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Pam Allyn's Best Books for Boys: How to Engage Boys in Reading in Ways That Will Change Their Lives
Get all boys reading with this extraordinary guide—chock-full of a wide range of must-read titles organized by interest, age, and development. With this resource in hand, you'll never again struggle to find the right book for even your most reluctant readers. The carefully chosen book selections are accompanied by brief explanations of each book, and a recurring feature, Talk About It, will help you extend the book through conversation, supporting and enhancing the reading experience. In addition, ready-to-use lessons align with themes and topics of special interest to boys that will motivate and inspire them to read more. Finally, Pam answers your most pressing questions about the challenges for boys as readers and shows you how you can maximize environments, routines, and structures to ensure that boys are reading widely and passionately. For use with Grades K-8.
176 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
4 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Pam Allyn
84 books38 followers
PAM ALLYN
is the author of an inspirational and practical book for parents, teachers, and caregivers entitled
What to Read When
, which was published by Penguin in April 2009.
Her first professional book, The Complete 4: How to Teach Reading and Writing Through Daily Lessons, Monthly Units and Yearlong Calendars , was published by Scholastic in November 2007. This groundbreaking book was recently followed by Pam’s series of grade level books chock-full with day to day lessons called The Complete Year published by Scholastic in 2008 and co-authored with her LitLife colleagues.
Pam is the Executive Director of LitLife, a nationally recognized organization specializing in transformative school improvement through literacy education. She is also the Executive Director of LitWorld, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bringing quality education to the world’s most vulnerable children.
She is the Founding Director of Books for Boys. For nine years, this program has been acclaimed for its innovative efforts on behalf of at-risk boys, and its work is replicated in other foster care agencies. Pam also spearheads an initiative called “The Family Story Power Project” which brings literacy rich curriculum to families and children.
Pam is the recipient of the James Patterson Page Turner Award for excellence in bringing literacy to underserved populations. She has also received a Disney Points of Light Foundation Award for her work bringing books and literacy to children. In May 2007 The Children's Village, the nation’s largest residential treatment center for foster care children presented Pam with its Legacy of Service Award for her tireless efforts to bring the magic of books and reading to children.
She is a motivational speaker for audiences of teachers, administrators, librarians and parents. She has been featured on The Today Show. Prior to founding LitLife, she was the Director of Funded Projects at the Columbia University Teachers College Reading and Writing Project.
Pam is on the Advisory Board of the Dream Charter School in Harlem, the Leadership Council of Global Action for Children, the Advisory Board of the Amherst College Center for Community Engagement and the English Language Arts Scope and Sequence Advisory Group for the New York City Department of Education.
Her first professional book, The Complete 4: How to Teach Reading and Writing Through Daily Lessons, Monthly Units and Yearlong Calendars , was published by Scholastic in November 2007. This groundbreaking book was recently followed by Pam’s series of grade level books chock-full with day to day lessons called The Complete Year published by Scholastic in 2008 and co-authored with her LitLife colleagues.
Pam is the Executive Director of LitLife, a nationally recognized organization specializing in transformative school improvement through literacy education. She is also the Executive Director of LitWorld, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bringing quality education to the world’s most vulnerable children.
She is the Founding Director of Books for Boys. For nine years, this program has been acclaimed for its innovative efforts on behalf of at-risk boys, and its work is replicated in other foster care agencies. Pam also spearheads an initiative called “The Family Story Power Project” which brings literacy rich curriculum to families and children.
Pam is the recipient of the James Patterson Page Turner Award for excellence in bringing literacy to underserved populations. She has also received a Disney Points of Light Foundation Award for her work bringing books and literacy to children. In May 2007 The Children's Village, the nation’s largest residential treatment center for foster care children presented Pam with its Legacy of Service Award for her tireless efforts to bring the magic of books and reading to children.
She is a motivational speaker for audiences of teachers, administrators, librarians and parents. She has been featured on The Today Show. Prior to founding LitLife, she was the Director of Funded Projects at the Columbia University Teachers College Reading and Writing Project.
Pam is on the Advisory Board of the Dream Charter School in Harlem, the Leadership Council of Global Action for Children, the Advisory Board of the Amherst College Center for Community Engagement and the English Language Arts Scope and Sequence Advisory Group for the New York City Department of Education.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 27, 2021
With a few helpful tips, this is mostly a bibliography of suggested titles to get boys (or those gender identifying as male) excited about reading. I was good with this, as it was what I was looking for; fresh ideas or titles I may have overlooked.
