Are kids reading for the love of it?

[Dianne de Las Casas, Author, Award-Winning Storyteller]

Are kids reading for the love of reading? Or are they selecting "required reading," selecting books to receive more points for Accelerated Reader, or selecting books for required assignments?

[martha womack]

I could write a book on this subject. Sadly, as one who initiated A-R
into a school library program with much success a long time ago, I
have seen this program grow into a monster. Now I am in a public
library, and the monster still lives. I don' t think that it was the intent of the mother who started AR to make it is what it is today. There has to be
advocates for reading for just the fun of it to counteract the A-R push.
There is not room for me to share all the disgusting encounters I have
witnessed through the years concerning choices of books by kids and
yes, largely parents, with the A-R vs. individual picks. Have to go know-
will add more later.

[Sonja Cole]

I agree. The sooner kids learn the intrinsic satisfaction of reading, the better!

[Ayende Youmans]

I think it depends on their 'age' although I have to admit not as many children are 'taken to the library' on a routine basis' as my generation was. Is this the internet or busy parents? Children, used to and would still enjoy the discovery of new books up and down isle. I delight watching them at local book stores; curled on the floor absorbed in the mystery. Also schools could be creative in their 'requirements without losing 'intent'