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The Book No One Wants To Read
A fun, easy to read interactive adventure that reluctant readers will actually want to read. A lonely book makes a deal with its reader..."You keep turning my pages, and I'll make it fun!" The interactive jokes, puzzles, and imaginative activities that follow keep your reluctant reader engaged. Bold colorful graphics and wacky humor will appeal to both younger children and older kids. A great educational reading book perfect to help teachers, parents, and grandparents during required reading or story time. Another laugh out loud book from Beth Bacon sure to reach those beginning to intermediate reluctant readers.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2017
103 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Beth Bacon
6 books29 followersBeth Bacon is the author of books for reluctant readers. Her titles include The Book No One Wants To Read, I Hate Reading, Blank Space and The Worst Book Ever. Beth’s awards include the Candlewick Award for Picture Book Writing, the Marion Dane Bauer Award for Middle Grade Writing, and PSAMA PULSE Award Finalist for marketing. She has an MFA in Writing For Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Visit her website at www.bethbaconauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
August 20, 2018
Fun interactions!
The Book No One Wants to Read is a fun and funny book with jokes, and lots of interactive entertainment for the reader. The 'non-reader' gets plenty of reading in and will enjoy every minute.
The Book No One Wants to Read is a fun and funny book with jokes, and lots of interactive entertainment for the reader. The 'non-reader' gets plenty of reading in and will enjoy every minute.
December 27, 2021
Five stars simply for the fact that my nephew, a reluctant leader with learning issues, sat down and read this entire book on Christmas Day even after the adults lost interest and continued opening gifts. He sat down with his younger cousin (who can read this just fine) and read it to him. We made sure to praise him for his reading skills. I hope this will give him the confidence boost he needs to become more of a reader. Now I know what to look for, I'm in search of other books he might enjoy. Big print, sparse text, funny.
January 14, 2018
This book would be fun to give to a reluctant reader. It's short on text, with pictures on each page, and it's a hoot.
Don't spend that $25 physical copy price though (yikes!). There is no reasonable way it's worth anything near that. It's a quick read and probably doesn't have a lot of re-read potential. I got it when it was free for Kindle.
This poor book is lonely and bored. Oh! someone picked it up and opened it, hooray! The book is so happy, but realizes the reader doesn't really want to be reading a book. And so it conspires with the reluctant reader so they can both get something out of the deal. The book gets some time off the shelf and the chance to make a new friend, and the reader gets to look like they're reading, but really they're just being told jokes and playing games the book provides.
"Hey, I might have an idea that helps us both. What if...You sit here and turn my pages, and...We just goof off?"
The book provides a couple scratch and sniffs, then admits it just smells like paper.
Plays a few rounds of rock, paper, scissors with the reader.
Tries a staring contest (which of course the book wins because it doesn't have eyelids).
There are also a few visual illusions to figure out.
Etc.
Perfect bit of fun to get a reluctant reader reading a bit, hopefully having a few chuckles, and turning those pages.
It's technically a picture book, but I wouldn't give this to a kid in the typical picture book age range. This would be better suited for an older reader who is/should be reading at a higher level but is a reluctant reader.
Don't spend that $25 physical copy price though (yikes!). There is no reasonable way it's worth anything near that. It's a quick read and probably doesn't have a lot of re-read potential. I got it when it was free for Kindle.
This poor book is lonely and bored. Oh! someone picked it up and opened it, hooray! The book is so happy, but realizes the reader doesn't really want to be reading a book. And so it conspires with the reluctant reader so they can both get something out of the deal. The book gets some time off the shelf and the chance to make a new friend, and the reader gets to look like they're reading, but really they're just being told jokes and playing games the book provides.
"Hey, I might have an idea that helps us both. What if...You sit here and turn my pages, and...We just goof off?"
The book provides a couple scratch and sniffs, then admits it just smells like paper.
Plays a few rounds of rock, paper, scissors with the reader.
Tries a staring contest (which of course the book wins because it doesn't have eyelids).
