Your teen reads--he's reading Jane Austen's Emma for English class. And he spent an hour reading his biology textbook last night.

So why is reading for pleasure so important to make time for? When teens read for fun, they're not stressing about memorizing every detail for an upcoming test. They're enjoying what they're reading, and likely reading faster.

Teens who are able to read quickly also understand more of what they read. Their reading comprehension improves and their vocabularies grow--and these benefits carry over into success in school-related reading as well as on those important standardized tests.

But how can your teen make time to read for pleasure? Suggest that he start a book club. Not only will he be reading for fun, but he'll also be having fun. Have your teen:

• Get the word out. Call friends, put up flyers at school or send out an email. Aim for eight to 12 people--with more than 12, it can be difficult for everyone's opinion to be heard.
• Set rules. Discuss how the group will choose books to read. Talk about how often (and where) to meet.
• Enjoy reading. Book clubs should be fun--it's okay to joke about how the main character's teacher is exactly like Mr. Smith in the math department. Just keep the focus on the book--not the latest rumor circulating the school.

Reprinted with permission from the October 2009 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (High School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2009 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: "Book Clubs and Reading Guides: Starting a Book Club," Teenreads.com, www.teenreads.com/clubs/club-about.asp#Starting.