Pam Allyn’s Best Book for Boys is written like a guy wrote it, only a guy didn’t. It’s practical, divided into topics and ages, and offers quick descriptions after each title. Just what any parent needs walking into a bookstore or trolling Amazon.
My favorite part is an extensive Q&A written in a breezy manner telling you just what you need to know:
Question #21: How do you feel about “light” books such as Captain Underpants?
Allyn responds: “I LOVE these books. They’ve been radically helpful in getting boys to read.” (And then she follows with a thorough response.)
Question #18: How can you get boys to read outside of the usual environment and routine?
Allyn responds: “Ask your boys to describe times when reading has felt good for them. Don’t dismiss their descriptions of the sports page, or an art drawing book, or a great Web site, or a manual for how to build a castle.” (And then elaborates.)
Practical advice from people like Pam Allyn, executive director of LitLife, and authors/teachers such as Jon Scieszka, constitute the best strategy for lifting our boys out of these literacy deficits that limit their post-secondary potential.