There are also a few visual illusions to figure out.
Etc.
Perfect bit of fun to get a reluctant reader reading a bit, hopefully having a few chuckles, and turning those pages.
It's technically a picture book, but I wouldn't give this to a kid in the typical picture book age range. This would be better suited for an older reader who is/should be reading at a higher level but is a reluctant reader.
February 8, 2018
I received this as a Kindle loan (first time) from Alexandra. My second-grade son is a good but unwilling reader, so I tested the book on him. The book “talks” to the reader conspiratorially and encourages interaction, like shaking the book and playing rock-paper-scissors. It’s kind of long for a picture book, but it held my son’s attention the whole time.
I didn’t think it had much re-readability factor, but he wanted to read it again right away. My fifth-grade son also read along and thought it was funny. Overall, it’s a cute and clever concept. It works better as a hard copy than an ebook.
I didn’t think it had much re-readability factor, but he wanted to read it again right away. My fifth-grade son also read along and thought it was funny. Overall, it’s a cute and clever concept. It works better as a hard copy than an ebook.
August 28, 2021
Along with being a picture book that could work as a read-aloud, I could see tween and young teen reluctant readers also enjoying this on their own. It sums up their feelings about reading quite nicely.
June 10, 2021
Let me start off by saying the formatting on this eARC did not work for my eReader, so I didn't get the full effect of the book as it was intended for the reader.
That being said, the story was cute at some points and head scratching in others. It seemed almost TOO anti-reading in spots, like the book was trying too hard to be funny and it went too far.
It might be good for a reluctant reader, but then again it might re-enforce the idea that reading is not fun if the reader is literal minded and doesn't get the joke. They also might get the joke and be insulted by it. Delicate balance and I think it would take knowing the child this is being suggested to well enough to know how they might react to it.
3, you need to know the audience, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for an eARC copy of this to read and review.
That being said, the story was cute at some points and head scratching in others. It seemed almost TOO anti-reading in spots, like the book was trying too hard to be funny and it went too far.
It might be good for a reluctant reader, but then again it might re-enforce the idea that reading is not fun if the reader is literal minded and doesn't get the joke. They also might get the joke and be insulted by it. Delicate balance and I think it would take knowing the child this is being suggested to well enough to know how they might react to it.
3, you need to know the audience, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for an eARC copy of this to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2018
I think this is part of a series, only in that Bacon has another book about reading.
My Take
This was such fun. And crazy. And as of today [5 Jan 2018], the colorful Kindle version is FREE
!
It took a couple pages in before I cracked up. I’d never considered a book’s perspective before — it’s using a first person point-of-view. And I know I’d be bored to tears as well, lol. Parents, you can use that angle on your kids *more laughter* to get them to read more. Those poor...lonely...books...*grin*
Amazingly enough, there is a kind of storyline as the book makes friends with your child, for it does have a beginning, a middle, and an end with simple graphics that are large and colorful.
There are a few “interactive” pages that don’t work on a Kindle, but hey, compared to $24.95 for a hard copy, I can live with that.
The Story
It’s something of a dare, for this book is so bored and only wants a friend to play with.
The Characters
The book.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a greyed-down colonial blue with a coral stop sign shape in the middle with the title centered in its middle in white. The author’s name is at the very bottom in black with the illustrators' names below that in white.
The title is an illustration of how unhappy this book is, The Book No One Wants to Read. Poor thing.
My Take
This was such fun. And crazy. And as of today [5 Jan 2018], the colorful Kindle version is FREE
!It took a couple pages in before I cracked up. I’d never considered a book’s perspective before — it’s using a first person point-of-view. And I know I’d be bored to tears as well, lol. Parents, you can use that angle on your kids *more laughter* to get them to read more. Those poor...lonely...books...*grin*
Amazingly enough, there is a kind of storyline as the book makes friends with your child, for it does have a beginning, a middle, and an end with simple graphics that are large and colorful.
