Category: reading

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Funny Tweets That Really Get to the Heart of Young Adult Book Culture

YA books are not only for the young, friends. Not by a long shot. I know a ton of older people who devour these books.

In fact, I’ve kept reading them myself, as I’ve gotten older.

YA books are extremely popular and here are some funny tweets that really get to the specifics and the quirks about the genre.

If you’re a YA fan, you’ll appreciate these tweets.

1. Just do it!

2. Does this look like your childhood?

3. She’s had enough of that.

4. Living that forest life.

5. You did what you had to do.

6. Dark, but accurate.

7. Not very impressed.

8. Always a big relief.

9. Is it really that simple?

10. That seems a little extreme.

11. Sums it up.

12. Always meddling, aren’t they?

13. Or the gardeners?

14. They sure are angsty…

15. Over that stuff 100%.

The Young Adult section is for everyone!

Share your favorite YA books in the comments.

I’ll go first: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.

Now it’s your turn!

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A Dad’s Library Books Method Could Turn Your Kid into a Lifelong Reader

If you love reading, it’s extremely tough to watch your own offspring shun the delightful bit of escapism.

As with all things, the more you try to push it on them, the more your child is likely to resist – which means you’re stuck waiting for a miraculous change to happen on its own, or resorting to underhanded tricks to maneuver them into giving it a shot.

Now, I’m not normally a fan of sneaking things into my kids’ minds and lives, but when it comes to instilling a lifelong love of reading, I’m willing to make an exception.

And according to writer and software developer Christopher Reiss, this trick 100% worked on him when his dad pulled it many years ago.

And if this simple, tried and true trick worked on him when he was 8, it could work on your little too.

 

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Here it is: leave a library book in their room, but don’t say a word about it unless they ask.

Christopher says that books began to appear – different genres, some children’s books but not all of them – and then, after a week, they were replaced, whether he read them or not.

He never did, but his dad didn’t quit. For months, he left the books, saying, “Just give it a look.”

Then, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe caught Christopher’s eye, and for the first time, he began to turn the pages. Eventually, he went excitedly to his father to discuss the plot.

 

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“My dad didn’t praise me. He received the news with feigned distraction.”

Christopher didn’t realize until later that all of this was orchestrated.

He finished the book, and when another didn’t appear, he questioned his father about it.

His dad told him to check his closet, “A gateway to a magic kingdom,” and when he did, he found the rest of the Chronicles of Narnia inside.

From there his dad leapt to A Wrinkle in Time and then to other classic science fiction and fantasy as he learned exactly what his son enjoyed.

 

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He also was as likely to offer adult books as children’s, and was available to discuss whenever Christopher wanted.

“I was reading constantly by 9. By 10, just turn me loose in a bookstore or the library and I’d emerge with an armload of books.”

So, there you go, parents. As with most things, if you let your kids think they’ve discovered it on their own, they’re more likely to embrace it for a lifetime.

And reading is a wonderful love to pass along, no matter how it gets handed down.

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Do Kids Lose What They Learn over Long Summer Breaks?

The Economist recently proclaimed, “Long summer holidays are bad for children, especially the poor.”

This was not the first time such a claim had been made about how kids lose much of what they’ve learned over the year during breaks from school.

Lawmakers, too, are concerned. Each year, bills introduced at the state level attempt to funnel money into summer education programs.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Yet, reports from research groups such as the Brookings Institute show more nuanced findings as it relates to summertime learning loss among children.

So, do kids suffer educationally from long summer breaks?

Researcher Abel J. Koury used current and nationally representative data to determine if there truly is a loss of learning during the summer in school children.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Koury estimates only 7 percent of kids lost approximately a month of learning in reading and 9 percent of kids lost in math between kindergarten and first grade. Before second grade, the percentages increase to 15 percent in reading and 18 percent in math. The majority of kids in summertime do not seem to be experiencing any loss of learning. Koury also suggests that not only are kids not experiencing significant learning loss, they are actually increasing their skills over the summer.

