The Necessity of Book Choice
- Mac Ferrone
- Mar 15
- 3 min read
Whether loading up the Bookmobile to transport books to students or filling up shelves at our physical location, the Maryland Book Bank handles hundreds, if not thousands, of different books daily. Such variety is necessary for the organization’s mission, as the ability to choose between many different books is just as crucial as having books in general.
For example, students on the Bookmobile can browse books of many different categories–such as “Animals” or ‘Mythological Creatures,’–within which an assortment of authors and stories lie. With so much to choose from, it’s very likely–if not certain–that any individual student will find books that not only satisfy a wish to read, but books they want to read–moreover, a sense of pleasure for the art of literature and reading blossoms in reading these stories.
Children’s Publisher Scholastic goes further. On their authority, the “power of reading choice” of pleasure positively correlates to “increased cognitive progress over time,” alongside an improvement in vocabulary and math skills versus those who do not (Scholastic).
It’s also important to note that, while any book could help a child develop reading comprehension and other related skills, “Self-selected reading is twice as powerful as teacher-selected reading in developing motivation and comprehension.” Likewise, in a societal landscape dominated by visual distractions such as TV, getting students to pick what they want will draw them towards the medium of books, rather than it being an annoyance or distraction to something they would choose to pay attention to instead (Scholastic).
Similarly, in our Bookmobile or public warehouse location, though certain books are recommended and separated into specific sections and for certain age groups, visitors are encouraged to explore the space, let their imagination run wild, and pick any book that peaks their interest. Certain studies have reported facts such as “children as young as kindergarten [showing] a preference for informational text” or nonfiction (Gambrill & Marinak). To isolate what stories visitors can choose from is equivalent to assuming the personalities and interests of such visitors or even underestimating personal potential.
The benefits extend past childhood development and into the teen years. When entering middle and high school, students required to read certain books assigned by a teacher or the district can feel naturally annoyed–compounded if the book does not strike them–and even “stress and anxiety,” as asserted by AGF Publishing. However, being able to choose what books to study “reduces this stress, transforming reading into a pleasurable experience” (AGF Publishing).
Likewise, as teens transition into adults, exploring and discovering what they want to pursue professionally becomes increasingly important. Likewise, choice readings “spark creativity and imagination” as teens explore “thought-provoking narratives,” concepts, and works they are truly passionate about. Moreover, this thinking leads “to the development of their own artistic expressions” (AGF Publishing). That is to say, a self-selected book can change the course of a teen’s life, opening them up to new possibilities for their future.
Ultimately, the Maryland Book Bank does not simply aspire to see the number of people who have gotten books from us increase year by year. While exciting, that’s not good enough. Instead, we seek to create long-lasting change past exiting the warehouse doors. In other words, picking up a book is like starting a new, exciting relationship. While every book has the potential to connect with a reader’s mind and soul, no book is for everyone. Having one of these relationships thrust upon a reader, then, can lead to resentment and a hesitation to want to read more; locking out the possibility of personal growth. However, allowing each person to make their own decision on what books to dive into, ensures their experience is more positive. Even if the book is still not the right fit, readers will feel more motivated to continue searching for books–to read for pleasure and growth. Creating these relationships is what the Book Bank strives for.
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