A few insights to share
I attended three Homeschool Conventions this summer, and I enjoyed every one. The pictures above are from the Southeast Homeschool Expo in Atlanta. Being a vendor at these events is about selling books — but more than that, it’s about talking to readers and their parents. It’s incredibly exciting when a young reader finds a book that captivates. That’s what happened when Kimball chose one of my interactive books. He settled right down to read it!
What I’ve learned while providing books to kids —
- Experts suggest that most book buyers look at a book’s cover for about 20 seconds, but those 20 seconds matter, especially to young readers. I’ve been lucky to have great illustrations or photos on my book covers, which helps readers find them. [Check out my covers here.]
- Many kids, especially the homeschoolers I meet at conferences, don’t hesitate to read the book blurb. They want a preview of the contents.
- Editors often say that the first page is vitally important. That’s a bit scary to me as a writer, but I agree. I encourage kids to read the first page. It helps them to determine the difficulty of the text as well as whether or not they find the story interesting. The first page counts!
- Kids are far more likely to read a book if they have chosen it themselves. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t buy books for kids, but we should also give them a choice from time to time.
- If they seem excited about the book that is clearly above their reading level, use it a family read-aloud. Then everyone can enjoy it and have lively discussions about characters, plot, and ideas.
Speaking of Reading Aloud
I’ll be speaking at the Unplug and Play Summit on August 20 from 2:00-3:00 EST about “The Joys of Reading with Kids.” I’ll be discussing the value of reading aloud as an unplugged family activity.
The summit runs from August 16-22 and is completely free. It is a wonderful lineup of speakers all focused on helping families connect in real, everyday ways, including cooking together, building things, creating artworks, etc. Join the group here and you’ll be able to join enjoy the Summit for free.
A New Resource
Author Mindy Baker publishes a mini-magazine online each month. This month’s issue is all about Kentucky, and she featured my book, A Kidnapping in Kentucky, 1776 among others. Her mini-magazine is full of book recommendations and helpful information. Click here to check out this informative mini-magazine. You might want to subscribe.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” ~ Jackie Kennedy
UPCOMING EVENTS:
October 24, 2026: Fall Craft Festival, Washington College Academy, Limestone, TN.