Think back to your childhood. What got you hooked on reading? For me, it was hearing my teacher read aloud "Mr. Popper's Penguins" by Richard and Florence Atwater.  While I don't remember the teacher's name, I remember her toothy smile and the way the whole class laughed at the humorous parts. From that time on, I was convinced that reading was fun, and I became the voracious reader I am today.

Dr. Bill Brozo, author of "To Be a Boy, To Be a Reader" calls the experience which turns an emergent reader into a fluent reader an entry point. When he speaks to librarians and teachers, he encourages them to recall their entry points as readers. Was it a series like Nancy Drew, a classic like The Secret Garden, or an obscure title you felt was written just for you? Was it a book that an adult recommended or read aloud to you? As teachers and parents, we can help young readers find that special book which puts all the pieces of the reading puzzle together for them. Share books you love with the children in your life.

Jacqueline Jules--author, poet, librarian
www.jacquelinejules.com