Encouraging literacy in the middle and high school years
It’s a phrase no parent wants to hear: “I hate reading.”
For many families, these words feel like a punch to the gut — especially when they come from a middle or high schooler who once enjoyed bedtime stories or storytime at school.
If your child is expressing frustration or outright resistance to reading, you are not alone. Many parents face the same challenge, and it can be difficult to know how to respond. But here’s the good news: with insight, empathy, and the right support, your child’s relationship with reading can change — even thrive.
Let’s take a closer look at what might be behind these words and explore ways to offer meaningful help with reading difficulties at home and beyond.
Why Reading Matters — Even in the Teen Years
You already know that strong reading literacy skills are crucial for academic success. But reading is more than a school subject. It helps teens expand their vocabulary, understand complex ideas, engage with the world around them, and prepare for life beyond high school — whether that includes college, trade school, or the workplace.
When students say they “hate reading,” it’s natural to worry. Are they falling behind? Will they miss out on opportunities? Is there a bigger issue under the surface?
Before jumping to conclusions, let’s explore what may be driving this resistance.
It’s Okay If Your Teen Isn’t a Bookworm
Let’s start with a bit of reassurance: not every teen will grow into a book-loving adult — and that’s okay. Reading preferences are personal, and not everyone finds joy in curling up with a novel after school.
Some students are naturally drawn to visual, auditory, or hands-on learning styles. Others simply haven’t found the right books yet — or they associate reading with pressure, grades, or past struggles.
Still, if your child expresses strong negative feelings about reading or avoids it altogether, it’s worth asking: why?
When “I Hate Reading” Signals Something Deeper
Sometimes, a teen’s dislike of reading goes beyond personal preference. It may reflect real frustration rooted in an unrecognized or unresolved learning challenge.
As students progress into middle and high school, reading demands increase dramatically. Assignments require more complex texts, advanced vocabulary, and deeper comprehension. For students with undiagnosed reading differences, this transition can expose underlying weaknesses that were previously masked by coping strategies or strong verbal skills.
At Read Write The Learning Center, we often work with students who have managed to "get by" in the early years but begin to struggle as reading expectations grow. These students may:
Read slowly or inaccurately
Avoid reading homework or class discussions
Express frustration, anxiety, or low confidence
Show signs of fatigue when reading
Some of these students may have an undiagnosed learning difference such as dyslexia, while others may simply have gaps in foundational literacy skills.
In either case, help with reading difficulties starts with clarity. A comprehensive reading literacy evaluation can help identify specific skill gaps and determine the most effective path forward.
Reading Struggles Without a Diagnosis — What You Can Do
Not all reading reluctance is tied to a disability. If your teen has strong foundational skills but still resists reading, try taking a fresh approach. The goal? Make reading feel engaging, empowering, and relevant.
1. Graphic Novels: Visual Storytelling with Depth
Graphic novels are not just comic books — they are rich, layered works that combine powerful imagery with compelling narratives. Many teens find graphic novels more accessible and enjoyable than traditional texts.
Explore titles like:
Maus by Art Spiegelman (Holocaust memoir)
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (coming-of-age in Iran)
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman (LGBTQ+ teen romance)
These books offer emotional depth and literary value while meeting students where they are.
2. Audiobooks: Listening is Reading, Too
One of the best tools for overcoming reading struggles is the audiobook. These aren’t “cheating” — they’re a valid and effective way to engage with text.
Teens can listen while commuting, exercising, or relaxing. Try pairing audiobooks with print versions for extra support, or explore podcast-style formats for nonfiction fans.
Use apps like Libby, Hoopla, or Audible, and let your teen sample different genres until they find something that clicks.
3. Hobby-Based Reading: Fuel Their Passions
Does your child love baking, building, gaming, or sports? Leverage those interests to build reading engagement. Look for:
Cookbooks or recipe blogs
Sports biographies or player stats
Gaming guides or manuals
DIY and maker books
These texts may not look like traditional literature, but they strengthen reading fluency and build confidence — key components of reading literacy.
4. Magazines and Digital Subscriptions: Short and Engaging
For students who feel overwhelmed by long books, shorter texts can offer a gateway into regular reading. Consider magazine subscriptions or online publications that cater to their interests. Great options include:
Sports Illustrated for Kids
National Geographic Teen
Girls’ Life
Popular Science
Game Informer
Bonus: getting mail (or email!) with their name on it adds a sense of ownership and excitement.
5. Young Adult (YA) Fiction: Relatable and Real
Sometimes, the right novel makes all the difference. YA literature is filled with characters who reflect the hopes, fears, and questions that teens face every day.
Suggestions to consider:
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (social justice and identity)
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell (first love and family)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (dystopian survival)
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds (verse novel on grief and violence)
Encourage your teen to explore different themes until they find a story that resonates. A well-matched book can unlock motivation and reshape how they see reading.
When to Seek Help — And Where to Start
If you’ve tried different approaches and your child still struggles — or if reading avoidance is accompanied by low self-esteem, poor grades, or fatigue — it’s time to look deeper.
Many bright, capable students are quietly battling reading issues they can’t articulate. They may feel “stupid” or “lazy” when in fact, they simply need the right kind of support.
At Read Write The Learning Center, we specialize in helping students overcome reading struggles with compassion, expertise, and evidence-based instruction. Our one-on-one academic language therapy helps students build the skills they need — from phonological awareness to fluency and comprehension.
Our team works with students who:
Have dyslexia or other learning differences
Struggle with reading but lack a formal diagnosis
Need targeted support to catch up or gain confidence
Are in middle or high school and feeling “left behind”
Every child deserves the chance to become a confident, capable reader. And no child is ever too old to improve their reading literacy.
Let’s Turn Things Around — Together
Hearing “I hate reading” can be discouraging, but it’s also an opportunity — a chance to ask questions, offer support, and take action.
Start by exploring what’s behind those words. Is your child overwhelmed, insecure, bored, or confused? Then, try out new formats, topics, and tools that might reignite their curiosity.
And if deeper help is needed, don’t wait. The sooner your child gets the support they need, the sooner they can thrive.
📞 Ready to take the next step?
Contact Read Write The Learning Center today to schedule a consultation or reading evaluation. Let’s partner to help your child discover not only how to read — but how to love it.
