The Force is Strong With Young Readers
Reading Time: 2 min
May 4th has been designated as “Star Wars Day” by fans & enthusiasts of a galaxy far, far away. It’s a day that brings a sense of nostalgia to our lives, reminding those from the 1970’s and 80’s generation of a simpler time when Luke trained to be a Jedi and Han was frozen in carbonite. It’s also a time to bridge the generation gap with kids and grandkids who are discovering an entirely new love for Star Wars through modern characters such as Grogu (aka Baby Yoda), Mandalorian and a whole new generation of Jedi. Cartoons such as The Bad Batch and Clone Wars have brought even more diversity to the Star Wars universe.
There has been a treasure trove of Star Wars books written since the 1980’s that give lesser known characters a place to shine while providing backstory to the movies and shows we know and love. Diving into Star Wars books provides a great opportunity for young readers to learn more about their favorite characters and to get a sense of how each character came to be. There is no shortage of Star Wars books at the local library, but to dive a bit deeper, one might stop by a local bookstore to seek out a specific series. Online book sellers are also a great place to find a wide variety of books, especially those that may be out of print or more difficult to find.
Whether the young readers in your life have never heard of Star Wars or are already avid fans of the series, it’s a good opportunity to introduce new books that can potentially spark a new love for reading. As many educators, parents and caregivers say time and time again, finding the subjects that young readers are most passionate about is the best way to engage them in reading. This is especially true for reluctant readers who struggle to find subjects that keep their attention.
Motivation is one of the key factors in establishing a love of literacy in young readers. Creating motivation comes down to making books accessible to children by keeping them in bookshelves, cabinets or bins they can reach. The books should match the child’s interest & reading level and displayed in a way that entices them to sit down and read daily. As the old saying goes, “Out of sight, out of mind” so be sure to rotate books regularly and do a quick inventory check a few times per year to ensure that all of the books are appropriate for the young readers in your life.
