Raising Boys: Are Gross-Out Books Necessary?

In our rush to create reading material that appeals to boys, have we sacrificed civility? Have we declared that boys’ reading scores must come up at any cost? Do we really need to appeal to the baser instincts in order to promote literacy?

There are plenty of topics that appeal to boys: humor, mysteries, cars, adventure, reptiles, sports and so on. A multitude of well-written biographies provide fascinating stories of men of valor, integrity, imagination and vision. Would it not benefit our boys more to read about these honorable men than to dabble in the “gross-out” genre?

Do we really want to raise a generation of literate barbarians? Don’t our boys deserve more? Shouldn’t we adults set the bar a little higher than relying on potty humor to train our boys?

I have to wonder if authors and publishers of this ilk have the best interest of the next generation in mind. I suspect it’s the sales figures that are driving this trend, hiding behind the pro-literacy banner and justification that goes something like this: “Oh, it’s just a little harmless fun…anything to get them to read.”

YouTube and the nightly news are flooded with stories and videos of crass individuals who display rudeness like a badge of honor. Don’t even get me started on the Maury Povich/Howard Stern-genre of talk shows! Do we really want to shove our boys in this direction? Do we really want to be dealing with this mindset in the classroom? Do we want our girls marrying these guys?

OK, OK! If you hadn’t guessed, I feel strongly about this topic. I guess my grandmother’s words went pretty deep: “Manners make the man.”

(Note: You might be interested in reading Thomas Spence’s well-written piece, “How to Raise Boys Who Read,” in The Wall Street Journal. He is the president of Spence Publishing Company, which has published a book for adults by Brad Miner. It’s titled “The Compleat Gentleman” – a “model for 21^st century masculinity.”)

While I value freedom of speech and haven’t burned any books lately, I encourage parents and teachers to think long-term when guiding a boy’s book choices. Fortunately, we have vast resources in this country. Consider some of what Big Universe has to offer online for the K-8 set. Just click the links below.

Beyond “Snips, Snails & Puppy Dog Tails

• Can I Bring My Pterodactyl to School, Ms. Johnson?
• Jackie Robinson: A Life of Determination
• Riding with Paul Revere
• Dragon
• Super Cars
• John F Kennedy: A Life of Citizenship
• Our Fort
• ATVs
• Winston Churchill
• Investigating the Human Body
• Martin Luther King Jr A Life of Fairness
• Snakes
• Dark and Dangerous
• Cowboy Slim
• Tornadoes
• John Elway and the Denver Broncos
• Astronauts
• Thomas Jefferson: A Life of Patriotism
• United States Air Force
• Basketball
• Sharks

Dogs Can Boost Confidence of Reluctant Readers

“D-O-G, Dog!” It was one of the first words I learned to recognize and to spell. “Cat, cow, pig” soon followed. Before long I was toting home books about anything with four legs and fur.

Most children have an affinity for animals, so they are a natural catalyst for promoting reading, believes the BARK literacy group. Based in Long Beach, Calif., Beach Animals Read with Kids currently has 42 certified therapy dogs, which visit libraries and elementary schools in the region.

Students are invited to read to the dogs – even cuddle on the floor with them as they turn pages together. Not only is it fun for the kids, but it also gives them confidence and helps them improve their reading skills, say the group’s advocates.

According to BARK’s website, “Students read to dogs 15-20 minutes once per week for eight weeks.  They are given a bookmark with photos and information about the dog they are reading with. Pictures are taken and given to the student on a subsequent visit.  At the end of the eight-week session, each student is given a brand new book to take home and the dog stamps and signs the book with his paw.  They are also given a small stuffed dog.”

Fifteen of the dogs participated in the Christmas parade in Seal Beach, Calif., a few days ago. They and their handlers gave out 750 books to those in the crowd to encourage reading over the upcoming holiday break. A little holiday magic, I think!

Encouraging a child to read audibly with a pet is an awesome idea, and it’s easy to implement at home. Simply, put your own four-pawed wonder to work. If your dog is the nervous type, go with Goldie, the goldfish. She may not be easy to snuggle, but she is a captive audience for your new or reluctant reader.

Of course, if your child has pet allergies or fears, he or she can use a stuffed animal, favorite doll or other comfort item.

To learn more about BARK, go to their website. To volunteer or request a visit at your school or event, drop an email to barkreadingdogs@aol. There are many other similar programs around the country, as well.

For dog stories or holiday picture books, go online to BigUniverse.com and click the “Read Books” tab. Then browse by category.