Yet so much has changed in the 10 years since this was published. It would be interesting to see how author Pam Allyn would update this for the 2020s and beyond. Would she include #ourownvoices titles? What about graphic novels? Or titles for those who are unsure of their gender or sexual identity?
Yet so much has changed in the 10 years since this was published. It would be interesting to see how author Pam Allyn would update this for the 2020s and beyond. Would she include #ourownvoices titles? What about graphic novels? Or titles for those who are unsure of their gender or sexual identity?
May 28, 2011
I was contacted to read and review this book and as a homeschooling parent (of 2 boys) and a former preschool teacher, I thought it would be right up my alley!
This book was easy to read and very informative. I loved the explanation of the different reading styles that boys have. It really helped to realize that each of my boys has a different reading style and lists different, sometimes non-traditional materials to read.
This book was a great reference for different books out there for kids. It was broken down by genres, which was great since my older boy loves adventure/mysteries! I was able to go to that genre and pick out the books I thought he would like. Of course, what was really great was when my son actually DID like the books that I had brought home from the library.
I have to be honest here...my boys love to read so it really isn't an issue for me to find them books they like. They will spend time reading without me telling them too. However, as a teacher I have run into times when I could not bribe a kid to read with the biggest candy bar! This is a great resource in helping these boys pick out books that will help them develop the love of reading.
This is a great book for teachers! It helps them set up their classrooms with the books that will be most interesting to the kids. As a parent, I found it just as helpful though! I have a list of books that my 8 year old has written out for me that he wants to read now. I love that it was encouraging too! There was no bashing the parent or teacher for their child not liking to read. It was full of great information on how to help each boy learn to love to read, from the list of different books to how to set up the classroom/reading area to make the boys comfortable!
The best part of this book...it was filled with popular books! It wasn't just boring, old classics (not that their is anything wrong with those...I personally love them) but books that boys will find entertaining from the cover! I was able to find the books easily at my library, local book store and even our local USED book store! A truly amazing book for both teachers and parents!
Get all boys reading with this extraordinary guide—chock-full of a wide range of must-read titles organized by interest, age, and development. With this resource in hand, you'll never again struggle to find the right book for even your most reluctant readers. The carefully chosen book selections are accompanied by brief explanations of each book, and a recurring feature, Talk About It, will help you extend the book through conversation, supporting and enhancing the reading experience. In addition, ready-to-use lessons align with themes and topics of special interest to boys that will motivate and inspire them to read more. Finally, Pam answers your most pressing questions about the challenges for boys as readers and shows you how you can maximize environments, routines, and structures to ensure that boys are reading widely and passionately. For use with Grades K-8.
This book was easy to read and very informative. I loved the explanation of the different reading styles that boys have. It really helped to realize that each of my boys has a different reading style and lists different, sometimes non-traditional materials to read.
This book was a great reference for different books out there for kids. It was broken down by genres, which was great since my older boy loves adventure/mysteries! I was able to go to that genre and pick out the books I thought he would like. Of course, what was really great was when my son actually DID like the books that I had brought home from the library.
I have to be honest here...my boys love to read so it really isn't an issue for me to find them books they like. They will spend time reading without me telling them too. However, as a teacher I have run into times when I could not bribe a kid to read with the biggest candy bar! This is a great resource in helping these boys pick out books that will help them develop the love of reading.
This is a great book for teachers! It helps them set up their classrooms with the books that will be most interesting to the kids. As a parent, I found it just as helpful though! I have a list of books that my 8 year old has written out for me that he wants to read now. I love that it was encouraging too! There was no bashing the parent or teacher for their child not liking to read. It was full of great information on how to help each boy learn to love to read, from the list of different books to how to set up the classroom/reading area to make the boys comfortable!
The best part of this book...it was filled with popular books! It wasn't just boring, old classics (not that their is anything wrong with those...I personally love them) but books that boys will find entertaining from the cover! I was able to find the books easily at my library, local book store and even our local USED book store! A truly amazing book for both teachers and parents!
Get all boys reading with this extraordinary guide—chock-full of a wide range of must-read titles organized by interest, age, and development. With this resource in hand, you'll never again struggle to find the right book for even your most reluctant readers. The carefully chosen book selections are accompanied by brief explanations of each book, and a recurring feature, Talk About It, will help you extend the book through conversation, supporting and enhancing the reading experience. In addition, ready-to-use lessons align with themes and topics of special interest to boys that will motivate and inspire them to read more. Finally, Pam answers your most pressing questions about the challenges for boys as readers and shows you how you can maximize environments, routines, and structures to ensure that boys are reading widely and passionately. For use with Grades K-8.
