Riveting Reads: Boys into Books 11-14

Start | Foreword | Introduction | Browse Booklist | Download PDF | Appendices

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Why should you read the introduction?

Books, like introductions, are only the beginning. Encouraging more boys to read is a complex business, and choosing the ‘right’ books is only part of what it takes to make headway. If you can’t wait to look at the booklist, do go ahead (you won’t be disappointed!) – but don’t forget to come back here later, for the rest of the story…

This introduction looks briefly at some key research on boys’ reading, and asks some challenging questions about what boys want, and why the school library can be at the forefront of meeting those challenges, and a powerhouse for reading. It makes four assumptions:

1. That boys’ reading is a part of the overall boys achievement issue.

2. That boys’ reading is an area you want to address in your school – though remember that in many schools, boys are reading well – and there are keen readers everywhere!

3. That although reading by girls and boys is equally important, the present focus will be on boys.

4. That although some initiatives may relate to boys only, the general approach should not be to always treat boys separately. A successful spread of initiatives in mixed schools includes those involving both sexes (but perhaps deliberately including ones known to be successful with boys).

We hope you enjoy using this introduction, and the booklist, to give a fresh impact to boys’ reading in your school, and that you’ll keep in touch with the SLA and tell us of your successes in getting even more boys into books. Good luck!

Riveting Reads: Boys into Books 11-14

Start | Foreword | Introduction | Browse Booklist | Download PDF | Appendices

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Next: Do boys read? >

Why should you read the introduction?

Next: Do boys read? >

Boys Into Books

Introduction Overview