I am a 4th grade teacher. I have a student (let's call him Winston*) who is a good, but reluctant reader. The only thing he wants to read are books about cars. Winston has checked out and read every single non-fiction car book in our school library. I’m trying to get him to “broaden his horizons” when it comes to reading material. Last week, the librarian suggested looking in biographies for books about famous racecar drivers. I found one about Danica Patrick that he was willing to check out. But I need more ideas! Bonus points if it is a fiction book and is car related.
-Wheels Are Spinning
Dear Wheels Are Spinning,
Thanks for being a teacher who takes an interest in what each of your students is passionate about. When you helped Winston find that Danica Patrick biography, you did more than just provide reading material. You were telling him that you care about his likes and dislikes; that you listen and want him to enjoy reading!
My first thoughts for book recommendations would be some more biographies. The “Who Was/Is …” books are very popular with kids. I suggest Who Was Henry Ford by Michael Burgan.
In trying to recommend fiction titles that are car related, I asked some of my fellow librarians for help. A number of them suggested the Jake Maddox books. Jake Maddox is a childrens’ book author who specializes in sports fiction. “His books range from the most popular team sports to outdoor activities to survival adventures and even to auto racing.” (quote from Capstonekids.com)
Some specific titles in the Jake Maddox series to look for:
Stock Car Sabotage
Race Car Rival
Kart Crash
One of my fellow librarians suggested The Haunted Car by R. L. Stine from the Goosebumps series. I think this book could be a “bridge” book for Winston. That means it could be a book that leads him into wanting to read other genres or exploring books that aren’t what he usually gravitates towards.
I hope these suggestions get Winston into the driver’s seat again and cruising down the road to reading for pleasure.
Rollin’ along,
-The Library Lady
*name changed to protect privacy
Image Credits: 1st and 3rd image are from Amazon.com. 2nd image is from Capstonekids.com.