Koury also looked into whether loss of learning became a long-term issue, and he determined that the difference between children who experienced summertime loss of learning and children who gained skills was insignificant by the end of the school year.

Photo Credit: Max Pixel

Kids who were already strong in either reading or math were the ones who experienced the most significant loss in learning. Furthermore, homework over the summer did not seem to be a factor in whether kids gained or lost learning.

Koury concluded that letting children get outside and play was more important than worrying about their loss of learning. Summer reading lists are great and can be helpful against loss in that area, but keeping kids active and exercising should be a priority for healthy, happy and intelligent children in the long run.

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Here Are the Best Bookstores in All 50 States

There is nothing, NOTHING, better than a good bookstore, at least in my humble opinion. I’d rather spend hours in a bookstore than have a great meal or the perfect cup of coffee. That’s just me.

And I think a lot of you out there feel the same way.

In honor of Independent Bookstore Day (April 27, 2019), Mental Floss chose its favorite bookstores from every state in America.

Let’s see if some of yours made the list.

Alabama – Alabama Booksmith, Homewood, AL

Alaska – Title Wave Books, Anchorage, AK

Arizona – Changing Hands Bookstore, Phoenix & Tempe, AZ

Arkansas – Dickson St. Bookshop, Fayetteville, AR

California – Green Apple Books, San Francisco, CA

Colorado – Tattered Cover, Denver, CO

Connecticut – R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison, CT

Delaware – Browseabout Books, Rehoboth Beach, DE

Happy snow day! We are OPEN this morning. We're keeping an eye on the weather as the day goes on… We'll let you know if we decide to close early.

Posted by Browseabout Books on Sunday, January 13, 2019

Florida – Books & Books at the Studios, Key West, FL

Georgia – Charis Books, Atlanta, GA

Hawaii – Talk Story Bookstore, Hanapepe, HI

Idaho – Rediscovered Books, Boise, ID

Illinois – Anderson’s Bookshop, Naperville, IL

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I spy @bailey_no_ordinary_cat. Do you?

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Indiana – Hyde Brothers, Ft. Wayne, IN

Iowa – The Haunted Bookshop, Iowa City, IA

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You want me to hide them. The little colorful things that make big human cubs squeak? and not the heavy ones that make no sound but make humans act like they are having fun and bad dreams and stomachaches all at once? Because they are the same colors but one looks more like eggs ??? What kind of eggs do you EAT?! Now what are you – what are the white fuzzy – oh no, nope, nu, hm-mm, rrrrrrooooooowwwwwww ? you put those on yourself or they don't get put. Rattling shiny things and… hare ears. You guys got a religion that just maybe serves more food? . . . . . . . #bookstore #bookshop #bookstorecats #catthoughts #rabbitears #easterbunny #hidingeggs #dice #shiny #bizarre #ritual #commercialcandyday #thingswedoforkids #lostintranslation #chocolateappropriation #goodjewishboy #passtheplate #firsteatthenwetalk #happyeasterfriends

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Kansas – Rainy Day Books, Fairway, KS

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@rainydaybooks could also be called Arctic Day Books, as it was one of two stops on our day out on the town during subzero temperatures. Because, let’s be honest, I’m terrible at entertaining my kids at home. We only bought a picture book for a friend’s birthday gift, but I’m already planning my birthday trip back here in a few weeks… What would you do if you had an unexpected day off school with the kids? Cozy up at home with a book, or venture out to find a new read? Be honest – there are no wrong answers. ?. . . . . . #kcbookstagram #bookstagram #rainydaybooks #indiebookstore #independentbookstore #indiebooks #kansascity #bookstorebrowsing #bookstoresofinstagram #bookstorelover #books #booklover #shelfie

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Kentucky – Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Lexington, KY

