Slice of Life: Reading Out of My Comfort Zone #SOL20 #TWTBlog

“So, how’s it going?”

He stops, turns his book over, looks at it, and says, “Farewell, My Lunchbag.”

“Oh, so that is what you are reading.  I am wondering how’s it going.”

He pauses again, puts his book down, looks at me, and says, “Fine.  I am reading.”

“Are you enjoying your book?”

“Yes, it’s a mystery.  I love mysteries.  I always read mysteries.  This is the fourth one I have read in the series.”

“It is a good series. Do you ever try other genres?”

“Nope, just mysteries.  Do you?”

Game, set, match.

 This young reader pushed me to reflect on my reading life.  There are certain genres I prefer over others.  There may even be some genres I avoid.  Lately, I have not pushed myself to go out of my comfort zone and explore. 

I decided to check in with my #PLN of fellow #kidlit readers and find some new titles.  I spent the weekend reading a scary book and a fantasy/mythology book.

Here’s what I learned:

 1)    It took me a bit longer to get started and find myself captured by the book.

2)    The structure of each was not as familiar to me.

3)    I could still find what I love about books – characters and relationships – in these books.

4)    I liked them even though I am not initially drawn to these genres

5)    In the future, I have to trust I will like these genres even if it is not my first instinct.  Although, for me, scary can only go so far before I close the book for good!

It’s easy to set goals for kids and encourage them to try new things. I am thankful this young reader turned the tables on me.  I most likely would have never read these two books.  Now I can recommend them and share them with other readers.

What are you working on as a reader?

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