Reader Profile Series: Interview With an Avid Reader

We know that all kids are not the same. They have different learning styles, different interests, different personalities, and different needs. They're just different people. That's why it frustrates me so much to hear people make generalizations about kids and reading. "Kids don't read as much as they used to." "Kids hate reading." "Boys don't like to read." "That's a girl book." "Girls don't read non-fiction." "Kids love fantasy books." All of these things are true for some kids, but not for all kids.

If we're going to help kids become better readers, to apply their reading and writing skills, to develop their critical eye, to be able to analyze literature, then we need to meet them where they are, not where we assume they are.

I decided to conduct a series of interviews with a variety of Middle School readers to showcase some of the different reader "profiles" that I encounter every day. I will post a new interview in a blog post each week. Some of the interviewees will be self-identified "readers," but others will be non-readers. I won't identify the interviewees here by name. Instead, I'll offer a profile that describes them.

These interviews are intended to offer a small glimpse into the way that kids think about reading. The first interview is included below.


READER PROFILE: 

• GENDER: Male
  
• GRADE LEVEL: 6
  
• READER STATUS: Avid Reader

Do you consider yourself to be a “reader”? 

Yes, very much. I started reading on my own since I was about 5 years old, and I've read thousands of page since then.

How often do you read?

I read every day, for at least 3 hours.

Do you read when it’s not assigned for school?

Yes.

What types of books do you like to read?

Everything. 

How do you find new books to read?

I look in the library.

What is your favorite book that you've read recently?

My favorite book I've read recently was The Power of Six [by Pittacus Lore]. I liked the storyline and about how these kids got awesome powers because they came from another planet.

Where is your favorite place to read?

Usually on a chair, but my favorite place--I like to read on the couch because I can relax.

Paper books, or e-reading?

Both, but I read more paper books.

Final thoughts?

Reading is epic.


Image credit:
"Man Avatar Head Body Circle Sketch Drawing." Pixabay. Pixabay, n.d. Web. 24 Jan. 2013. <https://pixabay.com/en/man-avatar-head-body-circle-39087/>.