My daughter is seven, and some of the other second-grade parents complain that their children don't read for pleasure. When I visit their homes, the children's rooms are crammed with expensive books, but the parent's rooms are empty. Those children do not see their parents reading, as I did every day of my childhood. By contrast, when I walk into an apartment with books on the shelves, books on the bedside tables, books on the floor, and books on the toilet tank, then I know what I would see if I opened the door that says 'PRIVATE--GROWNUPS KEEP OUT': a child sprawled on the bed, reading.
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In her work, Anne Fadiman reflects on the importance of reading for pleasure in children, highlighting that many parents express concern about their kids not enjoying books. However, she observes that those children are often surrounded by books that remain unread, while their parents do not model reading behavior themselves. This lack of parental influence can lead to a culture where reading is not valued.

In contrast, Fadiman shares her experience of visiting homes filled with books, which suggests a nurturing environment for reading. In such homes, children are likely to engage with books, reflecting a lifestyle where reading is actively integrated into daily life. She illustrates this by envisioning a child's joyful reading moment in an inviting space filled with literature, emphasizing how parents' reading habits significantly impact their children's attitudes toward books.

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April 04, 2025

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