Info-Kids: How to Use Nonfiction to Turn Reluctant Readers into Enthusiastic Learners

Jane Heath teaches psychology at Ryerson Polytechnical University in
Toronto.

The premise of this book is that children who are not naturally drawn to
reading can be hooked by print resources (Internet, magazines,
newspapers, nonfiction of various kinds) that relate to their particular
area(s) of interest. The authors’ approach to the problem of dealing
with the child whose interests do not fit into the classroom curriculum,
and who does not naturally gravitate toward reading, is thoughtful and
stimulating. Their concrete, practical suggestions for finding engaging
print resources for such a child are likely to be useful.

Unfortunately, so much territory is covered—ranging from evaluation
of various types of learning styles, to instructions in reading and
comprehension strategies, to the provision of the aforementioned
resources for children with various areas of interest—that the overall
effect is somewhat distracting and confusing. A longer book would have
been necessary to do justice to the broad range of topics covered.