For some children, however, this is a time when they lose interest in reading. Here are some ways to make sure your 7- or 8-year-old keeps reading:

• Follow your child’s interests. If he likes soccer, get books on soccer. If he has a pet hamster, check out books about hamsters.

• Share books you loved as a child. Read them with your child. Your love for the book is sure to inspire your child.

• Look for fairy tales. Children at this age love magical stories.

• Get a craft book. Make a project together.

• Find an interactive book. Some books allow children to make choices about the next section to read. Try it two ways: First your child chooses, then you choose which way to follow the story.

• Encourage your child to read to someone younger. There’s no easier way for a child to practice reading than by sharing with someone else. It also raises your child’s self-esteem.

• Find books that answer your child’s questions. “What’s that flower?” he asks as you’re walking. If you don’t know, get a book from the library.

• Check out riddle and joke books. Jokes are the height of seven-year-old humor. You can’t stop the “knock-knock” jokes, but you can make sure your child has some new material.
  

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