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

1. Let children choose comics and magazines over classics initially
2. Fathers reading aloud nightly builds masculine reading role models
3. Match book themes to a child’s personal experiences for engagement
4. Keep household bookshelves stocked with genre-specific "guilty pleasure" reads
5. Prioritize reading fluency through fun materials before tackling complex literature
6. Host parent-child book swaps to normalize recreational reading habits
7. Use movie novelizations as gateway books for reluctant readers
8. Celebrate library hauls like treasure hunts to build anticipation
9. Frame reading as lifelong learning tool rather than school obligation
10. Protect reading time as sacred family ritual without distractions
11. Validate paperback romance/YA novels as valid stepping stones
12. Focus on reading enjoyment first, academic skills second

About the Author of 99 Ways to Get Kids to Love Reading

Mary Leonhardt, author of 99 Ways to Get Kids to Love Reading, is a renowned educator and reading specialist celebrated for her practical strategies to foster lifelong literacy. A former English teacher at Massachusetts’ Concord-Carlisle High School with over 30 years of classroom experience, Leonhardt blends pedagogical expertise with actionable advice for parents. Her work centers on empowering families to nurture reading habits through relatable, low-pressure methods—emphasizing comic books and genre fiction as gateways to literary engagement.

Leonhardt’s earlier book, Parents Who Love Reading, Kids Who Don’t, established her as a leading voice in literacy advocacy, offering insights into overcoming reluctant readers’ challenges. Her approach prioritizes accessibility over rigid academic standards, resonating with educators and caregivers alike.

A trusted resource in educational circles, 99 Ways to Get Kids to Love Reading distills decades of hands-on experience into frameworks for building reading enthusiasm across age groups. The book has been widely adopted by parenting communities and cited in literacy programs for its evidence-based, compassionate methodology.

FAQs About 99 Ways to Get Kids to Love Reading

What is 99 Ways to Get Kids to Love Reading about?

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.

Who should read 99 Ways to Get Kids to Love Reading?

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.

What are Mary Leonhardt’s top strategies for encouraging reading?

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.

Does 99 Ways to Get Kids to Love Reading include book recommendations?

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).

How does Mary Leonhardt address reluctant teenage readers?

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.

What makes 99 Ways to Get Kids to Love Reading unique compared to other parenting guides?

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.

How does Mary Leonhardt’s teaching background influence the book?

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.

Can this book help with academic reading skills?

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.

What critiques exist about 99 Ways to Get Kids to Love Reading?

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.

How does this book relate to Mary Leonhardt’s other works?

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.

Why is 99 Ways to Get Kids to Love Reading relevant in 2025?

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.

Where can I find the full list of recommended books from this guide?

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.