The author reflects on the misconceptions surrounding children's reading preferences, particularly regarding nonfiction. Initially apprehensive about choosing nonfiction for his grandsons, he noted their indifference to such books. However, after consulting experts, he learned that the issue lies not with children's preferences but with adult biases favoring fiction. He cites new lists from Renaissance Learning that highlight the prevalence of nonfiction in children's digital reading choices, emphasizing that engaging, age-appropriate nonfiction can resonate with young readers more than previously thought.
I said in that column it was a waste of time: "A child thinks: Nonfiction? You mean textbooks. Ugh."
It turns out my grandsons are unlikely to lose their love for me… as long as their grandmother and I continue to supply them with disturbing amounts of ice cream and video game time.
The lists show the top 12 print books and top 12 digital books for each grade. And the digital lists are loaded with nonfiction titles.
This year, Renaissance Learning put out new and differently organized "What Kids Are Reading" lists that expose my ignorance.
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