99 Ways to Get Kids to Love Reading by Mary Leonhardt Summary

99 Ways to Get Kids to Love Reading by Mary Leonhardt offers practical strategies for parents and educators to nurture a lifelong love of reading in children. It emphasizes starting with children’s interests—like comics or genre fiction—rather than forcing classics, and includes 100 book recommendations tailored to diverse preferences. The book blends actionable tips with insights from Leonhardt’s 30+ years as an English teacher.

This book is ideal for parents, caregivers, and educators of children aged 5–18, particularly those struggling with reluctant readers. It’s also valuable for librarians or mentors seeking age-appropriate book suggestions. Leonhardt’s approach benefits anyone aiming to improve literacy skills while making reading enjoyable.

Key strategies include:

• Letting children choose their own books, even if they’re "low-brow" (e.g., comics, magazines).
• Modeling reading habits by prioritizing family reading time.
• Using book series to maintain engagement.
• Avoiding criticism of reading choices to prevent discouragement.

Yes, the book provides 100 curated recommendations for different reader types, such as:

• Horse-loving preteens (Black Beauty, Misty of Chincoteague).
• Tech enthusiasts (science fiction and coding guides).
• Music-obsessed teens (biographies of rock stars).

Leonhardt suggests leveraging teens’ existing passions—like recommending biographies of their favorite musicians or novels about social issues they care about. She advises against pressuring them to read "classics" and instead prioritizes building reading stamina through accessible, high-interest titles.

Unlike rigid literacy programs, Leonhardt’s approach focuses on joy over academic achievement. The book stands out for its specific, numbered strategies (e.g., Tip #23: "Keep a basket of books in the car") and its rejection of one-size-fits-all solutions. It also includes troubleshooting guides for common roadblocks like screen time.

Drawing from 37 years in classrooms, Leonhardt uses real-world examples, such as transforming reluctant readers via manga collections in school libraries. Her experience informs pragmatic advice, like temporarily allowing "easy" books to rebuild confidence in struggling readers.

While the focus is on cultivating enjoyment, Leonhardt explains how voluntary reading naturally improves vocabulary, writing, and critical thinking—skills that translate to academic success. She argues that passionate readers often outperform peers in standardized tests, even without direct test prep.

Some educators argue the approach might delay exposure to challenging literature. However, Leonhardt counters that forcing complex texts too early can create lifelong aversion. The book has been praised for its flexibility, with 4.1/5 stars on retailer sites for its actionable methods.

It complements her earlier book Parents Who Love Reading, Kids Who Don’t by providing more granular strategies. Her later work, 99 Ways to Get Kids to Love Writing, applies similar principles to writing. Together, they form a toolkit for raising engaged readers and writers.

With increased screen time and shortened attention spans, Leonhardt’s emphasis on meeting children “where they are” remains critical. The book’s tech-aware updates—like integrating e-readers or book-themed apps—make it adaptable to modern digital habits.

The curated 100-book list is included in the final third of the book, categorized by interests and age groups. Updated editions include contemporary titles like The Hate U Give for socially conscious teens and Diary of a Wimpy Kid for middle graders.