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I Hate Reading: How to Read When You'd Rather Not
I Hate Reading is a highly visual chapter book designed to help even the most reluctant reader breeze through reading time, feel successful at reading, and even laugh! Get reluctant readers reading with I Hate Reading!
OK. So, you have to read for 20 minutes, but you don’t want to. Maybe your mom or dad or teacher even has a timer—yikes!
If you have to read, but you don’t like reading, this book is for you! If someone’s bugging you to open a book, grab this one. In this book, you’ll zoom through 20 minutes of reading . . . without really reading!
Did you know that 65% of 4th graders in the US read below grade level? Learning to read can be frustrating. But it can also be fun. I Hate Reading by Beth Bacon validates the experience of reluctant readers and rewards them with laughter.
OK. So, you have to read for 20 minutes, but you don’t want to. Maybe your mom or dad or teacher even has a timer—yikes!
If you have to read, but you don’t like reading, this book is for you! If someone’s bugging you to open a book, grab this one. In this book, you’ll zoom through 20 minutes of reading . . . without really reading!
Did you know that 65% of 4th graders in the US read below grade level? Learning to read can be frustrating. But it can also be fun. I Hate Reading by Beth Bacon validates the experience of reluctant readers and rewards them with laughter.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2020
11 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Beth Bacon
6 books29 followersBeth Bacon is the author of books for reluctant readers. Her titles include The Book No One Wants To Read, I Hate Reading, Blank Space and The Worst Book Ever. Beth’s awards include the Candlewick Award for Picture Book Writing, the Marion Dane Bauer Award for Middle Grade Writing, and PSAMA PULSE Award Finalist for marketing. She has an MFA in Writing For Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Visit her website at www.bethbaconauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 23, 2020
HILARIOUS upcoming book is a sneaky way to get kids reading (& laughing). Thanks to @harperstacks! If your kids love The Book With No Pictures, you'll want this one.
August 23, 2021
I liked this book a lot and loved the simple twist at the end where it fools you and says you’ve been reading for 20mins and finished a book, and you keep turning the pages even when it’s finished. I think a child who constantly says they hate reading will actually love this book - it’s highly engaging even without pictures. It’s relatable for children as well as lots of it is written by children. I will definitely be trying this with stubborn readers.
November 22, 2020
The introduction to this colourful, humorous book tells us that although it was written by Beth Bacon it was rather mischievously co-created by her children, Arthur and Henry. Originally self-published by Upstart Books and then picked up by HarperCollins in 2020, it is a very meta-esque book much in the guise of The Book with No Pictures.
The book is presented through a series of 'scenes' in which the narrator, directly addressing the reader, invites us into a 'false' read. Our mum is watching us so it's important we pretend to be enjoying reading for at least 20 minutes. Through these scenes, the book plays with us, joking about how we are making it 'look' like we're reading and fooling the adult observer whereas, of course, we are involved in a form of play.
From simple words to incredibly complex ones; from bright bold letters that take up a page and invite us to turn quickly or a series of bold and bright tips we course through the reading material at a rapid pace - who says turning the pages of a book has to be a slow thing? Who says we really have to read anything at all?
The real joke of course comes at the end where it is revealed that you, the reader, have been duped into reading for a while. Whilst it might not convince reluctant readers to continue reading after this book (and it never claims to) it will definitely have made them smile. Quirky fun.
The book is presented through a series of 'scenes' in which the narrator, directly addressing the reader, invites us into a 'false' read. Our mum is watching us so it's important we pretend to be enjoying reading for at least 20 minutes. Through these scenes, the book plays with us, joking about how we are making it 'look' like we're reading and fooling the adult observer whereas, of course, we are involved in a form of play.
From simple words to incredibly complex ones; from bright bold letters that take up a page and invite us to turn quickly or a series of bold and bright tips we course through the reading material at a rapid pace - who says turning the pages of a book has to be a slow thing? Who says we really have to read anything at all?
The real joke of course comes at the end where it is revealed that you, the reader, have been duped into reading for a while. Whilst it might not convince reluctant readers to continue reading after this book (and it never claims to) it will definitely have made them smile. Quirky fun.
February 5, 2020
To help reluctant readers read but teaches only to pretend to skim the book. Perhaps kids would read this book but won't encourage them to read more. Doubt it would take even a reluctant reader 20 minutes to read
June 23, 2020
One day, I was looking through overdrive, trying to find something to end my reading slump and I found this. I thought to myself, "Wow! I hate reading, this is perfect! It's a sign from God!!!"
Yeah, I don't hate reading, I was just under a deep reading depression. And I'm not seven years old.
