Teens and Reading

Through research I find that most teens enjoy books that they can relate to. High school is full of drama, dating, runaway emotions, and popularity. Throughout these years, teens seem to find out what kind of person they are. There is something about freshman year that is so critical to a child's life. I remember when I was a freshman and my friends began to change, many for the worst. Those early teen years are so important in mapping out the kind of person you will be for the rest of your life. That is why teens like to read books in which they can find something that is familiar. High school is so confusing, and after talking to several teens I realized just how important it was to them to know that they were not the only ones going through those awkward changes.

One teen stated that he only was interested in books which had a male antagonist. His class was currently reading The Catcher in the Rye. It was clear that he could definitely relate to the boy that was struggling in the novel. The book is about a young boy, Holden, that is struggling to find himself in a big and lonely world. The teen with which I was talking to stated that he rarely ready, "any of the books given out in class, but I like this book. Holden is funny, and I can relate to some of his problems." This point showed me that the main reason why he was reading this book, was due to the fact that the author was able to portray the feelings of young teens through his main character.

As a teen, I was very dramatic. I thought that everything I was going through was something that nobody else could possibly understand. I remember my older sisters telling me that they were once in high school and knew exactly what I was dealing with. No matter how many times they told me that, I still strongly believed that they "Just didn't understand!" That is exactly what another teen stated when I asked her what she thought of many books she read in class. "I like the ones that deal with real issues. I really liked the Scarlett Letter because it is about a young girl that made one mistake, but had to carry that mistake around with her every day. We all make mistakes, but we don't have to constantly be reminded of them like the girl in the book. It was interesting cause' we all go through stuff like that..."

Parents, if your teen is not one that likes to read but you are trying to get them interested in it, then look for book with which they can relate. Some books that I am sure they would enjoy include,
~The Catcher in the Rye-Salinger, J.D.
~To Kill a Mockingbird-Harper Lee
~Eragon & Eldest-Christopher Paolini
~Graceling-Kristin Cashore
~The Outsiders-Hinton S.E.
Reading is a wonderful thing and I really think that is is very important to get your kids involved!