What step should a middle school media specialist take to encourage students to read for pleasure?

Selecting books that represent a variety of genres, lengths, and readability levels is an effective strategy for encouraging students to read for pleasure. This approach caters to diverse interests and reading abilities among middle school students, making reading more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. By providing a wide selection, the media specialist can tap into students’ personal preferences, sparking curiosity and engagement in reading.

When students see books from genres they are interested in, whether it's fantasy, mystery, non-fiction, or graphic novels, they are more likely to find something that resonates with them. Offering books of varying lengths accommodates different attention spans and allows students to choose books that fit their time and commitment levels. Additionally, acknowledging different readability levels ensures that all students can find appropriate material that can challenge them while still being enjoyable, creating a supportive reading environment that promotes lifelong reading habits.