If I would have know this was meant for reluctant child readers, I would have never picked it up but it's a fun, bright, clever way to try and get kids to read. I doubt it would work for everyone since it kinda encourages skipping and bad habits. If you have a kid who has reading goals to accomplish for school, this could be useful to help get them back on track.
Yeah, I don't hate reading, I was just under a deep reading depression. And I'm not seven years old.
If I would have know this was meant for reluctant child readers, I would have never picked it up but it's a fun, bright, clever way to try and get kids to read. I doubt it would work for everyone since it kinda encourages skipping and bad habits. If you have a kid who has reading goals to accomplish for school, this could be useful to help get them back on track.
December 17, 2020
Need an awesome follow up read aloud to, The Book with No Pictures?? This is your winner-winner chicken dinner. While not as popular yet - I bought it after reading a review somewhere - Library didn't have it - I couldn't wait - bought it straight out as reluctant readers are my jam - and how to make reading fun or at least not so painful...and this book delivers. Must get MORE books from Beth Bacon (and what a great last name too... right?)
January 12, 2023
A laugh out loud book about how you can get away with not really reading.
Great for kids who really don't like reading but kind of HAVE to do it, this one might be just funny enough, filled with just enough crazy but workable tips that kids will actually want to read something else as well.
It looks like a chapter book but has the word set up of a picture book - no pictures though because it's supposed to get you reading even if it's the tiniest amount.
Great for kids who really don't like reading but kind of HAVE to do it, this one might be just funny enough, filled with just enough crazy but workable tips that kids will actually want to read something else as well.
It looks like a chapter book but has the word set up of a picture book - no pictures though because it's supposed to get you reading even if it's the tiniest amount.
August 25, 2021
I grabbed this book because I have a child who is reluctant to read. He saw me reading it and giggling and asked to read it after I was done.
July 30, 2024
This book was hilarious 😂 I found it at the library and read it in one go.
September 30, 2025
I got two copies of this book for my schoollibrary and I do honestly think the kids will eat this book up.
April 25, 2022
this is a very tricky book.. it tricks you into reading a book even if you hate reading.
September 1, 2020
Humorous attempt to draw in reluctant readers. Designed for upper elementary/lower middle grades though may apply to anyone who is looking for an excuse to avoid reading a particular book.
Large print and a plan to look like you're reading as you move through the book. Cute twist at the end.
Large print and a plan to look like you're reading as you move through the book. Cute twist at the end.
March 1, 2019
Nou niet echt een boek gemaakt voor mij want ik hou van lezen, maar ik was toch té nieuwsgierig en wilde het toch eens uitproberen. En ik ben erg blij dat ik het heb gedaan want dit was heel hilarisch. Fourth wall wordt gebroken, er zijn tips, kleurtjes, scenes, en ik lag dus helemaal dubbel om veel van de stukjes, het las lekker aan een stuk door. Het einde was ook erg leuk gedaan (Ga spelen). Ja, zeker een boek dat ik aan zowel de niet lezers als lezers zou aanraden. Heerlijk als je even iets luchtigs en grappigs wilt hebben.
December 7, 2020
This didn't hit me the right way, but maybe reluctant readers would like it? I don't know, this was pretty flat to me.
March 2, 2021
A concept book that supposedly tricks kids into reading. Given that I am not the target audience for this one - I found it flatter that the proverbial.
May 9, 2021
This book might be better cataloged as humor rather than having a call number for reading & books. Nevertheless, a young person struggling with reading, who searches for tips to get them through it, will find it and it will bring some relief - not because it will end their struggle, but because they will know they aren't the only one.
It has some excellent ideas! It gives several suggestions about how to believably pretend to read that are likely to succeed in getting people to leave you alone and could accidentally end up in you reading.
Yet, sadly, it is missing some other excellent (and obvious) ideas that might actually help a non-reader become a reader.
For example, one tactic that I figured out accidentally; if you can't or don't want to read a book, ask someone else who did read it to tell you something about it. If they say they *loved* it, ask what part they liked best. If they say it was exciting, ask them what part was most exciting, etc. When someone else predigests a book & presents the best parts, it will either motivate you to read it yourself, or you'll know exactly why you shouldn't waste your time. I do this quite often with young people in the library - because I can't read every book, and I don't have exactly the same reading tastes as every reader, but I've been persuaded, plenty of times!
(The fact that Beth, Arthur, & Henry wanted to either distract, pester, or harm the kids at school who like reading created an "us-them" dynamic that seemed to me to be a really bad idea for everyone. Lashing out at people who mean no harm is not right. It's the adults putting pressure on kids that causes them pain, not the people who really just want to be left alone to read, right?)
