
One idea (that I have not implemented but once I get into the classroom I would like to explore), would be to assign various genres, but let the students choose the book. One way to help the students choose a Science Fiction book is this flowchart of NPR’s top 100 books in this genre. The students start at the beginning, answer questions, and then arrive at their book that will match them.
There should be a few criteria. The students must choose one of certain books on a list that the teacher has read, allowing the teacher to discuss them with the student. Also, the students must choose books that a few other students choose. Discussing the book will be very helpful to the students reading. Help them create a reading plan, and questions that will wrap around the book. Then, give them the freedom to follow this. This will require a lot of trust in your students, but the more trust you give your students, hopefully the more responsibility they will take.