How to Get Kids Who Don’t Like Reading to Talk About Books

When Reading Feels Like a Chore

You're not alone. If you're raising a child between the ages of 6 and 12 who resists reading, dreads book reports, or simply avoids anything with too many words, it can feel deeply frustrating. Maybe you've tried letting them choose books, created cozy reading nooks, or even read to them at bedtime—but the enthusiasm just hasn’t sparked. The hurdle may not be reading itself—it might be about storytelling, self-expression, or even confidence.

Instead of pushing books harder, we can shift focus: what if we begin by helping these children talk about stories, even if they’re not yet reading books independently or enthusiastically? For many kids, talking about a story—whether it came from a book, movie, YouTube short, or even a game—can be the gateway to better language skills and eventually a more natural relationship with reading.

Why Some Children Don’t Talk About What They Read

Children who struggle with reading often feel embarrassed or overwhelmed. They might mask their discomfort by claiming, “Reading is boring,” or “I already know what happens.” But beneath the surface, there can be several things going on:

• Anxiety about reading aloud or comprehension difficulties that make it hard to summarize a book accurately.
• Lack of vocabulary, making it difficult to describe what they’ve read or how they felt about it.
• Negative experiences or comparisons with peers that have affected their confidence.

To better support these kids, it helps to first understand their hesitations. You can read more in our article on language delays versus language disorders, which outlines the subtle differences and their impact on communication.

Start with Their Stories, Not the Books

If your child doesn’t want to talk about books, start by talking about stories—any kind, from anywhere. Ask them what happened in their favorite TV show, video game, or even their day at school. When they recount events, they're learning to sequence thoughts, practice vocabulary, and attach emotions to narratives—all critical skills for more confident reading later on.

If they really don’t open up, try a change of format. Audio storytelling can be an excellent bridge between silence and spoken curiosity. Listening to stories without the visual component prompts kids to imagine, interpret tone, and engage with a narrative in a pressure-free way. The iOS and Android versions of the LISN Kids app offer a rich library of original audiobooks and audio series designed for kids ages 3 to 12. These bite-sized audio stories can spark conversations organically—even with children who rarely want to discuss books.

How to Ask the Right Questions

The way we ask questions can either shut a conversation down—or open it up beautifully. Instead of, “What did the book say?” try questions that give space for opinion, imagination, or emotion:

• “What part of the story surprised you the most?”
• “Which character would you want to be friends with?”
• “Can you imagine what would happen next if the story didn’t end here?”
• “Did this story remind you of anything you’ve done or felt?”

Children often feel more at ease when the question doesn’t feel like a test. You can also join them—share what you liked or disliked about a story, and they may mirror your openness. If they give a short answer, don’t rush to fill in the silence. Give them a moment. Sometimes kids need that beat before deciding to say more.

Make Expression a Habit

We often forget that language—especially expressive language—is a muscle that needs workouts. The more opportunities kids have to talk, even in non-reading contexts, the more comfortable they’ll become with discussing stories. If your child enjoys imaginative play, for example, they’re already engaging with narrative structure. Our article on roleplay and expression might offer some helpful insight here.

You can also try vocabulary-strengthening games or activities that make words feel like tools, not chores. If your child is struggling to find the right words to express themselves, check out our guide on vocabulary activities that actually work.

Remember: Talking Comes Before Reading

We tend to treat reading as the ultimate goal, but for many learners, the path to reading fluency runs through speaking and listening. By nurturing curiosity, building up language skills, and giving space to hear—and then tell—great stories, we invite children into the world of reading through the side door instead of forcing the front one open.

And as always, if you’re wondering how to better support your child’s broader language development, including syntax, grammar, and comprehension, we invite you to read our article on language development after age six.

Helping a child find their voice—before they find their favorite book—may be the beginning of a much bigger journey than any of us expect. And it starts with a simple pause, a thoughtful question, and giving stories the room to breathe, however they arrive.