If your older child has been put off reading, or never really showed much interest to begin with, is it possible to get them back on track again? Perhaps they have been struggling for a while, or felt too much pressure too soon and gave up? Take a step back and a deep breath (it can be easy to become frustrated and feel the pressure yourself) and look again at the goal.  

Most parents hope for a child who will love reading and become a life long learner. We are all more likely to want to do something if it is fun. So, perhaps focusing on enjoyment first so that reading becomes less of a chore, is a good place to start. If your child is enjoying a book and is interested in it, they will want to read more and over time will start to improve.  

Finding a series of books that tick lots of boxes in one go can be an ideal starting place for older readers who need practice.  Horrible Histories have become more and more popular since the first book was published in 1993, and have helped to bring many children back to reading. The books are packed with interesting snippets of history to fire the imagination, have quirky cartoons, lots of humour and plenty of gruesome and gory details for the 'yuk' factor that children love. 

The Horrible Histories series have short chapters in each book, which can help to keep a child’s attention. With a very reluctant reader perhaps start with you reading the main text, and then encourage your child to read the action in the cartoons. Keep the focus on fun and enjoyment and with short, regular reading times (when neither of you are tired) the practice will start to pay off.  As there are so many books in the series, Horrible Histories books can become a great way for your child to start a collection and could be another way to encourage a love of reading.