How to encourage teens to read

To get your tween or teen going, make reading social, García suggests. "A big part of reading for pleasure is the social component, having someone to talk to about the book," she says.

Try the following:

Encourage your child to find out what books his friends are reading. If some have chosen the same book, encourage them to get together to read and talk about what's unfolding. "At that age, peer interest is so important," García says.

Make it a family reading event. "Parents can read the same books," García says. Ask questions. Share insights. You can even read to your child. "You'll start getting into the story," García says.

If the book has been made into a movie, watch it together. "It's OK for students to see the movie, then read the book, because they can compare and contrast them," García says. Listening to an audio version is also acceptable, she says.

Have your child organize a reading meet-up at the local library. Many have teen spaces where kids read and socialize, García says.