I've been at Scholastic for almost 14 years. In that time, I have helped thousands of kids pick out books.
I firmly believe that kids are more likely to read if they've picked out their own book.
Sure, I have spent Teacher Week sessions listening to experts like Michael W. Smith talk about the concept and I can pretty much recite from memory the core of our Open a World of Possible message:
Scholastic's mission is built on helping children learn to read and love to read. We believe that independent reading is a critical part of children's learning and growth. With support from teachers, parents, and schools, children choose from Scholastic the books they want to read, and discover the pleasure and power of reading. Finding the right book at the right time can light an emotional spark within children that motivates them to read more, understand more, and read joyfully. When that happens, the world opens. Everything becomes possible.
As a bookseller, I completely embrace the excitement of finding that perfect book for a child. It's one of the reasons I love working for Scholastic. The moment a child refuses a bag because they are going to walk out reading the book is one of victory for a bookseller. You've helped advance a reader!
I tell you all of this because my daughter brought home her first Scholastic Reading Club order form this month. Oddly enough, my experience as a bookseller proved quite difficult for me as a parent. I've developed a passion for certain books and have found a career where sharing that enthusiasm with others enhances my job.
But what happens when your daughter wants to make different choices?
Short and sweet - you let her!
It was probably one of my more difficult moments. I wanted so badly to dictate her choices. I wanted her to include Pete the Cat or Steam Train, Dream Train. (I LOVE THEM!) Her choices were almost entirely Halloween related. I found myself trying to talk her into my choices and tell her how much Daddy liked this one. It wasn't until the words came out of my mouth that I realized this is not how it should work. She is her own reader and this could be an empowering moment for her. I just had to let it be one.
So...we started circling. She circled a lot of books. I let her make choices between the books she'd already circled. She eventually finalized her list (with a bit of parental limits) and I logged on to order.
When I hit the 'Confirm' button, I stopped thinking about the books, though. I started to think about Lydia...about the moment that her teacher will give her 'her books.'How they'll come home in her backpack and she'll get to show them to me (and not me to her like in my store.)
Yup- back there where I started - the excitement of a new book!
