Connecting Boys with Books 2

June 1, 2009
Sullivan makes a clear case for his belief that what boys like to read and what we think of as "good literature" are not the same thing. His premise is that if we are to close the reading gap between boys and girls, the female-dominated professions of teaching and librarianship need to embrace boy's literature, boy-friendly formats, and programming. This second volume builds upon the work Sullivan has done since the first volume was published in 2003. He states that while a lot has changed in five years"people are not only willing to talk about boys and reading, they are eager to do so"ultimately all this recognition must translate into action. He describes a successful "Literary Lunch" program he implemented. Other programs are included, along with ideas on how to expose boys to story, promote reading to them, and create a culture of literacy in order for them to succeed. The author gives a clear definition throughout the book of the differences between boys and girls and how to apply this knowledge to closing the reading gap. A must-read for all librarians and media specialists."Renee McGrath, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, NY"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2009
As a follow-up to Connecting Boys with Books: What Libraries Can Do (2003), Sullivan nowconsiders some of the research being done and reasons for the gap between boys and girls in this area. He looks at developmental differences between boys and girls and how our culture views reading as a leisure activity. He also looks atmaterials that will attract male readers. His concern is not necessarily the boy who cannot read but the aliterate boythe one who can read but chooses not to. Chapter notes and related bibliographies add to the usefulness of this insightful and thought-provoking book.A must-read for librarians, teachers, parents, and anyone working with educating young boys.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)