From Brontë to Bond

The Guardian reports that Britain’s education secretary, Alan Johnson wants secondary school libraries to house a "boys' bookshelf,” in order to provide positive, modern, relevant role models" for boys who are reluctant to read or nervous about being bullied as a "swot.”

He adds, “Boys like books which depict them in powerful roles, often as sporting, spying or fighting heroes - not just Jane Austen, but a necessary dose of Anthony Horowitz as well."

It’s all part of an educational strategy to counter growing illiteracy, - and even more depressing statistics. Boys apparently make up 70% of those with special educational needs, 72% of dyslexics, and 88% of those with behavioural, emotional and social needs. Oh, and turn off that telly.

“The average family spends four hours a day watching television,” Johnston notes, “If they read to their children for a tenth of that time, we could practically eradicate illiteracy."

Bring Out Your Inner Child

Reading lists, here at Creating Readers we just can’t get enough of ‘em, especially those as good as this; VOYA’s excellent list of top books published between October 2005 and September 2006 suitable for 11- 13 year olds. There’s more. Each book comes with a brief synopsis and a teen testimonial, including this gem from Jennica (incarcerated teen), “The only books I’m really into are about drugs, sex, and money, but this book brought out my inner child and imagination.” Oh, the book was The Sea of Monsters. The book list selection committee noted that, “teens were excited about what they read, often finishing a title in one evening. The next day, they would charge up to teachers and librarians, anxious to discuss what happened in the story. That enthusiasm made our efforts simply priceless.” Take a punt, try the list, you might also be suitably rewarded…