There are a few “interactive” pages that don’t work on a Kindle, but hey, compared to $24.95 for a hard copy, I can live with that.
The Story
It’s something of a dare, for this book is so bored and only wants a friend to play with.
The Characters
The book.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a greyed-down colonial blue with a coral stop sign shape in the middle with the title centered in its middle in white. The author’s name is at the very bottom in black with the illustrators' names below that in white.
The title is an illustration of how unhappy this book is, The Book No One Wants to Read. Poor thing.
January 9, 2018
Take a look at this book cover. It appears to have no personality. That is why the book speaks to the reluctant reader. As soon as the reader opens the book, the book explains it is sad and lonely and offers to make a deal with the prospective reader. Pretend to turn the pages and read so that the book can get some well-deserved time off the shelf. This book offers sensory games like scratch and sniff, jokes, puzzles, mazes and some basic reading strategies like tracking and finger tracing. The graphics are large, simple and colorful. As the reader turns the page, he hardly realizes that the book is entertaining and teaching him.
Great option for parents, homeschoolers, and teachers who have been frustrated with strategies for reluctant readers. For children ages five and older, especially those with reading or learning disabilities.
Great option for parents, homeschoolers, and teachers who have been frustrated with strategies for reluctant readers. For children ages five and older, especially those with reading or learning disabilities.
March 26, 2023
This is a fun and quick read - it feels more entertaining than anything! Almost like you aren’t reading a book, but playing a game.
Read
September 17, 2021This is going down as a stealth companion to Novak's BOOK WITH NO PICTURES and Tullet's PRESS HERE.
March 1, 2021
| Review on Reader Fox Blog |
I've always kind of hated these supposedly clever, "oh, you hate reading, well here's something for you" books. In general, they kind of just annoy me. I think this is a testament to how much I just don't think they work. They're almost always conglomerates of goofy nonsense and, barring the irritating attempt at simply enticing kids to engage with reading, never teach much.
The Book No One Wants to Read by Beth Bacon, however, is very different.
The Book No One Wants to Read is the first of the "you don't like reading so read this!" books I've ever actually liked or considered worthwhile. Now, it still has the irksome the book is talking to the kid theme to it, but where it didn't work with previous books, it actually works in this one. Instead of just acting goofy, this book is conspiratorial with the reader. Readers find themselves making a deal, appeasing not only the supposed distaste they have for reading but entering into a secret in the process.
Not only that, but the pull here isn't on actually reading the book. Instead, it's simply on flipping through the pages. I was honestly amazed. But then, even better, the reader is making a friend in the book. By sneakily getting away with pretending to read, the book gets some time off the shelf and eventually asks if it can consider the reader a friend.
It's adorable and effective.
The book goes on to play some goofy games with the reader, very clearly citing fooling around as their course of action. The book suggests that the best way to deal with the boredom they both have is to play some games. And the games are engaging. But, what I loved most about this book is that it doesn't just begin and end with the conspiratorial nature and games.
Instead, it takes opportunities to impart lessons. For those who 'hate' reading, it can often be a result of struggle. The fact that Bacon includes a piece about how kids point to words while reading struck a cord with me. Most young readers probably won't notice how impactful this moment is. But, as an educator, this single section meant so much to me.
It's one thing for a book like this to focus solely on engaging a reluctant reader. But to include subtle tips on how to aid in reading skills is kind of unheard of for me. In this sense alone, The Book No One Wants to Read blew every other book like this out of the water. I don't know if I'll ever turn to a different one.
Now, the artwork isn't exceptional or anything. But it is colorful. I think engagement level really depends on who is reading this book. And, admittedly, it is unfortunate to say that there are a number of kids who might not even be able to read all of it. The language is, in my opinion, a little advanced. Even that line that I love so much...sentence? You could have used words, sent the same message, and made it far easier for struggling readers to access.
So, this book isn't perfect by any means. I don't really expect it to be. Ultimately, I still think it's a great starting place.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
| Reader Fox Links |
You're not one of those kids who thinks books are boring, are you?
