by Ann K. Dolin, M.Ed.

Getting any child to read can be a challenge, but trying to encourage a teenager to read is even more of an undertaking. If you're like a lot of parents you have tried several tactics to get your teen to read from ordering the latest teen bestseller, to trips to the library, and even rewards. Perhaps arguments over reading have spiraled downward into yelling matches and now you're wondering if it's worth the power struggle. The benefits of reading include an increased vocabulary, better grades, and higher SAT scores. But the struggle isn't worth it if the parent/child relationship is impacted. The good news is that there are many things you can do to make the environment ripe for reading without pushing your child (or yourself) over the edge.

Buy a Kindle or Nook

One of the best investments you can make is the purchase of an e-reader. Teens love electronics and are much more likely to flip the switch on their e-book than to pick up a paperback. Moreover, once they finish with one book, the next book is at the tip of their fingers in their e-reader storefront. This is especially important for kids that get hooked on a series; they are more likely to go onto the next book without loosing momentum if they have easy access.

Select a Series

Even the most reluctant readers will latch on to a series that is relatable and fun to follow. Many girls enjoy the Missing Persons series by E.B. Rabb about high school sisters who run away from their New York home to escape their evil stepmother. The girls change their names, color their hair, and take up a new hobby--solving missing person's cases. Who can resist such a thriller? You can find a list of books just for reluctant readers by searching teenreads.com or ala.com (search for "reluctant teens").

Loved a Movie? Read the Book

One book and movie sure to inspire is Soul Surfer, the story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton. This memoir follows her incredible journey from the day she comes face-to-face with a 14-foot tiger shark to her awe-inspiring recovery and return to surfing. Water for Elephants is another book turned movie starring Robert Pattinson from the Twilight series. This one is best for older or more mature teens. Watch the movie first or read the book; it doesn't matter, as long as your teen is engaged in reading.

Get a Driver's Manual

Most teenagers look forward to driving, but they have to study in order to pass the written exam. Purchase a driver's manual for your teen to read with you or independently. Reading is reading, in any form!

Turn Off Everything Else with a Screen

The last step to getting your child to read is to carve out time each evening for reading. Everyone should put away cell phones, put down the Blackberry, turn off the television, iTouch, and any anything else that draws attention, except the e-reader, of course! Even fifteen or twenty minutes before bedtime is enough time to instill the love of reading.

Relax and Read without Criticizing

During this time, do one of two things: either read silently on your own as a role model or lie down in bed with your child and read aloud. Your teen is not too old to read with you. Try not to correct your child's mistakes or ask too many questions. As soon as kids feel pressured or judged, they're less willing to read. When your teen begins to associate reading with evening relaxation and the fun of delving into a page-turning book, he'll be more likely to read independently and for pleasure later on.

Ann K. Dolin, M.Ed., is the founder and president of Educational Connections, Inc., a tutoring, test prep, and consulting company in Fairfax, VA and Bethesda, MD. In her award-winning book, Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework, Dolin offers proven solutions to help the six key types of students who struggle with homework. Numerous examples and easy-to-implement, fun tips will help make homework less of a chore for the whole family. Learn more at anndolin.ectutoring.com or ectutoring.com.