Louisiana – Faulkner House Books, New Orleans, LA

Posted by Faulkner House Books on Thursday, June 12, 2014

Maine – Longfellow Books, Portland, ME

Maryland – Second Story Books, Rockville, MD

Posted by Second Story Books & Antiques – Rockville on Sunday, May 5, 2019

Massachusetts – Trident Booksellers & Cafe, Boston, MA

Michigan – John K. King Used and Rare Books, Detroit, MI

Posted by John King Used & Rare Books on Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Minnesota – Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN

Mississippi – Square Books, Oxford, MS

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Happy selfie day, y’all. #tbt

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Missouri – Left Bank Books, St. Louis, MO

Montana – Country Bookshelf, Bozeman, MT

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We've been feeling the love lately ?Thanks @claratreckrealtor! #Repost @claratreckrealtor (@get_repost) ・・・ Our very own @countrybookshelf was voted one of the best bookstores in the 50 states! This bookstore never fails to please and has its own events monthly. Follow my Facebook page for their April calendar to start planning your month. They have an exciting line up! #downtownbozeman #bozemanmontana #bozemanmt #bozeman #realestate #realestateagent #realtor #bozemanmontana #bozeman #montana #belgrade #bozemanmontanarealestate #montanarealestate #bozemanrealestate #buyhomes #sellhomes #dreamhome #househunting #househunt #realestatelife #realty #realestatebozeman #realestatemontana #homesweethome #property #home #housing

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Nebraska – Indigo Bridge Books, Lincoln, NE

Nevada – Sundance Books and Music, Reno, NV

New Hampshire – Gibson’s Bookstore, Concord, NH

New Jersey – Montclair Book Center, Montclair, NJ

New Mexico – Collected Works Bookstore and Coffeehouse, Santa Fe, NM

New York – Strand Book Store, New York, NY

North Carolina – Main Street Books, Davidson, NC

North Dakota – Zandbroz Variety, Fargo, ND

Oklahoma – Gypsysnark Books, Stillwater, OK

Oregon – Bloomsbury Books – Ashland, OR

Pennsylvania – Farley’s Bookshop, New Hope, PA

Rhode Island – Cellar Stories, Providence, RI

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Some small visitors today

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South Carolina – Blue Bicycle Books, Charleston, SC

South Dakota – Mitzi’s Books, Rapid City, SD

Posted by Mitzi's Books on Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Tennessee – Parnassus Books, Nashville, TN

Texas – Bookpeople, Austin, TX

Utah – King’s English, Salt Lake City, UT

Posted by The King's English Bookshop on Friday, June 29, 2018

Vermont – Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Center, VT

Posted by Northshire Bookstore on Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Virginia – Chop Suey Books, Richmond, VA

Posted by Chop Suey Books on Saturday, December 30, 2017

Washington –Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA

The comfort of a bookstore is like no other.

Posted by Elliott Bay Book Company on Saturday, July 7, 2018

West Virginia – Taylor Books, Charleston, WV

Wisconsin – Dotters Books, Eau Claire, WI

Wyoming – Sidekicks Bookbar, Rock Springs, WY

Posted by Sidekicks Book and Wine bar on Thursday, October 11, 2018

Did your favorite store make the list?

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Speed reader Kim Peek could read…

Speed reader Kim Peek could read a book in an hour by scanning the left page with his left eye then the right page with his right eye. He also had an exceptional memory, able to accurately recall the contents of 12,000 books.

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15 Incredibly Helpful Books for Kids Struggling with Anxiety

We tend to think that things like anxiety or depression wouldn’t affect children, but that’s actually not true. As a matter of fact, these can often be tougher for kids because they tend to go unaddressed, or thought of as just being a “phase.”

These 15 books were written to help parents approach the subject of anxiety and other negative feelings. They range from illustrated children’s stories to workbooks that actually help kids cope with anxiety.

