The challenges of selecting engaging readings for reluctant readers: How to choose the right books for younsters

Abstract

Selecting appropriate literature for students in secondary school has little tradition in our country.
Usually, the recommendations lists come from Publishers or reading promotion organisation. This has led to the multiplication of reading guides in which the titles are grouped thematically but that give few clues as to their suitability for the training needs and skills of each reader. This article advocates for establishing selection criteria according to the characteristics of each school context by focusing on the recipient and on which ¡s the educational propose of the readings. To assess how to create a selection following suitability criteria, this article offers guidelines to choose appropriate readings for a specific recipient: teen reluctant readers. Also, by setting up the construction of reading habit as its specific didactic objective, the article offers an ¡tinerary to make students'progress in their ability to interpret fictional texts. The selection criteria are ¡llustrated with numerous examples, mostly picturebooks —a genre that should be part of the readings for these adolescents.