So, I am still thinking of alternative strategies that were not mentioned!
There is the obvious technique of reading only the first few pages & the last few pages, and checking to see if you care how it got from point A to point Z. (This horrifies some people, but if you have ever read a book & then enjoyed watching the movie version, or vice-versa, you know that "spoilers" are not the worst thing in the world.)
Another one I use often at work; Open a book to the exact middle, read 3 pages, and if you care at all, start at the beginning.
The Bacons narrowly missed - by *almost* suggesting this; Get a book with LOTS of pictures, and just guess what the words might say. Every once in a while, check to see if you were right. If you are always right, don't read anymore, and if you are wrong & it kind of fascinates you...
In the Bacon family's book, when a teacher asks (quite accusingly) "Are you just reading the pictures?" the appropriate response is "One picture is worth a thousand words. Of course I'm reading the pictures!"
Anyway, this book *is* funny, and it's probably more funny if a reading teacher or librarian reads it to you, because then everyone can laugh about how it's totally okay to *not* love reading. There's so much pressure on kids to succeed at reading, and maybe not quite enough attention paid to what the non-reader needs or wants. Certainly they deserve the self-respect gained from knowing that Arthur and Henry don't really want to read.
It has some excellent ideas! It gives several suggestions about how to believably pretend to read that are likely to succeed in getting people to leave you alone and could accidentally end up in you reading.
Yet, sadly, it is missing some other excellent (and obvious) ideas that might actually help a non-reader become a reader.
For example, one tactic that I figured out accidentally; if you can't or don't want to read a book, ask someone else who did read it to tell you something about it. If they say they *loved* it, ask what part they liked best. If they say it was exciting, ask them what part was most exciting, etc. When someone else predigests a book & presents the best parts, it will either motivate you to read it yourself, or you'll know exactly why you shouldn't waste your time. I do this quite often with young people in the library - because I can't read every book, and I don't have exactly the same reading tastes as every reader, but I've been persuaded, plenty of times!
(The fact that Beth, Arthur, & Henry wanted to either distract, pester, or harm the kids at school who like reading created an "us-them" dynamic that seemed to me to be a really bad idea for everyone. Lashing out at people who mean no harm is not right. It's the adults putting pressure on kids that causes them pain, not the people who really just want to be left alone to read, right?)
So, I am still thinking of alternative strategies that were not mentioned!
There is the obvious technique of reading only the first few pages & the last few pages, and checking to see if you care how it got from point A to point Z. (This horrifies some people, but if you have ever read a book & then enjoyed watching the movie version, or vice-versa, you know that "spoilers" are not the worst thing in the world.)
Another one I use often at work; Open a book to the exact middle, read 3 pages, and if you care at all, start at the beginning.
The Bacons narrowly missed - by *almost* suggesting this; Get a book with LOTS of pictures, and just guess what the words might say. Every once in a while, check to see if you were right. If you are always right, don't read anymore, and if you are wrong & it kind of fascinates you...
In the Bacon family's book, when a teacher asks (quite accusingly) "Are you just reading the pictures?" the appropriate response is "One picture is worth a thousand words. Of course I'm reading the pictures!"
Anyway, this book *is* funny, and it's probably more funny if a reading teacher or librarian reads it to you, because then everyone can laugh about how it's totally okay to *not* love reading. There's so much pressure on kids to succeed at reading, and maybe not quite enough attention paid to what the non-reader needs or wants. Certainly they deserve the self-respect gained from knowing that Arthur and Henry don't really want to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2021
This title caught my eye when I was scanning the shelves, so I picked it up without glancing at the inside at all. I was expecting a story about a reluctant reader who eventually found a love of reading after taking a class with an inspiring teacher, and that once reluctant reader turned into a successful author who then inspired reluctant readers and so on and so on. Let me tell you I was wrong and I was completely tricked, and I’m not sure how I feel about it!
This is a very short, very visual chapter book. It reminded me of The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak, which I also have mixed feelings about. I Hate Reading is essentially a little trick to get a reluctant reader to read a book and get caught reading a book. It gives tips to kids on how to deal with that dreaded assigned 20 minutes from teachers every night. “Pretend you have to go to the bathroom. Bring the book with you. Tell your mom you were reading in there.” It gives tips on how to get kids at school who like to read to stop reading. “Point out that their shoes are untied.”
It continues with silly, reluctant-reader-kid-friendly jokes that most kids will get a kick out of. Eventually, at the end, the reader gets had by the book when it reads, “Tricked You! You have been reading!”
