Can Shared Book Reading be Bad?
Shared book reading is a common pastime, but if your child or isn’t into books, a focus on shared reading can actually backfire (Yiiiiiikessss!!).
Research by Kaderavek & Justice found that around 10% of children don't enjoy being read to, but this jumps to 40% for children with a language disorder.
Pushing a reluctant reader can create what’s called a “broccoli effect,” where kids end up avoiding books for even longer.
So what can be done instead?
You can focus instead on creating fun experiences around books, whether that includes “reading” or just playing!
For example, offering books with sensory elements e.g noisy buttons, textures, flaps can make things fun.
You can also focus on letting your child take the lead completely. They don't have to read the words or even follow the story. Maybe they just want to flip the pages. Maybe they just want to point at the pictures. There's no wrong way to engage with a book.
You can also think about times of day where your child is naturally in a better mood and might be more receptive to books. Maybe it's getting some waterproof books for bath time, or pairing a story book with nursery rhymes before bed.
The key is to try to keep it playful and low pressure. 💛
References:
This post is based on The Informed SLP’s article “Shared book reading: Start here” (December 02, 2025), which references:
Garcia-Salas, M., Torres-Chavarro, M., & Wood, C. (2025). Exploring shared book reading perspectives and practices in migratory and unhoused families: A strengths-based analysis. Communication Disorders Quarterly.http://doi.org/10.1177/15257401251363970
Kaderavek, J., & Justice, L. M. (2002). Shared storybook reading as an intervention context. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. http://doi.org/10.1044/1058-0360(2002/043) [available to ASHA members]
Myrberg, K., Fältman, N., & Lundeborg Hammarström, I. (2025). Assessment of joint book reading: Development of an observational checklist. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology.http://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2025.2579044 [open access]
Steed, E. A., Cuevas Dias, R., Baik, C., & Fettig, A. (2025). Family-implemented shared book reading with children with disabilities: A systematic literature review. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education.http://doi.org/10.1177/02711214251381529
Towson, J. A., Akemoglu, Y., Watkins, L., & Zeng, S. (2021). Shared interactive book reading interventions for young children with disabilities: A systematic review. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology.http://doi.org/10.1044/2021_ajslp-20-00401 [available to ASHA members]
