OK, OK, OK, OK.

NO, NO, NO, NO.

That’s what this student is reading in the picture posted here. OK and NO are some of the easiest words to read, and that’s why they’re highlighted in my book, I Hate Reading. The student in this photo is reading during a break at school… Wait, what? Students actually want to read during their breaks!?

A teacher sent me this photo (I cropped out the student’s recognizable features) to show me how eager her students are to read when the book is “just right.” I appreciate all the teachers who take the time to share their stories with me. Here are some quotes I’ve recently received:

“Your book is a big success in my classroom this week! They adore it and read it to each other even when it’s not homework time.”

Another parent mentioned my books in in an online post:

“Listening to my daughters read this while driving has been a thrill. Instead of being plugged into a movie or playing a game, they’ll take turns reading parts of the book and always end up in fits of laughter! Funny, interactive, and well-designed for children, this series has been a great find!”

If you’re a teacher and have found success with helping reluctant readers grow into a healthier reading habits—with or without my books—please let me know. I’ll share your stories here in my blog. Sharing stories of success is a wonderful way for other parents and educators to pick up on your great ideas. Together we can help form a new generation of eager readers.

I also love to hear stories of reading success in person during school visits. If you’d like me to come visit your school, library, store or kids’ organization, get in touch with me.

My books don’t look like, or sound like, other books for early readers. Why? Because we need all kids of books to reach all kids of kids. Let’s face it, these books are SILLY! The hidden effect of my books is that reluctant readers discover they’re having fun reading. Because my books are so frank about the difficulties of learning to read, these kids also get the sense that they are not the only ones who find reading a difficult task. And that somehow offers a comforting sense as they’re proceeding through the pages. Happy 2019! Let’s hope we’re all feeling comforted and silly as we proceed through the new year.