The Joy of Reading sample

by Donalyn Miller and Teri Lesesne

The Joy of Reading

How long has it been since you curled up with a good book and read for an hour? How often do you read solely for your own interests and tastes? How long has it been since you fell into a book and the world fell away? Have you emotionally connected with something you read this year? When was the last time you felt reading joy?

Now. When was the last time you shared this joy with your students or your children?

Sadly, the reading joys we may know often don’t match the reading experiences of many students. Too many kids tell us they find little value for reading outside of school or work or even that they hate reading.

Here’s the truth: It is possible to teach children how to read well without killing their love for reading in the process.

We know that being reading encouragers, supporters, and role models makes a real difference for kids. Long after they leave us, the joy of reading will continue to nourish our students. Passing along the joy of reading matters because it lasts.

After submitting the form below, you will have access to two samples, one for Teachers and one for Librarians.

In the sample for Teachers, you will find:

  • A Letter to Readers
  • Chapter 1: Joy What Is It Good For?
  • What Do We Mean By Joy, Anyway?
  • Why Does Joy Matter?
  • The Lack of Reading Joy in School
  • Chapter 3: Joyful Reading Encourages Readers’ Choices
  • Increasing Your Book Knowledge: So Many Books, So Little Time!
  • Chapter 5: Joyful Reading Thrives in a Supportive Community
  • Saying No to Incentives and Competition: Refusing to Undermine Community

In the sample for Librarians, you will find:

  • A Letter to Readers
  • Chapter 1: Joy What Is It Good For?
  • What Do We Mean By Joy, Anyway?
  • Why Does Joy Matter?
  • The Lack of Reading Joy in School
  • Chapter 2: Joyful Reading Relies on Abundant Access and Time
  • What About Libraries? Can’t Kids Get Books There?
  • Don’t Let Censorship and Gatekeeping Limit Readers’ Access
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