When Your Child "Doesn’t Like Reading"...

Here’s how to reconnect kids with the joy of stories.

You sit down with a stack of books, hoping for a cozy reading session. But your child groans. Or squirms. Or says, “Do we have to?”

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.

Many parents worry when their child doesn’t seem interested in reading. But here’s something we often forget: reluctant readers aren’t broken—they’re just waiting for the right spark.

There are dozens of reasons a child might resist reading: maybe they struggle with comprehension, maybe they associate reading with schoolwork, or maybe they just haven’t found a book that makes them feel something yet.

But every child is wired for story.

Even the most hesitant reader lights up when they hear something funny, mysterious, or surprising. The goal isn't to push reading like a chore—it’s to reignite wonder.

At White Lake Press, we’ve worked with educators, parents, and child development specialists to understand this process. And here’s what we’ve found:

🧠 Reclaiming reluctant readers starts with removing pressure.

Let go of reading logs and page counts. Instead, focus on what draws your child in. Humor? Animals? Spooky stories? Nonfiction? Audiobooks? Graphic novels? All of it counts.

🧩 It continues with meaningful connection.

Sometimes kids reject books because reading has become a solo activity. But remember—what fills books was once oral tradition. Storytelling is social. Try reading together. Trade pages. Do silly voices. Make it playful again.

🪄And most of all, it’s about showing that books belong to them.

Give your child ownership over their reading life. Let them choose. Let them quit a book halfway through. Let them fall in love with a story you might not fully understand. That’s okay.

We created books like Paislee the Porcupine and Crazy Collective Nouns with this exact child in mind. With dynamic illustrations, read-aloud rhythm, and heart-centered themes, these books don’t just entertain—they invite participation.

Kids who see themselves in a story—or see someone they want to become—will keep turning the page.

If you're parenting or teaching a reluctant reader, here are a few ideas to try this week:

• Visit the library and let them pick anything—no judgment.
  
  

• Try a read-aloud at snack time or bedtime without any “lesson” attached.
  
  

• Ask open-ended questions like, “What part did you like?” or “Who was your favorite character?”
  

Most importantly, keep reading around them—even if it’s not with them yet. Your modeling matters more than you know.

Reluctant readers aren’t lost causes. They’re just waiting to be invited back to the magic.

Let’s help them rediscover it—one page at a time.

With you in every chapter,
Miriam Monette
Founder, White Lake Press

P.S. Need help finding that spark? Check out our reader-approved favorites that have turned many a reluctant reader into a book lover: Browse our collection here.