You've probably heard the mantra, "kids who read succeed," but how do you get a busy teen to put down the remote and pick up a book? The American Library Association created these tips for connecting teens with books, and offers lots of ideas for promoting reading in your community.

For Parents

• Read the same books your teenager is reading.
• Talk about the books with your teenager.
• Have plenty of books around the house for your teenager to choose from.
• Keep books in key locations: car, bathroom, kitchen, den, near the TV and computer.
• Make sure your teen has transportation to the library and bookstores.
• Visit the library with your teenager.
• Buy books together.
• Turn off the television one evening per week and spend the time reading.

• Collaborate with school librarians to promote reading for fun at your school.
• Ask librarians to give regular talks about books students will enjoy.
• Keep a book you are reading for enjoyment close at hand and visible.
• Talk about your reading interests with students.
• Read aloud to your students.
• Read some of the books your students are reading.
• Show excitement and interest in the art and skill of reading and then books that are being read.
• Make time in your classes every day for a reading experience.
• Talk to other teachers about the importance of reading for fun.
• Ask the administration to consider a sustained, silent reading period for your school.

• Participate in library and school reading activities. (Teen Library Week is every October)
• Take a close look at a book that looks interesting: check out the book jacket, read the blurb, and read the first couple of pages to see if it grabs you.
• Pick subjects you really like: mystery, science fiction, romance, horror.
• Stop reading a book if you don't like it and find one you do like.
• Select another book by an author who has written something you read and liked.
• Ask you parents, brothers, sisters or friends what they like and would recommend.
• Ask a librarian or teacher to recommend a good read.
• Don't hurry when reading a book for fun; this is not an assignment.
• Carry a book in your backpack.
• Talk to your friends about books you read.
• Read at least three books by one author. What is he or she saying?
• It's all right to skim parts of a book you are reading for fun.
• Read while you're half-watching TV.
• Read while you're waiting for the computer to boot-up.
• Read in bed for 15 minutes every night.
• Read about a culture you know nothing about.