But they’ll do best in school (and in life) if they are enthusiastic readers, too.

To encourage this, don’t worry too much about what your child reads. You may want to steer her away from books with certain mature themes. But encourage her to read what’s fun for her.

Boys may need extra encouragement to read. They might rather be doing something outside. Try to help them find time for both by suggesting a book about a hobby, sport, or person he admires. Many boys also enjoy science fiction, mystery, and fantasy books.

If he doesn’t want to read books right now, don’t give up. Keep the reading habit going by bringing home his favorite magazines from the library. Clip newspaper stories about things that interest him and put them where he will see them.

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