I've always kind of hated these supposedly clever, "oh, you hate reading, well here's something for you" books. In general, they kind of just annoy me. I think this is a testament to how much I just don't think they work. They're almost always conglomerates of goofy nonsense and, barring the irritating attempt at simply enticing kids to engage with reading, never teach much.
The Book No One Wants to Read by Beth Bacon, however, is very different.
Pretend you're reading.
The Book No One Wants to Read is the first of the "you don't like reading so read this!" books I've ever actually liked or considered worthwhile. Now, it still has the irksome the book is talking to the kid theme to it, but where it didn't work with previous books, it actually works in this one. Instead of just acting goofy, this book is conspiratorial with the reader. Readers find themselves making a deal, appeasing not only the supposed distaste they have for reading but entering into a secret in the process.
Not only that, but the pull here isn't on actually reading the book. Instead, it's simply on flipping through the pages. I was honestly amazed. But then, even better, the reader is making a friend in the book. By sneakily getting away with pretending to read, the book gets some time off the shelf and eventually asks if it can consider the reader a friend.
It's adorable and effective.
But when some kids read, they drag their finger under the sentence.
The book goes on to play some goofy games with the reader, very clearly citing fooling around as their course of action. The book suggests that the best way to deal with the boredom they both have is to play some games. And the games are engaging. But, what I loved most about this book is that it doesn't just begin and end with the conspiratorial nature and games.
Instead, it takes opportunities to impart lessons. For those who 'hate' reading, it can often be a result of struggle. The fact that Bacon includes a piece about how kids point to words while reading struck a cord with me. Most young readers probably won't notice how impactful this moment is. But, as an educator, this single section meant so much to me.
It's one thing for a book like this to focus solely on engaging a reluctant reader. But to include subtle tips on how to aid in reading skills is kind of unheard of for me. In this sense alone, The Book No One Wants to Read blew every other book like this out of the water. I don't know if I'll ever turn to a different one.
What if...you sit here and turn my pages, and...we just goof off?
Now, the artwork isn't exceptional or anything. But it is colorful. I think engagement level really depends on who is reading this book. And, admittedly, it is unfortunate to say that there are a number of kids who might not even be able to read all of it. The language is, in my opinion, a little advanced. Even that line that I love so much...sentence? You could have used words, sent the same message, and made it far easier for struggling readers to access.
So, this book isn't perfect by any means. I don't really expect it to be. Ultimately, I still think it's a great starting place.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
| Reader Fox Links |
January 11, 2018
This book was really funny! It was a cute kids book! It was actually free on kindle. Looking for a short book to make u laugh read it.
January 12, 2018
A cute and fun read for children, especially if they’re in the stage where reading is still a challenge or “task” for them.
December 26, 2018
This book was awesome!! It is for those reluctant readers and it's super interactive! I enjoyed it so much!! Any child who hasn't been a fan of reading would find this book comforting and fun.
June 16, 2021
So cute - reminiscent of "The Monster at the End of this Book." Fun and a little goofy - I bet kids would really like this one.
June 23, 2021
Fun, interactive metafiction especially for luring in reluctant readers.
December 26, 2021
Very creative! I had way too much fun with this.
And yeah, why is it harder to wink on one side?
And yeah, why is it harder to wink on one side?
January 15, 2018
10 mins well spent. A cheeky, fun read.
February 1, 2019
I read this with my daughter. We both found it so much fun.
March 29, 2021
This was a really fun book to read. It engages kids who might not like to read into reading. The book makes a deal with the reader to keep turning the pages and they will make it fun. There are puzzles and games that the book has you do as well as letting you “pretend” to read it until you have actually read it all. It is a fun concept and I think it will work really well on engaging reluctant readers.
Thanks to HarperCollins Children’s Books and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.
Thanks to HarperCollins Children’s Books and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.
