a comfortable, quiet spot where they enjoy reading—a blanket fort, a hammock, a bean bag chair in a corner of their room.

The more inviting the space, the more likely your child is to settle in with a book.

Find Engaging Series and Favorite Authors

Once a child connects with a character or an author’s writing style, they’re more likely to want more. Book series are a great way to keep that momentum going. Encourage your child to read the next book in a series or try more titles by the same author.

Many kids develop reading habits through series they grow to love—whether it’s mystery, fantasy, or humor.

Let Reading Fit Their Level

When choosing books, try to use the “Goldilocks” approach: not too hard, not too easy—just right. Books that match their current ability level are crucial to building confidence. If a book is too difficult, they may get discouraged. If it’s too easy, they might lose interest.

Read Aloud Together

Reading aloud is powerful at any age. Whether you’re reading to your child or taking turns, this shared experience builds fluency, boosts vocabulary, and fosters a love for storytelling. It’s also a great bonding activity!

Even older kids can benefit from hearing chapter books read aloud—especially if it means diving into a great story that’s just a bit above their independent reading level.

Try Audiobooks

Audiobooks are a wonderful tool for reluctant readers. They allow kids to enjoy more complex stories while listening and following along in a physical book. This helps with comprehension and fluency—and it makes reading feel more accessible.

Great for car rides, quiet time, or winding down before bed, audiobooks are a summer essential.

Make Real-Life Connections

Help your child connect what they’re reading to their everyday life. Read a book about cooking and then try a recipe together. Read about bugs and go on a backyard scavenger hunt. These hands-on experiences help kids see the value of reading beyond the page.

Celebrate Every Victory

Reading one book this summer? That’s a win. Finishing a whole series? Even better. No matter the pace or number, celebrate your child’s progress with genuine excitement. Make reading feel like something to be proud of—not an assignment to dread.

Model Reading Behavior

Let your child see you reading, too! When kids notice that reading is part of your daily life, they’re more likely to see it as an enjoyable activity. Set aside a family reading time, talk about books at dinner, or plan a trip to the library together. You might even read the same book and discuss it like a mini book club!

Visit the Library… Often

Libraries are magical for reluctant readers. They offer a wide selection of books, knowledgeable librarians, and often host summer reading programs, storytimes, or book-related events. A library card gives your child a sense of ownership and independence over their reading choices.

Make It Social

Kids are influenced by their peers. Encourage your child to talk about books with friends or participate in a local or online reading group. Organize a book swap with neighbors or set up a “recommended by friends” shelf at home. Sometimes, a book feels more interesting just because a friend said it was cool!

Keep It Fun and Pressure-Free

Above all, summer reading should be enjoyable. Avoid turning it into a checklist or a source of stress. Let your child move at their own pace, explore their interests, and develop a positive relationship with books.

Helping your child become a more enthusiastic reader doesn’t require expensive programs or perfect strategies. Just a little creativity, consistency, and encouragement can go a long way. This summer, give your child the gift of time, choice, and joyful discovery of books.

Let reading be an adventure—and watch your child grow from reluctant, into a lifelong reader.

About Success Won’t Wait

Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait is a not-for-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. Want to learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s literacy projects, how to donate used children’s books in Delaware, or volunteer your time? Click on the About Us tab above.

Read now, because success won’t wait!