Reluctant readers, the right books, and Minecraft

Posted on January 3, 2017 at 6:00 am

By Gwendolyn Haley

Do you have a kid who is a reluctant reader? When kids complain that reading is boring, they are probably just reading the wrong book. . . for them. Reluctant readers often will try books about things that they already love.

If you have a Minecrafter in your house, you may have checked out or purchased a guidebook or two about the game strategies and resources (I’ve shared a few in the following list). This might be the trick that gets them reading: the hunt for ways to “win” at the games they love. And to keep your kids reading, I’m sharing a few fiction series that are likely to enthrall Minecrafters, both happy and reluctant readers alike.

FICTION

The Endermen Invasion, by Winter Morgan
Steve is invited to participate in an elite building competition on Mushroom Island. The other four contestants have egos as big as the houses they are building. Steve decides to build his dream house to impress the judges, but just as the judging begins, the island is overrun with Endermen. Everyone will have to work together to battle this invasion, if they want to find out who orchestrated it and who won the competition.

Invasion of the Overworld, by Mark Cheverton
Gameknight999 loves to play Minecraft. When one of his father’s inventions teleports him into the game, Gameknight is forced to live out a real-life adventure inside a digital world. This series was penned by the father of an avid Minecrafter. Take a look at the Mark Cheverton’s website, for more Minecraft fun and videos.

Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Told by a Minecraft Zombie Kid, by Russell Robinson
In a twist of perspective, you can read the diary of a Minecraft Zombie. Brains the Zombie explores the world around him and eventually discovers HUMANS digging down in the depths.

The Ultimate Minecraft Comic Book, by the Minecraft Guys
This one is for the comic book lovers and Minecraft players in your life. Young Steve battles to save the lives of hundreds of villagers from the cursed Herobrine roaming the land.

NONFICTION

Minecraft: Pocket Edition Handbook, from CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Discover the unbelievable world of Minecraft Pocket Edition! This handbook will show you how easy it is to build and play in this new version.

Minecraft: Medieval Fortress: Exploded builds, by Craig Jelley
Have you ever wanted to create your own legendary medieval kingdom to rule over? Learn how to design, build, and customize every part of your castle and the surrounding area, from sturdy walls and deadly traps to dank, dark dungeons, and sprawling villages. Each build has an exploded view to show you exactly which blocks to use, plus extra ideas to make every part of your kingdom unique.

UPCOMING

Are you worried about the mash-up of video games and reading? Take a look at the blog post The educational merits of Minecraft for some thoughts on the topic from fellow librarian, Brian Vander Veen.

Plus check out the upcoming Minecraft events as part of our STEM series at our libraries in 2017:

Minecraft
Minecraft builders, warriors, and fans: use teamwork to build a world with others in a shared realm. Space is limited. Be prepared to take turns. Grades 4+

CHENEY
Thursday, Jan 19, 4–6pm

FAIRFIELD
Tuesday, Jan 24, 4–6pm

MEDICAL LAKE
Wednesday, Jan 25, 3:30–5:30pm

NORTH SPOKANE
Tuesday, Jan 31, 4–6pm

ARGONNE
Wednesday, Feb 1, 4–6pm

AIRWAY HEIGHTS
Thursday, Feb 2, 3:30–5:30pm

MORAN PRAIRIE
Monday, Feb 6, 4–6pm

SPOKANE VALLEY
Wednesday, Feb 8, 4–6pm

OTIS ORCHARDS
Thursday, Feb 9, 4–6pm

DEER PARK
Monday, Feb 13, 3:30–5:30pm

Tags: booklists, books, events, fiction, gaming, hobbies, kids, medieval, minecraft, nonfiction, overworld, parenting, parents, reading, reluctant readers, STEM, technology, teens, tweens, zombies