Teens Choosing to Read: Fostering Social, Emotional, and Intellectual Growth Through Books

Ivey and Johnston's book "The Reading Lives of Adolescents" is a valuable resource for educators who want to promote student agency and engagement in reading. It highlights the positive impact of allowing students to select their own books and providing time for them to read without restrictions. The study results show that students who engaged in self-selected reading experienced significant improvements in their socio-emotional and intellectual development, as well as their academic performance. The book also includes research to support arguments for expanding students' access to a diverse range of books.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Teachers' College Press

In a realm filled with distressing accounts of education, teaching, reading, and the well-being of adolescents, Ivey and Johnston offer a ray of hope by showcasing the remarkable outcomes that arise when we cease to underestimate the potential of young individuals. This accessible book presents an engaging account of a four-year study that followed adolescents who, initially reluctant readers, transformed into enthusiastic readers. These youth reported that reading not only aided in stress management but also played a pivotal role in fostering happier and more meaningful lives. This extraordinary transformation occurred through a simple yet effective approach: teachers allowed students to choose their own books, encouraged them to read without any imposed restrictions, and provided dedicated time for reading. Almost all the students, who had previously had a negative association with reading, embarked on a voracious reading journey both within and outside the school premises. Their academic performance improved significantly, as evidenced by their better scores on state tests. Moreover, their personal, relational, emotional, and moral lives underwent a profound transformation as a result of their newfound love for reading.

This enlightening book takes readers on a captivating journey through the reading lives of adolescents, providing a long-overdue analysis of their deep engagement with literature. The text also incorporates research to support arguments regarding what students should and should not read, as well as the consequences of restricting their access to books that pique their interest through censorship.

Key Features:

• Links young adults' reading engagement with socio-emotional and intellectual development.
• Offers nuanced descriptions of teaching practices that promote student agency in learning.
• Features student voices that have been overlooked in discussions about appropriate reading material for young people and under what circumstances.
• Connects student perspectives on reading with the positive outcomes of reading, as supported by research from various disciplines.
• Illuminates the breadth and depth of adolescents' reading experiences, shedding light on their diverse interests and motivations.

By embracing the power of young people's reading choices and fostering a supportive learning environment, educators can unlock the full potential of their students and help them navigate the challenges of adolescence with greater resilience and confidence. This book serves as a valuable resource for educators, parents, and policymakers who are committed to promoting lifelong learning and empowering young individuals to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Dimension: 229 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807768686