To be a Boy, to be a Reader: Engaging Teen and Preteen Boys in Active Literacy

When it comes to reading, teen and preteen boys are the most difficult students. This book addresses the growing concern among middle and high school teachers about boys' lack of literacy growth and independent reading. The book makes the case that boys are in the greatest need of help with literacy instruction and stresses the importance of engaging boys in active literacy both in and out of school. Structured on the premise that adolescent males need to be exposed to literary images they can identify with and look up to, the book presents 10 positive male archetypes that engage boys and capture their unique male imaginations. It defines several such archetypes and shares instructional vignettes in which teachers across the curriculum develop innovative strategies and activities using young adult books with these archetypes. The book also shows teachers how to work with adults in the community to positively influence boys' literacy behavior and create conditions that encourage them to read. An appendix offers a booklist of 300 titles to help teachers identify appropriate archetypal literature. Contains an over 300-item list of references and literature cited. (NKA)