We had the opportunity to visit the American Booksellers Association (ABA) Children’s Institute in New Orleans recently, and came away with a great deal of new and useful info about young readers and upcoming reads just for them.
One of the talks we enjoyed the most concerned the value (for young and old) of reading just for fun. Here are some fun facts from Circana Data:
- The amount of time children read for fun is directly related to their reading test scores.
- Reading promotes well-being. Children who read for fun or identify as readers are more likely to report they’re “very happy” compared to non-readers.
- Reading for fun is the single biggest predictor of a child’s future success and matters more than family circumstances, parent’s educational background, or income.
There’s a few more gems in the graphic below, but the conclusion is clear: Reading for fun is powerful stuff. So in between those “must reads” and “should reads” – make sure your favorite young readers have something for pure enjoyment – it’ll pay off!
With this in mind, we decided we all want to be sharing a bit of what we’re all reading for fun, and sprinkle in what we’re doing for fun, too. So each week, your friendly neighborhood booksellers will share what we’re loving –on the page and in Summerville–
Kristy: Book I’m loving: The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde. This book was such a fun read and I could not put it down! It has everything you want in a fantasy – magic, monsters, action/adventure, banter and romance (and plenty of spice). So many twists and turns that left me wanting more as well! I really liked how this story has so many branches it can take, and hopeful for more books in the future!
When I’m not reading I’m spending time with my family and getting my oldest daughter ready to start Clemson in the fall. Go Tigers!
Kelly: Book I’m loving: The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson. I always love reading more about Charleston/SC history, and this book offers the perfect mix of cultural and political stories during the Civil War era.
Off the page, I’m excited about waterpark days at Whirlin’ Waters with my 8 and 10 year-old boys, especially during these super hot days!
Shari: The book I can’t stop talking about is James by Percival Everett. It’s a Huck Finn reboot, told from the perspective of the slave, Jim, who runs off with Huck. I can’t give away much more, but it’s such a clever premise with plenty of wit that Mark Twain himself would be impressed by.
My non-book joy this week is our big, fat family of pets. They all seem to be competing for our attention these days. Two dogs and three cats, enjoying summer with their human family. Their personalities even make all the shedding worth it, so when you see me covered in hair, you’ll understand… happy sigh.
Finally, we’re all looking forward to Monday’s writers group, Wednesday’s Stories on the Square (bring the littles, we have a new storyteller, Leslie, joining us this week!), and of course Tuesday’s book club, when we’ll be sharing wine, treats and talk around The Titanic Survivor’s Book Club.
For all our upcoming events, visit the schedule HERE. We’ll see you on Main Street!