Raising an Active Reader

Starred review from May 1, 2020

Cleaver (Read with Me) asserts that many parents stop reading aloud to their kids when the children start reading on their own. However, the elementary years prove one of the most beneficial times for reading aloud since vocabulary and comprehension skills are developed through Active Reading and reading aloud. The ABCs of active reading (ask questions, build vocabulary, and make connections) are here applied to these crucial years in skill development. To engage learners there are lists of questions for before, during, and after reading. In addition, the author shares how to practice active reading skills in various genres: nonfiction, fiction, first chapter books, and picture books. A special section explores how to help struggling readers by using such techniques as modeling how to visualize, using wordless picture books, keeping realistic goals, and celebrating strengths. The appendixes contain book lists organized by category and answers to frequently asked questions. VERDICT This book will prove a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and librarians on the vital topic of reading aloud. With many titles geared toward reading aloud to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, this helpful work will be ideal for school libraries.

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2020
Reading to your child can form lifelong bonds, engender a love of reading, and be a special time for both parent and child. These moments can also be a valuable learning opportunity for children. Author, teacher and mother of three, Cleaver encourages parents to take full advantage of this time together, focusing on reading with, rather than to, their child. In this follow-up to Read with Me: Engaging Your Child in Active Reading (2018), Cleaver shares her expertise with parents of older children. Cleaver guides parents on how to continue "Active Reading," beginning with picture books and moving on to easy readers, chapter books, and novels, using the ABCs: ask questions, build vocabulary, and make connections. Cleaver also advocates for a healthy reading diet, including nonfiction and books that promote diversity and empathy. She includes helpful book lists throughout each chapter as well as ways to help struggling readers. Books have a unique ability to bring families together, and Raising an Active Reader will help parents continue to make the most of these special moments.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)