Encouraging Reluctant Readers with the 2STEVES

As a librarian I often come across students who are only in grade four or five who have already lost interest in reading. Since students stop having designated library times after grade five, I take it as a personal challenge to find ways to entice these students back into reading throughout the year.

There was this one boy, let’s call him Sam. Sam hated reading. He detested library time and insisted that books were for losers and there was nothing I could find that he would like. We tried graphic novels, adventure, science fiction and mystery- all different levels. Nothing would interest him. I then had the pleasure of inviting Steve Skidmore and Steve Barlow (the 2Steves) to my library. In preparation of this, I started reading excerpts from different novels that they had coauthored to the entire class.

No reading necessary- just listening. 

As the weeks progressed I started noticing a bit of a change. He was actively listening and participating. He began to have an opinion about the stories we were reading. Most importantly… he didn’t seem to detest the library period with such vigor.

As we came closer to the date I began to wonder why the change? Was it just that he was not a strong reader and felt intimidated by the words on a page? Was there an undiagnosed problem related to reading?

Finally, the day arrived. Sam ran into the library at 8am anxious to start the day.

“Are they here yet?” he bellowed, excitement vibrating off of him.

“Of course, Sam. We will see you in the library in fifteen minutes,” I relied with a smile. 

The presentation that the 2Steves gave our school was fantastic. They were funny, down-to-earth and excellent readers. Most importantly, they were passionate. That day, Sam got to shake their hands, get his picture taken with them and he bought his first autographed book. 

After the author visit, Sam had a renewed interest in visiting the library. He started borrowing all of the books written by the 2Steves. After we had exhausted the libraries supply of those, I was able to direct him towards other authors that he soon bonded with.

Steve Skidmore and Steve Barlow used to be teachers and they understand reluctant readers. Essentially, their books target these students which make these books ideal for struggling students.