July 9, 2011
A great resource for teachers, librarians, parents.
Books of various genres (even graphic novels) are annotated and categorized as appropriate for Emerging Readers, Developing Readers or Mature Readers.
Have already read a few of the suggestions with J with great success.
Books of various genres (even graphic novels) are annotated and categorized as appropriate for Emerging Readers, Developing Readers or Mature Readers.
Have already read a few of the suggestions with J with great success.
June 29, 2011
Great resource and perfect for the new teacher just getting started and for the experienced teacher who needs to branch out. Practical and filled with great information.
July 1, 2012
Item Title: Disabilities and Disorders in Literature for Youth: A Selective Annotated Bibliography for K-12 (Literature for Youth Series)
Item Call Number: Z6122 .C76 2009 HV1568 ISBN- 978-0810859777
Reviewed in: LME 508
Crosetto, A, Garcha, R. & Horan, M. (2009). Disabilities and disorders in literature for youth. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press.
Relevance and Relationship—
The cost for this reference book is $ 68.00 which is typical for a book of the caliber.
Those responsible for teaching disabled students and providing services and support for them need ready access to reliable and up-to-date resources. At the time of printing no other guide, in English, was available providing information on a broad range of resources for teachers, students, and families of children with disabilities. These resources include but are not limited to: resources especially for K – 12; magazines and journals; various media and internet sources.
Purpose:—
Almost 1,000 resources for K-12 are provided to help teachers, administrators, family, students, and care givers become better equipped to address the needs of diverse disabilities our children face.
Validity—
Although this resource was published in 2009, its relevance was overwhelming and it was included in this listing.
Disabilities and Disorders in Literature for Youth: A Selective Annotated Bibliography for K-12 is book 12 in the Literature for Youth Series. The authors of this book have multiple degrees in the area of teaching and facilitating students with disabilities.
Format–
Hardcover: 400 pages
Bibliographies are annotated. The author index is presented in two column form. The passage is broken down into chapters addressing the multiple issues associated with disabilities. The final pages introduce the authors.
Arrangement and Presentation-
This bibliography consists of four major headings—Emotional, Learning, Physical, and Multiple Disabilities. These headings are broken down into fiction and nonfiction.
Diversity
Chapters address the following types of disabilities: emotional, learning, physical, and multiple disabilities.
Each topic relates the grade levels that are best identified. This allows the most relevant materials to be suggested. This is a professional guide to benefit students with disabilities.
Item Call Number: Z6122 .C76 2009 HV1568 ISBN- 978-0810859777
Reviewed in: LME 508
Crosetto, A, Garcha, R. & Horan, M. (2009). Disabilities and disorders in literature for youth. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press.
Relevance and Relationship—
The cost for this reference book is $ 68.00 which is typical for a book of the caliber.
Those responsible for teaching disabled students and providing services and support for them need ready access to reliable and up-to-date resources. At the time of printing no other guide, in English, was available providing information on a broad range of resources for teachers, students, and families of children with disabilities. These resources include but are not limited to: resources especially for K – 12; magazines and journals; various media and internet sources.
Purpose:—
Almost 1,000 resources for K-12 are provided to help teachers, administrators, family, students, and care givers become better equipped to address the needs of diverse disabilities our children face.
Validity—
Although this resource was published in 2009, its relevance was overwhelming and it was included in this listing.
Disabilities and Disorders in Literature for Youth: A Selective Annotated Bibliography for K-12 is book 12 in the Literature for Youth Series. The authors of this book have multiple degrees in the area of teaching and facilitating students with disabilities.
Format–
Hardcover: 400 pages
Bibliographies are annotated. The author index is presented in two column form. The passage is broken down into chapters addressing the multiple issues associated with disabilities. The final pages introduce the authors.
Arrangement and Presentation-
This bibliography consists of four major headings—Emotional, Learning, Physical, and Multiple Disabilities. These headings are broken down into fiction and nonfiction.
Diversity
Chapters address the following types of disabilities: emotional, learning, physical, and multiple disabilities.
Each topic relates the grade levels that are best identified. This allows the most relevant materials to be suggested. This is a professional guide to benefit students with disabilities.
August 10, 2011
Pam Allyn's book was written from years of experience working with young readers in the Books for Boys program that she founded. This quick read is divided into three sections. The first defines the focus on books for boys by looking briefly at the state of boys in the classroom in relation to reading. This short section also addressed the preconception of reading as being a quiet, solitary activity involving a book. Allyn addresses the shortfalls of such a narrow definition.
The second section addresses the R-E-A-D approach to creating a reading life. R-E-A-D stands for Ritual, Environment, Access and Dialogue. Allyn provides ideas on how to create an environment that promotes reading. One thing stressed is the need to promote nonfiction in poetry in read-alouds as well as fiction. Access means providing a wide variety of options to boy readers and incorporating their interests in reading choices. Dialogue spoke to allowing boys to express their reactions to reading in a nonthreatening environment. An essential component of the R-E-A-D portion of this book was the question and answer section. These expanded upon how to make boys more comfortable reading, how to build reading endurance and 'light' books.
The third section makes up the bulk of a book with an essential annotated bibliography on a variety of topics. Each title receives a recommendation code of Emerging, Developing, or Maturing. These codes give a rough estimate of a boy's emotional development rather than simple chronology. Topics found in the bibliography include adventure, fantasy, humor and learning to love reading. The titles included are a mix of newer publications and older ones. Some annotations include discussion ideas to use with boys.
This book could be used to build a classroom or school library, as a basis for book talks and a guideline for creating programming that promotes reading. It is one I'm eager to share pieces of with my school community.
The second section addresses the R-E-A-D approach to creating a reading life. R-E-A-D stands for Ritual, Environment, Access and Dialogue. Allyn provides ideas on how to create an environment that promotes reading. One thing stressed is the need to promote nonfiction in poetry in read-alouds as well as fiction. Access means providing a wide variety of options to boy readers and incorporating their interests in reading choices. Dialogue spoke to allowing boys to express their reactions to reading in a nonthreatening environment. An essential component of the R-E-A-D portion of this book was the question and answer section. These expanded upon how to make boys more comfortable reading, how to build reading endurance and 'light' books.
The third section makes up the bulk of a book with an essential annotated bibliography on a variety of topics. Each title receives a recommendation code of Emerging, Developing, or Maturing. These codes give a rough estimate of a boy's emotional development rather than simple chronology. Topics found in the bibliography include adventure, fantasy, humor and learning to love reading. The titles included are a mix of newer publications and older ones. Some annotations include discussion ideas to use with boys.
This book could be used to build a classroom or school library, as a basis for book talks and a guideline for creating programming that promotes reading. It is one I'm eager to share pieces of with my school community.
December 21, 2012
Pam Allyn’s Best Books for Boys is an excellent resource for parents and educators who want to make reading an enjoyable experience for boys.
The book begins with an explanation of the different reading styles and tastes that boys may have, and the value of finding materials that are both age appropriate and at the right reading level. She gives a variety of suggestions of ways to encourage readers, including recognition of non-traditional book reading (such as comic books).
The bulk of the book is a reference guide of book lists that is divided by topic and then sub-divided by reading level. Some of the topics include: Action/Adventure, Biographies/Memoirs, Comic Books/Graphic Novels, History, How-to, Sports, and many more. Each section is broken down into books by reading level (Emerging, Developing, and Maturing).
The book lists include short plot summaries of the main titles that are recommended. Sometimes discussion questions are included, as well as lists of titles for further reading (e.g. if you like this book then you’ll also like…).
What I liked best about the book is that it was compiled from the recommendations and preferences of boys themselves. The true test though was whether or not I would find my own sons’ favorites on those lists, and I did find many books that my boys have read and loved. In fact there were only two series of books that my boys love that I couldn’t find in the book. Overall I was very impressed with what I found.
Not every boy is going to want to read “boyish” books, but this volume is an excellent reference book to go to as a starting place. I’ve already been able to make one recommendation to my nine year old that was received enthusiastically.
The book begins with an explanation of the different reading styles and tastes that boys may have, and the value of finding materials that are both age appropriate and at the right reading level. She gives a variety of suggestions of ways to encourage readers, including recognition of non-traditional book reading (such as comic books).
The bulk of the book is a reference guide of book lists that is divided by topic and then sub-divided by reading level. Some of the topics include: Action/Adventure, Biographies/Memoirs, Comic Books/Graphic Novels, History, How-to, Sports, and many more. Each section is broken down into books by reading level (Emerging, Developing, and Maturing).
The book lists include short plot summaries of the main titles that are recommended. Sometimes discussion questions are included, as well as lists of titles for further reading (e.g. if you like this book then you’ll also like…).
What I liked best about the book is that it was compiled from the recommendations and preferences of boys themselves. The true test though was whether or not I would find my own sons’ favorites on those lists, and I did find many books that my boys have read and loved. In fact there were only two series of books that my boys love that I couldn’t find in the book. Overall I was very impressed with what I found.
Not every boy is going to want to read “boyish” books, but this volume is an excellent reference book to go to as a starting place. I’ve already been able to make one recommendation to my nine year old that was received enthusiastically.
March 16, 2011
I read Pam Allyn's book in one sitting. She has a very easy going way of writing that allows the reader to feel comfort when reading and want to read more. I really enjoyed it. I think it would be a great addition to any teacher's shelf, particularly the novice teacher. She is very explicit with best practices in the classroom, and it was very affirming of my own practices. I also think her book would be helpful to parents searching to help their readers at home.
I like how she had the bulk of her book laid out to help adults help novice readers find the just right book. I also like the extensions offered after. I added quite a few titles to my own TBR stack. I could also think of additional titles that would fit into each of her categories. :)
Her thinking is very much in line with Teri Lesesne's book READING LADDERS. I like it when one professional supports another.
I do think that some of the sites listed at the end need some tweaking. There were some older sites that can be updated with newer ones. That was my only complaint-and it isn't even a complaint.
Overall, I believe Pam's book will be really helpful to both professionals and parents and would recommend it without reservation.
I like how she had the bulk of her book laid out to help adults help novice readers find the just right book. I also like the extensions offered after. I added quite a few titles to my own TBR stack. I could also think of additional titles that would fit into each of her categories. :)
Her thinking is very much in line with Teri Lesesne's book READING LADDERS. I like it when one professional supports another.
I do think that some of the sites listed at the end need some tweaking. There were some older sites that can be updated with newer ones. That was my only complaint-and it isn't even a complaint.
Overall, I believe Pam's book will be really helpful to both professionals and parents and would recommend it without reservation.
April 26, 2012
I would have loved this book in my homeschooling days. Even though those days are behind me, I still enjoyed the recommendations. I was happy to see that we had read many of the books and I agreed with her thoughts on most. If she had expanded the second half of the book into an entire book and included just suggestions and ideas, I would have given this 5 stars. The start of the book, especially the anecdotes, were tedious reading. I quickly grew frustrated with the stories as they felt fake but the end of the book redeemed it.
October 8, 2014
4.5 stars - Excellent resource for teachers, parents and librarians struggling to get (or keep) boy readers. Allyn provides many categories of books on topics of interest to boys. I wish, however, that she had listed publication dates on all of the books as well as the first book in a series. I also noticed a couple of typos, but this is certainly not a deal-breaker. This book belongs in every public and school library.
June 10, 2011
Excerpt from my review at http://www.achilleseffect.com/2011/06... "Although written for teachers, it is also a great resource for parents of boys and girls. I might just suggest that if you are concerned about gender portrayals, you approach a few of the suggested titles with caution."
August 26, 2011
Great resource for schools and parents! I learned SO much in the very short time it took me to read this! The book suggestions are great...the only thing I would caution, is to read some of the mature books yourself before recommending them to students...some may be better for high school vs elementary/middle.
September 21, 2011
A fantastic resource. I found the author's advice about Ritual, Environment, Access, and Dialogue (READ) very helpful in homeschooling my two sons. I will be referencing the title suggestions for years to come!
July 7, 2011
A bit chatty and very informal (although she does have footnotes) I picked this up to help me grow my collection for school. I am on the fence about this one although there are some solid ideas in here. A handy refernce if nothing else.
Want to read
May 15, 2011My library doesn't have this yet, but hopefully will get it soon. Once my son is done with the Captain Underpants series, I'm going to be hard-pressed to find an equivalent. (Any suggestions?)
May 23, 2011
Thanks to Cousin Amy for this suggestion...I think we found some good stuff for reading this summer!
May 18, 2014
Pithy and contains a rather useful and extensive reading list even though I did find one error in a description of a two-book series.
January 7, 2014
So many great suggestions for reading and so well organized! Great resource.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews