Best FREE e-Books to Engage Young Readers of ALL Ages

Last week's article presented helpful book list links to help our readers find just the right gift for the readers on their holiday shopping lists this year (GREAT Book Lists---for Now & Throughout the Year). We received so much positive input about the article from many readers that we thought it might be a good idea to continue our efforts in a similar way this week.

Let's face it. The holidays annually test our budgets and tempt us to purchase gifts that may often be too pricey. That's why this week, we wanted to help our readers avoid that issue entirely, especially as the holiday shopping time winds down and "funds" may be quite depleted. What about giving your child or teen a FREE e-book---or, better yet, a list of FREE e-books? That way, your gift will "keep on giving" not only during this holiday time but throughout the entire year! Not bad for a gift that will cost you only the time it takes to read this article and browse the e-book lists we've provided. (You'll totally avoid the mall crowds, too!)

We hope you'll find here at least one selection to appeal to a young reader you know. In fact, consider creating your own list of links personally chosen by you for a child or teen you know. Copy and paste the links selected on a Word document, fold and wrap it in a box with pretty paper and ribbon. We think it will be a treasured gift for a special young reader!

Special Notes: You do NOT need an e-book reader to utilize these resources. Just visit https://www.amazon.com/gp/digital/fiona/kcp-landing-page?ie=UTF8&ref_=klp_mn and follow the easy steps there to start reading Kindle apps on your tablet, smartphone, or computer! Many of these resources can be downloaded directly to a laptop, desktop or other device without a special application. In addition, please know that the books in these link lists were FREE at the time of this article's publication but may NOT be free at a later date.

ManyBooks (e-Book Selections for Children)
You can subscribe to ManyBooks.com to gain access to many FREE, downloadable e-Books. Join 120,000+ fellow readers and receive FREE eBooks and book bargains in your inbox. This link will provide many e-book titles (with downloads) for children in various age groups.
http://manybooks.net/categories/CHI

Best Free Kindle e-Books for Children
FREE Kindle downloads for children aged 7-12.
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/21465.Best_Free_Kindle_Ebooks_for_Children_

29 Sites With Free Teen & Young Adult e-Books
Within the virtual pages of these teen and young adult e-books, you’ll find realistic dilemmas, timeless themes, dating, love and messages of hope. Young adult authors have found a way to capture the minds of young readers, drawing special circumstances of a teen’s world and life through fantastic worlds of unlimited possibilities.
http://www.getfreeebooks.com/?p=10709

Goodreads---FREE e-Books for Teens
An assortment of titles of FREE e-books for teens.
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/23017.FREE_Ebooks_For_Teens

For more information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
ClipArt.me at http://clipart.me/premium-technology/realistic-vector-laptop-tablet-computer-monitor-and-mobile-phone-template-1565 and
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

BEST Books for Older Teens with Reading Challenges

Second article in a series of 3 (different age groups)

It can be daunting for a parent or teacher to successfully find just the right book for the older teen who is struggling to read. No matter what the cause of the reading issue, a teen’s self-esteem can be significantly affected by this struggle. Most teens just “want to blend in” and be “normal”, often times avoiding strategies and cumbersome tools that can cause them to “stand out” or not be “like everyone else.”

To help older teens (and adults) with these issues, it can be a real lifesaver to own an e-book or iPad to help them “blend in” with their friends who have no reading issues. In fact, having access to this technology can positively impact their reading experiences---and it’s COOL, too!

Most e-books have matte-type screens to help readers with lighting and glare issues. These tech devices can also allow the reader to increase font size when needed. In addition, the non-white background of text pages can help readers who experience visual stress with the usual white pages of a traditional text.

Another option to keep in mind is that audio books might be a good option, especially for an auditory learner. These types of “listening” books are available at local public libraries and in bookstores. Many are even FREE and easily accessible online (see link below here).

Besides addressing the reading struggles for an older teen, there is the problem of finding the right book, the book that will increase the chances of reader engagement. Knowing the teen’s areas of interest is always a good place to start. Choose a book with a topic the teen cares about and will more likely choose to read.

Also, it will help to have an idea of what kind of genre may appeal to a particular teen. Is it fiction? Not always. In fact, many reluctant or challenged readers of any age have little or no interest in fictional stories. This is a signal that non-fiction selections may be a good place to start, especially with teen boys. Consider sharing an issue of Popular Mechanics or a book about hunting and fishing. For girls, think about introducing the biography of a famous woman or a “how-to” book about a favorite topic.

As promised and to help you find just the right book for a teen you know with reading challenges, we have gathered links for our second book list here. This one is specifically for older teens. We hope you will find it helpful in “lighting a spark” for reading in a teen you know.

Happy Reading---AND Happy Holidays, dear readers!

Next week’s article & book list: BEST Books for Young Children Who Are Challenged Readers

BEST Books for Older Teens with Reading Challenges

2013 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers (for ages 12-18)
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/quickpicks/2013

2013 Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/quickpicks/2013/topten

Books Should Be Free---FREE Public Domain Audio Books & e-Books
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/genre/Teen_Young_adult

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com