If you have multiple kids with differing interest levels in reading, it is an interesting experiment to do at home. Have them each read it and watch their expression when done. My oldest, who devours books, did not like it at all. She angrily asked what the point of that book was when she finished. My middle, who is slowly starting to like reading more, appreciated the message, but now that she has crossed over into non-reluctant reader status, rolled her eyes and moved on to her latest graphic novel. My youngest, and most reluctant reader, loved it! She laughed the whole way through and loved being tricked at the end.
So, even with my mixed feelings on this book, I think it is a good one for reluctant readers. If you have a 2nd or 3rd grader who is not sure about these bound things filled with paper, it will get them reading and giggling, and (hopefully) perhaps ask for more books like it.
This is a very short, very visual chapter book. It reminded me of The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak, which I also have mixed feelings about. I Hate Reading is essentially a little trick to get a reluctant reader to read a book and get caught reading a book. It gives tips to kids on how to deal with that dreaded assigned 20 minutes from teachers every night. “Pretend you have to go to the bathroom. Bring the book with you. Tell your mom you were reading in there.” It gives tips on how to get kids at school who like to read to stop reading. “Point out that their shoes are untied.”
It continues with silly, reluctant-reader-kid-friendly jokes that most kids will get a kick out of. Eventually, at the end, the reader gets had by the book when it reads, “Tricked You! You have been reading!”
If you have multiple kids with differing interest levels in reading, it is an interesting experiment to do at home. Have them each read it and watch their expression when done. My oldest, who devours books, did not like it at all. She angrily asked what the point of that book was when she finished. My middle, who is slowly starting to like reading more, appreciated the message, but now that she has crossed over into non-reluctant reader status, rolled her eyes and moved on to her latest graphic novel. My youngest, and most reluctant reader, loved it! She laughed the whole way through and loved being tricked at the end.
So, even with my mixed feelings on this book, I think it is a good one for reluctant readers. If you have a 2nd or 3rd grader who is not sure about these bound things filled with paper, it will get them reading and giggling, and (hopefully) perhaps ask for more books like it.
August 25, 2020
Exactly the right book to pick up when a child has to read for 20 minutes but doesn’t want to. Filled with humor and plenty of empathy for their plight, this book will have the pages turning quickly. Done with very little text on each page and large graphic elements, the book first looks at the rules of reading: Eyes on book. Butt on chair. Easy words are then offered in a list, and then a handful of hard words too, though you are encouraged to just skip words like “plutonium” and “photosynthesis.” Ways to escape your reading exile are also suggested like going to the bathroom or getting a bloody nose. A few blank pages make them turn even faster. Still, in the end, the book actually will get reluctant readers to not only open it up but to read!
The tone of this book is exactly right. There is a wonderful sneakiness to it, inviting children to scheme along with the narrating voice about how to stop reading. And yet, in order to play that naughty game, they have to read. The humor is broad and inviting, while still offering real tips for readers that actually work.
The book design plays a huge role here too. With minimal text on the pages done in large fonts, the rest of the page is designed to be bright and lively with large graphical elements like zippers, flashlight beams, movie film, and the play of black pages and white.
Funny and effective, get this into the hands of reluctant readers. Appropriate for ages 6-8.
The tone of this book is exactly right. There is a wonderful sneakiness to it, inviting children to scheme along with the narrating voice about how to stop reading. And yet, in order to play that naughty game, they have to read. The humor is broad and inviting, while still offering real tips for readers that actually work.
The book design plays a huge role here too. With minimal text on the pages done in large fonts, the rest of the page is designed to be bright and lively with large graphical elements like zippers, flashlight beams, movie film, and the play of black pages and white.
Funny and effective, get this into the hands of reluctant readers. Appropriate for ages 6-8.
September 22, 2025
Sneaky, sneaky, Beth Bacon & sons Arthur and Henry! Over 100 colorful pages will pull a non-reader into a clever ploy to get them to read for 10 or 15 minutes without even realizing they are doing it! Instead, the reader believes that the book is agreeing with them about hating to read and preferring to not do it. And, we librarians also all know how much kids love to read certain words in a book—so sliding the word “butt” into the narrative was extra genius!
Definitely a book to hand to your “I cannot stand reading” child. And, you may want to have a Dog Man or Diary of a Wimpy Kid on hand to give them after they read this brilliant tome. Because, after breezing through I Hate Reading, your non-reader will be primed to grab another book!
Definitely a book to hand to your “I cannot stand reading” child. And, you may want to have a Dog Man or Diary of a Wimpy Kid on hand to give them after they read this brilliant tome. Because, after breezing through I Hate Reading, your non-reader will be primed to grab another book!
November 11, 2021
NUTSHELL:
A highly visual book for reluctant readers.
