Titles for Tweens: Part III

Titles for Tweens: Part III

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Where to Go Next

After all the learning, reviewing, and questioning, a title is finally found. The tween enjoys it and he or she wants to read more. Now is the time for the guardian to shine. Before recommending a new book, though, do the following:

Ask Questions

Many people (rightly) assume their tween will read books similar to ones the readers already enjoy. However, make sure you know what the tweens actually like. The obvious answer is not always the correct one. For example, with the rising popularity of Harry Potter, many assumed tweens want more fantasy titles. Many do. However, many also wanted titles with peer interaction, school drama, and extraordinary events in everyday life. A lot of readers also enjoyed the style of Rowling's novels, which manages to be detailed, but quick-paced. The best way to identify the favored aspects is to ask questions, such as: "What was your favorite part?", "What was the worst part of the book?", "Was there a character you liked?", and "What part would you change?".

Ask me anything

After you ask your questions, follow up with the next important step:

listen

Listen!

LISTEN!!!

...for both the answers and the implied answers. Some tweens tend to be subtle, but they will respond if they feel their answers mean something.

After you have a better idea of what your tween enjoys, enlist the professionals. Ask you local children's librarian for recommendations, but let them know the details. Instead of merely stating your tween likes adventure stories, let the librarian know they like adventure stories with boys and dogs in colonial America. Offering titles your tweens already enjoy can also help. Some libraries also allow their patrons to access their genre lists or Novelist, a paid database that recommends titles based on reading level, topics, and genre. Additional help can provide titles, but make sure you know what you are looking for first.

Finding titles for tweens is entirely possible, but it requires active use of time, consideration, and interest for success.