|
The Reviews: Connecting Boys With Books 2: Closing the Reading Gap ... insightful and thought-provoking book. A must-read for librarians, teachers, parents, and anyone working with educating young boys. - Booklist, May 15, 2009
Sullivan makes a clear case for his belief that what boys like to read and what we think of as "good literature" are not the same thing. His premise is that if we are to close the reading gap between boys and girls, the female-dominated professions of teaching and librarianship need to embrace boy's literature, boy-friendly formats, and programming. This second volume builds upon the work Sullivan has done since the first volume was published in 2003. He states that while a lot has changed in five years—"people are not only willing to talk about boys and reading, they are eager to do so"—ultimately all this recognition must translate into action. He describes a successful "Literary Lunch" program he implemented. Other programs are included, along with ideas on how to expose boys to story, promote reading to them, and create a culture of literacy in order for them to succeed. The author gives a clear definition throughout the book of the differences between boys and girls and how to apply this knowledge to closing the reading gap. A must-read for all librarians and media specialists. —Renee McGrath, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, NY. School Library Journal, June 1, 2009
The Sapphire Knight The Sapphire Knight: The Bard Series is a 123-page fantasy novel written especially for young men - a book meant to kindle the joy of reading in boys. A rousing saga of good versus evil, quests, magic, fierce battles and a mysterious beautiful girl, The Sapphire Knight is an adventure sure to excite and enthrall to the very last page. Highly recommended, especially for public library children's collections. - Children's Bookwatch, February 2009
The story starts off with a young man
traveling through the night, who stumbles upon an old man huddled by a campfire.
The older man offers to tell a story and share the campfire in exchange for
food. Grudgingly, the traveler gives up an egg and a chunk of bread to hear the
incredible tale that is THE SAPPHIRE KNIGHT. - Enchanting Reviews, February, 2009
Escapade Johnson and The Witches of Belknap County I bought this book for my seven-year-old who is just beginning to actually like reading. I thought this looked like a lot of fun for him and ended up reading it myself - just to be sure. Of course, I can't resist reading books on witches! I really enjoyed the book, thought it did a good job teaching kids about not jumping to the wrong conclusions or to quick judgments, but in a fun way, not a lecturing way. I plan to buy the other books in the series. - Kay Ellis on Amazon.com, May 17, 2009
This is the third book on the Escapade Johnson series and I loved it as much as the other two books. Sullivan knows exactly what will capture a young reader's imagination with Escapade and his friends. There is enough suspense and action to keep young readers turning the pages and a delightful story that also teaches a very important message about judging people before getting to know them. I highly recommend this book and the whole series for your kids. - Reading With Monie, www.readingwithmonie.com
Escapade Johnson and The Coffee Shop of the Living Dead "Like the writing of Roald Dahl, Sullivan's prose begs to be read aloud because it's laugh out loud funny. Young readers will appreciate how poor Escapade, meaning no harm really, gets into trouble again and again... Full of action and antics — a homework strike gone horribly wrong, a non-life-threatening but dramatic car crash, and a good old-fashioned egging — "The Coffee Shop of the Living Dead" has clear (but not preachy) messages like sometimes it's unwise just to go with the flow (or, it's good to have backbone), and even really, really old people can be cool (or, don't judge a book by its cover.) Although if you judged this book by its cover and think, This is a really, really funny book for kids, you'd be right." - Rebecca Rule, The Portsmouth Herald
When eleven year old Escapade Johnson gets
detention for being one of the three students participating in their fifth grade
class homework strike, he inadvertently gets stuck walking home with trouble
makers Davy and Jimmy. Of course trouble ensues when they cross paths with two
girls and begin teasing them. Next thing you know the trio causes a car to crash
and Jimmy breaks the window of Joe’s Cup of Joe. As punishment the three boys
are forced to pay off the cost of the damage by working at “The Coffee Shop of
the Living Dead”
Escapade Johnson and Mayhem at Mount Moosilauke Fifth grader, Escapade Johnson, is in for an
adventure. His class will be going on a five hour hike up Mount Moosilauke. From
the moment the class steps onto the bus to the top of the mountain Escapade and
his pals Jimmy, Benny and Davy face one mishap after another some of which
include “bear poop, a poisonous belt, teddy bear underwear and a peanut butter
sandwich that saves the day”. - Reading With Monie, www.readingwithmonie.com
Connecting Boys With Books "We've all read articles and studies lamenting the loss of boys in the library, and this book is a practical look at ways to try and change that." - Saleena L. Davidson, School Library Journal
"In this brief, highly readable treatise, author Sullivan outlines both the tenets of successful programming for boys in the tweens--ages 8 to 12--and methods that can be used to put theory into practice. Covering genres that appeal to boys, the power of reading-related games, sports-themed library programming, and a well-run chess program, this compendium of ideas and recommendations will help both school and public librarians reach their young male constituents. The combination of practical programming recommendations and philosophical and statistical background makes for potent advocacy." - RBB, Booklist
"This is an important book that forces us to examine how we inadvertently discriminate against boys through our failure to understand their needs and natures. And if our professional ethics aren't enough to compel us to serve them better, consider this: boys will turn into men who pay taxes voluntarily only to support institutions they get value from." - Marylaine Block, Ex
Libris: an E-Zine for
Librarians and Other Information Junkies.
"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." - Adolescence
Sullivan... has written an important book for children's and young adult librarians to help them reach the often underserved population of boys... His recommendations... can only strengthen public library programs and services by helping librarians to draw in kids of both genders whose interests and temperaments may fall outside a library's usual scope of service. - Rachel Quenk, Library Journal
As a librarian at an all-boys school, I read this with great interest. Sullivan has thought long and hard about how libraries can reach boys, and his ideas are well worth listening to and implementing. - Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT
The Fundamentals of Childrens Services "If you work in a public library in any capacity, you need to understand how vital effective children's services are building your present and future clientele. Read this book. And remember, the author is Michael Sullivan. Which means you'll even enjoy doing so." - Marylaine Block, Ex
Libris: an E-Zine for
Librarians and Other Information Junkies.
I would recommend this book to anyone just entering children's services and to anyone looking for an articulate argument for expanding or enriching a children's department. Sullivan makes a strong case for developing and funding a stellar children's services department. As he writes, "The quality of a community--and that community's pride--are usually tied up in the quality of life for its children". - Ellen Moore, Public Libraries,
November/December 2006
Sections on homework, interlibrary loan, and reference services are especially well done, and lists of good story hour books for infants and toddlers as well as for older children are valuable. Appendixes contain several ALA documents, including "Competencies for Librarians Serving Children in Public Libraries." This book deserves to be used in library school courses as well as by librarians, library administrators, and teachers. - Sharon E. Cohen, Booklist
|