1. “Is a Worry Worrying You?“

Photo Credit: Amazon

2. “Help Your Dragon Deal With Anxiety“

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3. “What to Do When You Worry Too Much“

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4. “Stuff That Sucks“

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5. “My Anxious Mind“

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6. “The Worry Workbook for Kids“

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7. “Listening With My Heart“

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8. “Wilma Jean the Worry Machine“

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9. “Always“

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10. “Outsmarting Worry“

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11.  “Wemberly Worried“

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12. “Coping Skills for Kids Workbook“

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13. “Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now“

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14. “Up and Down the Worry Hill“

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15. “Pilar’s Worries“

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Now get to reading so you can kick that anxiety in the butt!

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“The Worst Alphabet Book Ever” Might Be the Smartest Kids’ Book of the Year

Have you ever wondered why the X in “xylophone” sounds more like a “Z”? Or how about how the P in “Psychic” is basically silent and serves essentially no purpose?

Well, it turns out you’re not alone, because rapper Lushlife and his friend, computer programmer Chris Carpenter, wondered the same thing. Lushlife and Chris were playing some alphabet flashcards with their kids, when they pulled out a card that was a little bit odd. That moment inspired P is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever.

Photo Credit: Bored Panda

Carpenter said in an interview with Bored Panda,

“We were hanging out with our mutual friends and their kid, playing with these alphabet flashcards. We both got a laugh out of the card for “Q” which read: ‘Q is for Quinoa.’ That was so entertaining to us because, well, what little kid knows or cares about quinoa? And also, isn’t that a terrible “Q” word, considering that it isn’t even phonetic? That was the moment that sparked the initial idea to create our own alphabet book with only words like quinoa.”

What started out being hilarious, later became a serious endeavor.

“Neither of us are children’s book authors by trade — Chris is a computer programmer, and I’m a rapper otherwise known as Lushlife,” he said. “When we started down the road to bring this book to life, I don’t think we realized just how long the process would take. From start to finish, the project took almost three years to complete.”

As they steadily found these mischievous words, they stumbled upon the lesson we, as parents, should teach our children at an earlier age.

Photo Credit: Bored Panda

“We tend to underestimate our children when we present an overly simplified version of the world in teaching certain subjects. It can be enormously frustrating, for example, to have a particular set of spelling rules drilled into one’s head, only to discover later that “I before E” is a giant conspiracy. Of course, the basics are important too, but why not hint at a more complete picture from a relatively early stage, and trust that our kids can handle it?”

And many parents agreed, rushing out to buy up the book.

Per The Guardian, the first print run of 10,000  sold out in a flash and over 100,000 orders are still needing to be filled.

Weeks later, it is still an Amazon #1 Best Seller.

Photo Credit: Amazon

“The first day we sold out of the entire first run; it’s been quite surreal from there,” said Haldar, whose book is now sitting at No 8 on the New York Times bestseller list. “It’s been totally unexpected.”

 

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Growing up in a House Filled with Books Is Good for You, Study Confirms

Books are the best, huh? I’ve got piles upon piles around my house. And I’ve actually read a decent bit of them! But there are still plenty I haven’t read yet, which makes me feel a little guilty.

Believe it or not, there’s actually a word for my affliction…

Photo Credit: did you know?

The good news, however, is my so-called “affliction” may mean I’m smarter than you. A study by researchers led by Joanna Sikora of Australian National University showed that people who had around 80 books in their home while growing up tend to have average literacy scores, which is defined as “the ability to read effectively to participate in society and achieve personal goals,” and people with less than 80 books tend to have below-average literacy.

According to the study, the literacy rate continues to rise as the number of books increases, but after 350 books, the rate remains steady. So, based on this study, I should be a genius (sadly, that isn’t the case).

Photo Credit: iStock

The subjects were between the ages of 25 and 65, and came from 31 countries around the world. Before they were tested, they were asked to estimate how many books they had in their home when they were 16 years old. The researchers found that “growing up with home libraries boosts adult skills in these areas beyond the benefits accrued from parental education, or [one’s] own educational or occupational attainment.”

Photo Credit: Unsplash,Chris Benson

The study also showed that there is a relationship between having books at home and having positive skill sets such as reading comprehension, math skills, and the ability to use digital technology to communicate.

So get back to reading (and buying) those books!

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