REMINDS ME OF:
"Book With No Pictures" by B.J. Novak mixed with any other Beth Bacon books
PLUS SIDE:
+ Very quick, funny read for reluctant readers
+ Sneaks in the spirt and entertainment of reading without drawing attention to the fact that you are, indeed, reading.
NEGATIVE SIDE:
- Too short! But, her collection of similiar books is growing, so there is that.
Favorites:
"Didn't that feel good? You got to turn the page without having to read."
A highly visual book for reluctant readers.
REMINDS ME OF:
"Book With No Pictures" by B.J. Novak mixed with any other Beth Bacon books
PLUS SIDE:
+ Very quick, funny read for reluctant readers
+ Sneaks in the spirt and entertainment of reading without drawing attention to the fact that you are, indeed, reading.
NEGATIVE SIDE:
- Too short! But, her collection of similiar books is growing, so there is that.
Favorites:
"Didn't that feel good? You got to turn the page without having to read."
Read
July 31, 2024too meta to be helpful. like, it's supposed to be a joke (probably), but it is so layered with irony that a reluctant reader will either 1) not get it, or 2) think it's dumb.
inspiring reluctant readers is a challenge for teachers and parents of young children, but the answer is finding stories that the child can engage with, empathize with, or become interested in. The answer is not smarmy tongue in cheek humor about how reading is boring and something that should be avoided at all costs, even if that's supposed to be a joke. I guess I just didn't think it was funny or helpful.
inspiring reluctant readers is a challenge for teachers and parents of young children, but the answer is finding stories that the child can engage with, empathize with, or become interested in. The answer is not smarmy tongue in cheek humor about how reading is boring and something that should be avoided at all costs, even if that's supposed to be a joke. I guess I just didn't think it was funny or helpful.
March 22, 2020
This book won't turn you into a lover of reading, but it will get you through the next twenty minutes or so. For a reluctant reader, or a kid who is in a reading slump, this could be just what they need to crack open the next book. While this is a humor book, it also has good tips to keep reading, like picturing the book as a movie, or reading together with your parents. Fun to read aloud as well.
June 30, 2021
I got this book for my son partially as a joke and partially not. I am that mom who clocks his 20 minute daily reading time since reading isn’t as much of a priority as video games. If you take this book as I hope it’s intended: tongue in cheek (and butt in chair), it’s humorous. If you read it seriously, book lovers will be upset since it basically gives the kids all the cheats to get out of reading. I laughed.
October 29, 2022
A clever but hard to classify book. The layout really makes this more of a top level Easy Reading book but the content is well suited to those newly independent readers who have not caught the reading bug. Full of real tips on how to fake reading for 20 minutes (a typical reading requirement through school and summer reading programs) while humourously conjoling the reader to finish reading this book. The title alone likely entices some reluctant readers to pick this one off the shelf.
June 28, 2020
This is a definite must-purchase for any teacher in grades 3 or under and elementary librarians. Even older kids might find this book - designed to keep a reading hater busy reading for their allotted 20 minutes a day. It's silly fun, and might just lure them into reading something equally silly - like The Book With No Pictures or even a 13 Story Treehouse story! Silly fun.
November 26, 2021
I picked this up at the library with my 10yo son. He's always saying that he hates reading, and we were in the chapter book section trying to find a book he might like to read. After giving him a couple to read the back, I spotted this one. With a grin, he agreed that THIS was one to check out. He enjoyed reading it, and I also read it aloud to my 7yo son. Both thought it was funny.
January 8, 2022
Fun and quirky little book for the reluctant young reader. Colourful and bold pages offer advice for how to avoid reading, trick parents into thinking you’re reading, or to get out of reading… of course, with the joke being that you are in fact reading! I’m not sure if it would convince a young person to read more, but it’s a fun time nonetheless.
March 30, 2022
This is a funny, comical read that entices the uninterested reader and tricks them into reading for 10 minutes. I thought this was well written and a bit of fun.
THEME: Funny, comedy. Developing resistant readers into readers.
Although there are no illustrations, the text is bold and formatted in a way that matches the message.
THEME: Funny, comedy. Developing resistant readers into readers.
Although there are no illustrations, the text is bold and formatted in a way that matches the message.
February 6, 2025
I thought the book was super cute, it is about eyes on book and butt in chair and needing to read for 20 minutes a day.
There are some tips in the middle of the book to try to get you to read but its up to you to determine if they are any good.
Reading can be better then doing some other things in life like math home work or washing the car.
There are some tips in the middle of the book to try to get you to read but its up to you to determine if they are any good.
Reading can be better then doing some other things in life like math home work or washing the car.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews