Book Review: Born Reading by Jason Boog

I recently finished reading Born Reading: Bringing Up Bookworms in a Digital Age — From Picture Books to eBooks and Everything in Between by Jason Boog.

The author’s writing style allows the information to be easily digested. New parents who want to learn more (or are forced to learn more when you gift them this book) can understand the “how” and “why” of reading with kids without getting overwhelmed, even though Boog relies on scientific findings that show certain styles of reading (ie interactive reading) are better for kids. Sometimes the science can get in the way of understanding, but I think Boog did a great job of giving just enough of the science so as to intrigue readers and support his statements but not so much as to be daunting to the regular reader.

This book is probably a good one to keep around for a few years, referring to it every so often as your child makes developmental leaps or you new fresh ideas for what to read. Boog focuses on each age, discusses some of the experiences he had with his own daughter, discusses a bit of what’s going on developmental so you know what works and why, and then gives some solid suggestions for books to read or apps to try.

One of the things I really appreciated about this book is that the author didn’t just focus on books. I think it’s important to acknowledge that kids are being raised in a world with electronics, and they will read things in that medium. Trying to keep them away from electronics until they’re 18 is not only impossible but does them a disservice. Kids can be introduced to electronic devices in ways that promote other positive skills, including literacy, and the apps that Boog suggests do seem to be positive examples of ways to introduce kids rather than just letting them play inane games that don’t encourage their creativity, strengthen literacy skills, or get a better sense of the wider world.

I highly recommend this book. It’s very easy to browse, so even if you’re just looking for a few good book or app suggestions for a 2 year-old, for example, you can easily find that information in this book. All of the book was worth reading, though, and would make a good gift for new parents, especially ones with their first child, since they probably don’t already have a collection of kids’ books. It’d also be a great book for new parents to share, either through a book club or a single copy being passed around, and stimulate discussion about what the book discusses and recommends.