But as Ms. Thomas points out, for some children,
the single most important criteria may be something different, such as seeing
themselves in the pages.

And for still other students, the key that
will unlock the desire to read is something else. Whatever that “thing” is—whether
it’s a topic, an idea, a format (such as graphic novels), a character from a
certain background or with certain attributes—educators and parents must help
children name it. Then they must provide a steady diet of books that meet the
child’s criteria.

In some cases, this is a big job, a monumental
task, but it’s a challenge that must be overcome because the reading lives of
the next generation is at stake.

Thank you, Angie, for reminding us all how to
reach the hearts and minds of young readers.