{"product_id":"teens-choosing-to-read-fostering-social-emotional-intellectual-growth-ca-0807768685","title":"Teens Choosing to Read: Fostering Social, Emotional, and Intellectual Growth Through Books (Language and Literacy Series)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Authors\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eGay Ivey, a professor of literacy education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Peter Johnston, professor emeritus at the University at Albany, State University of New York, combine decades of research and practical wisdom in \u003cem\u003eTeens Choosing to Read: Fostering Social, Emotional, and Intellectual Growth Through Books\u003c\/em\u003e. Their work centres on the belief that giving adolescents autonomy over their reading materials can transform their engagement and development. This book is part of the respected Language and Literacy Series and draws on real classroom examples to illustrate the power of choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Themes and Insights\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe authors identify three core areas of growth fostered by choice-driven reading: social, emotional, and intellectual. Socially, teens develop empathy and understanding as they encounter diverse perspectives through shared reading experiences. Emotionally, narratives provide a safe space to explore complex feelings and navigate identity. Intellectually, voluntary reading builds critical thinking, vocabulary, and background knowledge, fuelling deeper curiosity. Rather than focusing solely on skills, Ivey and Johnston emphasize the holistic benefits of reading for pleasure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat Is \u003cem\u003eTeens Choosing to Read\u003c\/em\u003e?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTeens Choosing to Read\u003c\/em\u003e is a compelling resource for educators, librarians, and parents who want to understand how voluntary reading can profoundly shape adolescents. Instead of prescribing texts, the authors advocate for a model that prioritizes student agency, curiosity, and connection. The book presents case studies and practical strategies for implementing choice reading programs, demonstrating that reading is not just a skill but a tool for personal growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow This Book Supports Reading Engagement\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIvey and Johnston offer actionable advice for fostering a reading culture in classrooms and at home. Key strategies include curating a diverse and appealing book collection that reflects students’ interests and identities, allocating regular uninterrupted time for reading, encouraging student-led discussions rather than teacher-directed questions, and valuing the reading process over rigid assessments. They also address common obstacles like limited budgets and standardized testing pressures, providing creative solutions that work within real constraints.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho Should Read This Book?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis book is invaluable for middle and high school teachers, literacy coaches, curriculum specialists, school librarians, parents, and education students. Whether you are a veteran educator or new to the field, the insights here can transform how you think about reading and adolescent development. The principles of choice and engagement apply beyond teens, making this book useful for upper elementary and adult reading contexts as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs this book suitable for all grade levels?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile the focus is on teens, many strategies are adaptable to other ages. The core ideas of choice and engagement are universal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDoes the book include lesson plans?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe book emphasizes philosophy and practice rather than scripted lessons. It provides guiding principles and examples that teachers can adapt to their own contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow is this book different from other literacy professional development books?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt prioritizes student agency and social-emotional learning, aligning with current research on motivation and well-being. It is grounded in real classrooms and written by two respected voices in the field.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan parents use this book for their teens at home?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. While written for educators, the insights about fostering reading choice and supportive conversations are valuable for any caregiver.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Teachers College Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48338523750638,"sku":null,"price":90.86,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0816\/1158\/7822\/files\/917kCQD1axL._SL1500.jpg?v=1784304649","url":"https:\/\/vitamin4ca.com\/products\/teens-choosing-to-read-fostering-social-emotional-intellectual-growth-ca-0807768685","provider":"vitamin4ca","version":"1.0","type":"link"}