X is for X-Men: Library Notes

I chose X-Men because it is important to realize that sometimes we have a reluctant reader who does not particularly enjoy books. However, there is so much to gain from reading that we really want to get them interested using every tool in our toolbox.

Sometimes, it takes a book like X-Men to lure a young one in to a reading session. The advantage of this series is that it is written at multiple reading levels so you can find the one that is best suited to their interest and skill. Some may prefer a comic book version while others prefer the movie star character version. Some are okay with simple retells and others want to know behind the scenes facts to share with others. X-Men has something for everyone. Perhaps the child even has a favourite character in which case they may like to branch out to other books in the series based on that main character.

The advantage to a series like this is that you can follow up a reading session with an animated version of the story and then discuss any similarities or differences that occur between the two. You can ask about how the child feels about how the images and story were presented. Had they pictured the scene differently? Why do you think the animated version was presented that way? For weak readers, it may be better to flip the scene and watch the movie and then read the book version of the scene. The reason would be that having a visual image of where the story is going will give the child information to help them with comprehension as they try to decipher the words in front of them. It will help them with the flow of words. For example, Mystique and Phoenix are difficult to sound out but if the child knows the word is a name as it starts with a capital, they can determine the most likely option based on their knowledge of the characters in the X-Men series. It is similar to having visual support of the pictures but because they heard the story too, they have even more information to draw on to help them read.

Beyond this, the characters of X-Men and their powers that make them unique may also open doors of discussion for children who feel different than their peers. They may not feel like they fit in and the conversation can turn from this being a challenge to it being an opportunity to celebrate their differences. No two people have the same skills and that works because we can join together as a team and use our own strengths to support and help others who in turn can also help and support us. 

X-Men can also help children use their imagination. Which superpower would they choose and why? If they could be in an episode, who would they be? What would happen? Can they design the story, the scenario, the artwork, the music, the costume or any other aspect of the feature? You can either look at how the Hollywood team comes together to make a film or how the characters work together as a positive example of teamwork and everyone doing their own part according to their individual skills. Alternatively, you can focus on just being creative and free-thinking as you brainstorm new ideas.

For a child who is keen on any series, X-Men, DC, Disney, Star Wars etc, the popularity gives the added bonus of merchandise which can help support other skills. Is toothbrushing an issue? Get a Storm toothbrush! Is bedtime a problem? Try Wolverine bedsheets! They don't want to wear a hat? Get one with the characters on it. It is at least an incentive with the double bonus of being a topic starter as other X-Men fans see the hat and ask about their favourite character. Paw Patrol, PJ Masks and Thomas are other stories that have multiple levels of books and gears to entice children to read, learn, explore and grow. Find the one that motivates your child to read and build from there!