Provide your teen with high-interest reading material. Your teen is not going to want to read if she is not interested in the books that she is offered. Do not limit your teen to options that you may find appealing. Instead, purchase contemporary books about topics relevant to her life. Teen authors such as J.K. Rowling and Stephanie Meyers are popular with teens. Also consider the works of John Green, Suzanne Collins and Rachael Cohn as each of these authors traditionally compose books that are topical and tailored to teen attitudes and interests. There are even some adult authors who have made a foyer into young adult publishing, writing books that teens will likely devour, such as James Patterson and John Grisham.
Model reading. Parents and educators seem hypocritical if they extol the virtues of reading, but never pick up a book themselves. Show your teen that reading really is important by reading yourself. Teachers can model reading by reading a book while their students read during class time. Parents can trade TV time for reading time, and sit down with their teens to read while they do.
Talk about reading. Ask your teen about the book she is currently reading. Listen as she describes the tale. Tell her about your current reading material. This information exchange not only encourages her to continue reading, but also allows for some family conversation and togetherness.
Visit the library. Nearly every community has a library. Encourage teens to take advantage of this valuable literary resource by taking library trips with the teen. Help the teen go through the stacks and look for book.
Take your teen to book signings. As young adult authors travel to promote their books, they commonly stop at bookstores or colleges to sign books or speak. Take your child to see any author that will be in town. Your teen will likely be more excited to read once she has met the individual who produced the book.
Enroll your teen in a reading group. Libraries and bookstores often host weekly reading groups. At these groups, members read and discuss books. Your teen may be more interested in reading if it is a social practice. Additionally, she will likely meet positive role models at this reading group.