Connecting Boys

by American Library Association

Pre-adolescent boys are nearly invisible in libraries. With ever-increasing electronic amusements, how can books and the library compete for their attention? In Connecting Boys with Books, librarian and educator Michael Sullivan provides the tools that librarians, school library media specialists, and educators need to overcome cultural and developmental challenges, stereotyping, and lack of role models that essentially program boys out of the library. Attracting boys to library programs in the "tween" years will go a long way in maintaining their interest in books and reading over a lifetime, creating good habits from a young age. Sullivan's practical and proven programming builds on the unique developmental needs and interests of boys in this middle stage, From playing chess to swathing the walls in butcher paper to give boys a physical space to respond to books, Sullivan's practical ideas and developmentally astute insights show librarian and teacher colleagues how to make vitally needed connections with this underserved population.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Library Science, Adult

136 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since this was for libraries and I'm not a librarian, I wasn't exactly Michael Sullivan's target audience. But I am a parent and I do have a boy and I want him to like books, so I picked it up anyway.

My preschool-aged son loves reading so I don't have a problem yet, but several of my friends' sons no longer like books after reaching the age of 8 or so, and it's sort of freaked me out. We've discussed before: if Captain Underpants is the only thing that will get your son to crack open a book, is there merit in it? This author is of the opinion that it is, but I'm still undecided. I really hate bathroom humor with a passion.

My main take away from the book was that parents of non-reading boys need to be willing to explore other types of literature besides Newbery medal winners (if I can't stomach Captain Underpants, at least sports thrillers and science fiction) for their sons' sake. Hopefully I won't need the lesson and my son will always love to read, but it's a handy piece of knowledge just in case.

As a side note, I don't play chess but the entire chapter devoted to all the fun things libraries can do with chess programs made me want to learn!

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. It's not that I disagree with Sullivan's conclusions - that libraries should expand their services to include more active programming and more outreach outside the library building and that librarians shouldn't look down on or judge certain types of reading. I totally agree with that! And I agree that those practices will probably help more boys become lifelong readers and library users. It's just that I don't like his reasoning to get there. He seems to rely on outdated stereotypes to back up his conclusions, instead of exploring how boys can feel pressured to conform to gender expectations and how the library can help them to break away from that. He says things like "Boys have always liked fantasy more than girls" and gives absolutely no evidence to back it up. He doesn't touch at all on the work of teaching boys that there *are* no "boy books" and "girl books," and when the appropriate time is to fight that fight. Overall, I was unimpressed, though, again, I don't disagree with the recommendations at all!

[Salsabrarian]

Addreses the issue of reaching out to boys who lose interest in reading and how a female-dominated profession can appropriately meet boys' information and entertainment needs. In their earliest years, boys' environments are dominated by women and they have few chances to see men modeling active, responsible roles so there is a frustration of figuring out one's male place in the world. Boys are more physical, active and logical they learn differently from girls; and they are more dependent on structure in their learning styles. Boys are more likely to read non-fiction, sports or action fiction, edgy comedy, fantasy and science fiction. They also engage in "nonlinear reading" more often (magazines, newspapers, comic books etc). Discusses genres, programming ideas, storytelling and booktalk styles aimed at boys.

[Karyn The Pirate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw Michael speak at a conference in Indianapolis and was very impressed. I bought this book at the conference and have not regretted it one bit. I think this is a must read for all librarians, especially those who feel we need to reach boys out there that are falling behind. I think the message of get boys reading - anyway you can - is a wonderful one that opened up a lot of doors for me as to programing and recommendations for patrons.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great resource and overview of understanding the needs of boys as it relates to library services. The ideas were well thought out and explained, with the information and research to back it up. I found it interesting to read and not a boring 'how to manual' that simply lists outlines or plans. I would love to read the updated second one in the series, as this one is starting to get a bit dated.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a graduate project in my middle level education course, and I found it quite interesting. This one is more applicable to public librarians, but there are many ideas for how to engage boy readers in general. I am reading the sequel now and find that one much more engaging as it focuses more on the differences between boys and girls.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book about how and why boys have fallen behind girls in reading (both amount or reading and test scores) and ways libraries - especially public and school libraries - can help to fix this. It includes interesting research, great program ideas and good guidance for collection development that includes books boys love.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I also read this for my undergraduate thesis. Connecting Boys with Books, Misreading Masculity and The Power of Reading were my three favorite- most enjoyable and helpful- sources. I had no idea at that time that Michael Sullivan teaches at Simmons!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sullivan remembers what it's like to be a boy. He gets at the heart of what boys enjoy and need and concisely provides suggestions on how to connect boys with books that they will read, enjoy, and maybe even love. Anyone who wants to turn boys into readers should definitely connect with this one!

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have found my new passion in life... Getting boys to become avid readers! A great book to add to any library collection.

[Stephen Starr · Rating 4 out of 5]

So how do you get boys to use the library? see the world from their side of the counter. (And let them play chess!)

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ideas and implementation, especially the chapter on starting a chess program.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strategies
Chess
Book Talks
Storytelling
Action
Boys are not Girls...don't make them read girl books!