February 24, 2023
It was cool but it had a bit vomit in it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2021
As just some dude, being a youth librarian, in a public library, I don't know where this book would sit on the shelf. It has the simplicity and "call and response" nature of a classic picture book, but it's *176* pages long. Amazon ages it between 6-10, but I can't imagine it going into the juvenile fiction area either because no 5-grader is going to be drawn to the book.
The book is just TOO LONG. It gets repetitive and boring. I don't think the type of story genre Beth Bacon picked can stretch to 175 pages. I think this book would A++ benefit from cutting some pages.
The book is just TOO LONG. It gets repetitive and boring. I don't think the type of story genre Beth Bacon picked can stretch to 175 pages. I think this book would A++ benefit from cutting some pages.
February 22, 2018
There were some parts of this book I really liked and other parts I really didn't. Any book that says reading is boring in any way isn't one that I'm going to want to put into a young one's hands. I do like the interaction that's in the book, but they may have gone overboard. It seems a little long to me, but that could just because of the bits I didn't like mixed in.
March 1, 2021
| Review on Reader Fox Blog |
I've always kind of hated these supposedly clever, "oh, you hate reading, well here's something for you" books. In general, they kind of just annoy me. I think this is a testament to how much I just don't think they work. They're almost always conglomerates of goofy nonsense and, barring the irritating attempt at simply enticing kids to engage with reading, never teach much.
The Book No One Wants to Read by Beth Bacon, however, is very different.
The Book No One Wants to Read is the first of the "you don't like reading so read this!" books I've ever actually liked or considered worthwhile. Now, it still has the irksome the book is talking to the kid theme to it, but where it didn't work with previous books, it actually works in this one. Instead of just acting goofy, this book is conspiratorial with the reader. Readers find themselves making a deal, appeasing not only the supposed distaste they have for reading but entering into a secret in the process.
Not only that, but the pull here isn't on actually reading the book. Instead, it's simply on flipping through the pages. I was honestly amazed. But then, even better, the reader is making a friend in the book. By sneakily getting away with pretending to read, the book gets some time off the shelf and eventually asks if it can consider the reader a friend.
It's adorable and effective.
The book goes on to play some goofy games with the reader, very clearly citing fooling around as their course of action. The book suggests that the best way to deal with the boredom they both have is to play some games. And the games are engaging. But, what I loved most about this book is that it doesn't just begin and end with the conspiratorial nature and games.
Instead, it takes opportunities to impart lessons. For those who 'hate' reading, it can often be a result of struggle. The fact that Bacon includes a piece about how kids point to words while reading struck a cord with me. Most young readers probably won't notice how impactful this moment is. But, as an educator, this single section meant so much to me.
It's one thing for a book like this to focus solely on engaging a reluctant reader. But to include subtle tips on how to aid in reading skills is kind of unheard of for me. In this sense alone, The Book No One Wants to Read blew every other book like this out of the water. I don't know if I'll ever turn to a different one.
Now, the artwork isn't exceptional or anything. But it is colorful. I think engagement level really depends on who is reading this book. And, admittedly, it is unfortunate to say that there are a number of kids who might not even be able to read all of it. The language is, in my opinion, a little advanced. Even that line that I love so much...sentence? You could have used words, sent the same message, and made it far easier for struggling readers to access.
So, this book isn't perfect by any means. I don't really expect it to be. Ultimately, I still think it's a great starting place.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
| Reader Fox Links |
You're not one of those kids who thinks books are boring, are you?
I've always kind of hated these supposedly clever, "oh, you hate reading, well here's something for you" books. In general, they kind of just annoy me. I think this is a testament to how much I just don't think they work. They're almost always conglomerates of goofy nonsense and, barring the irritating attempt at simply enticing kids to engage with reading, never teach much.
The Book No One Wants to Read by Beth Bacon, however, is very different.
Pretend you're reading.
The Book No One Wants to Read is the first of the "you don't like reading so read this!" books I've ever actually liked or considered worthwhile. Now, it still has the irksome the book is talking to the kid theme to it, but where it didn't work with previous books, it actually works in this one. Instead of just acting goofy, this book is conspiratorial with the reader. Readers find themselves making a deal, appeasing not only the supposed distaste they have for reading but entering into a secret in the process.
Not only that, but the pull here isn't on actually reading the book. Instead, it's simply on flipping through the pages. I was honestly amazed. But then, even better, the reader is making a friend in the book. By sneakily getting away with pretending to read, the book gets some time off the shelf and eventually asks if it can consider the reader a friend.
It's adorable and effective.
But when some kids read, they drag their finger under the sentence.
The book goes on to play some goofy games with the reader, very clearly citing fooling around as their course of action. The book suggests that the best way to deal with the boredom they both have is to play some games. And the games are engaging. But, what I loved most about this book is that it doesn't just begin and end with the conspiratorial nature and games.
Instead, it takes opportunities to impart lessons. For those who 'hate' reading, it can often be a result of struggle. The fact that Bacon includes a piece about how kids point to words while reading struck a cord with me. Most young readers probably won't notice how impactful this moment is. But, as an educator, this single section meant so much to me.
It's one thing for a book like this to focus solely on engaging a reluctant reader. But to include subtle tips on how to aid in reading skills is kind of unheard of for me. In this sense alone, The Book No One Wants to Read blew every other book like this out of the water. I don't know if I'll ever turn to a different one.
What if...you sit here and turn my pages, and...we just goof off?
Now, the artwork isn't exceptional or anything. But it is colorful. I think engagement level really depends on who is reading this book. And, admittedly, it is unfortunate to say that there are a number of kids who might not even be able to read all of it. The language is, in my opinion, a little advanced. Even that line that I love so much...sentence? You could have used words, sent the same message, and made it far easier for struggling readers to access.
So, this book isn't perfect by any means. I don't really expect it to be. Ultimately, I still think it's a great starting place.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
| Reader Fox Links |
July 12, 2018
Is your child a reluctant reader? Going so far as to say “I hate reading!”? If so, then believe me, this is a book you need in your library!
Interactive and funny, The Book No One Wants to Read talks to the young readers and brings itself to life as it occupies their “reading time”. They’ll be able to relate to it and feel as if they’re playing with a friend when it tells them that they should “pretend to read” while they are actually completing some of the challenges and games that are included in the book (but seriously, they really ARE READING!) The illustrations are simple and easy to connect with what the book is saying and it’s also easy to read for beginning and intermediate readers.
Because this is a book that is written to encourage children to read on their own, I wouldn’t recommend it as a group read aloud. Also, there are two mentions of the word “butt”, complete with an illustration, that some parents may not be pleased with, as it does encourage the child to “wiggle your butt (but not too much! People will definitely think you’re not reading!)”.
Overall, I think this is a great book for parents of new readers to have on their shelves and I give it a full 5 out of 5 stars!
This is a LiteratureApproved.com review.
Interactive and funny, The Book No One Wants to Read talks to the young readers and brings itself to life as it occupies their “reading time”. They’ll be able to relate to it and feel as if they’re playing with a friend when it tells them that they should “pretend to read” while they are actually completing some of the challenges and games that are included in the book (but seriously, they really ARE READING!) The illustrations are simple and easy to connect with what the book is saying and it’s also easy to read for beginning and intermediate readers.
Because this is a book that is written to encourage children to read on their own, I wouldn’t recommend it as a group read aloud. Also, there are two mentions of the word “butt”, complete with an illustration, that some parents may not be pleased with, as it does encourage the child to “wiggle your butt (but not too much! People will definitely think you’re not reading!)”.
Overall, I think this is a great book for parents of new readers to have on their shelves and I give it a full 5 out of 5 stars!
This is a LiteratureApproved.com review.
February 24, 2018
what a very very unusual book! I would hope this will catch you?
I do not dislike any part. I just found it a very very unusual book I guess to hope to change non readers' minds about reading not being a fun thing of going exploring different places and meeting other people,etc. Or maybe too scared you might learn something new, huh? LOL! I wish to recommend this for five stars and not just for this age level of 8-11 or those in grades K-6 as there seems to be those older than you who seem to be allergic to what I have already said.
I received this ebook for free and in return, here's my honest review. Super job Beth! Oh, boy the way I do enjoy reading its way better than most shows or movies, etc. By Sunny.
I do not dislike any part. I just found it a very very unusual book I guess to hope to change non readers' minds about reading not being a fun thing of going exploring different places and meeting other people,etc. Or maybe too scared you might learn something new, huh? LOL! I wish to recommend this for five stars and not just for this age level of 8-11 or those in grades K-6 as there seems to be those older than you who seem to be allergic to what I have already said.
I received this ebook for free and in return, here's my honest review. Super job Beth! Oh, boy the way I do enjoy reading its way better than most shows or movies, etc. By Sunny.
March 22, 2021
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This book was a bit all over the place but was a fun and creative read. The book is narrated by the book itself in a very cheeky voice and includes jokes, puzzles, and interactions (like I said, a bit all over the place). This book is mostly aimed at reluctant readers and encourages the kid to "pretend" to read. I guess in pretending to read, you actually end up reading... but I would have liked it to be a little more pro-reading. It was silly and fun; I could see kids getting a kick out of it... but I'm not sure how much re-read value it has nor would it really work in a group setting. It might work for an intriguing booktalk for lower elementary.
This book was a bit all over the place but was a fun and creative read. The book is narrated by the book itself in a very cheeky voice and includes jokes, puzzles, and interactions (like I said, a bit all over the place). This book is mostly aimed at reluctant readers and encourages the kid to "pretend" to read. I guess in pretending to read, you actually end up reading... but I would have liked it to be a little more pro-reading. It was silly and fun; I could see kids getting a kick out of it... but I'm not sure how much re-read value it has nor would it really work in a group setting. It might work for an intriguing booktalk for lower elementary.
March 11, 2021
As a school psychologist, I frequently observe kids in the classroom picking up books that are too hard for them during silent reading and flipping aimlessly through the pages to "look like they're reading." This book is the perfect balance of reading and fun for the reluctant readers out there. For those children who have difficulty reading on grade level, this book is silly enough to be fun but removes the element of being "too young to be cool." As an adult, I found myself interacting with the book and smiling throughout. I will be recommending this book to many of my elementary classrooms!
June 8, 2021
* Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for a digital review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
A farce of a book to make any reader or listener laugh. Similar to The Book with No Pictures and There's a Monster at the End of this Book, The Book No One Wants to Read breaks the literary 4th wall and is the book talking to the reader. It is a book that no one wants to read and tries to make a deal with the reader who doesn't want to be reading. The book suggests that they goof off and make people "think" that the reader is reading and then the book will also be a little less bored while sitting on the shelf. Even though intended to be a game between the book and reader, this has the potential to be a great read aloud that kids would also love to check out.
A farce of a book to make any reader or listener laugh. Similar to The Book with No Pictures and There's a Monster at the End of this Book, The Book No One Wants to Read breaks the literary 4th wall and is the book talking to the reader. It is a book that no one wants to read and tries to make a deal with the reader who doesn't want to be reading. The book suggests that they goof off and make people "think" that the reader is reading and then the book will also be a little less bored while sitting on the shelf. Even though intended to be a game between the book and reader, this has the potential to be a great read aloud that kids would also love to check out.
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October 23, 2021A companion piece to I Hate Reading: How to Read When You'd Rather Not, this book does a lot of fourth-wall-breaking by playing with the readers throughout. I can see it being a fun initial read for all children and engaging for reluctant readers but it comes at the cost of any narrative at all and ideas seems to be running out near the end. No doubt though that some readers will enjoy the cheeky, tongue-in-cheek narrator.
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