Engaging Reluctant Readers

About Engaging Reluctant Readers

Tired of the nightly reading battles? Struggling to get your child to open a book because they refuse to read at all costs? Maybe they can read but just don’t want to, or perhaps they struggle with the basics, making reading feel frustrating and exhausting. Or maybe books just can’t compete with screens, sports, or other distractions. No matter the reason, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not failing as a parent. Welcome to Engaging Reluctant Readers—the podcast for book-loving moms raising reluctant readers. Hosted by Ellen Westbrook, a Literacy Coach (and recovering reluctant reader herself!), this show is here to help you transform your child’s reading journey from dread to must-be read and rediscover family reading fun along the way. As a mom of two high-energy boys with a degree in Elementary Education, Ellen gets it—the frustration, the worry, and the endless search for ways to make books click for your child. She’s here to bridge the gap between your love of reading and your kiddo’s resistance, helping you understand why they struggle and, more importantly, what actually works. You won’t find complicated reading strategies or one-size-fits-all advice here. Instead, Ellen shares real-life strategies that fit into your busy days and make reading feel fun instead of forced. From creative ways to build stamina, confidence, and reading skills to strategies that make books more engaging and spark a genuine love of reading, every episode is designed to help you make real progress—without the fights, tears, or frustration. Each episode is under 30 minutes, packed with actionable tips, and released every Thursday—so you can get quick wins without adding more to your already-full plate. Because reading should feel fun, not like a chore—and every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Hit follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode, and let’s rediscover family reading fun—together!

Publisher

Ellen Westbrook

Category

education · education · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Mar 2025

Latest episode

29 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

28 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Mar 2026

   Creating a Home Where Kids See Themselves as Readers

   When your child says, “I’m just not a reader,” it’s easy to worry that you’ve missed something. But what if the real issue isn’t skill—it’s self-story? In this episode, Ellen explores how your home environment, rhythms, and even the words you use quietly shape how your child sees themselves as a reader. In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook unpacks how a child’s view of themselves as a reader grows from the rhythms of daily life—not big moments or perfect ...

2. 

   16 Oct 2025

   How to Motivate Kids to Read (Without Bribes or Battles)

   Ellen Westbrook shares personal stories and insights on why using bribes and reward systems often backfires when trying to motivate children to read, suggesting alternative approaches in this interview.

3. 

   3 Oct 2025

   Book Nooks on a Budget: Simple Spaces Kids Will Love

   Ellen Westbrook explains how to create inviting and affordable reading nooks using existing household items, encouraging children to embrace reading in a designated space in this interview.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

56

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

83

Social presence

0

YouTube

63

Engagement

0

Contact Engaging Reluctant Readers

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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