Boys and Books--Reading Don't Fix No Chevys

Wake up, America--our boys aren't reading. Statistics throughout the years have consistently shown that young male readers lag behind female counterparts. The data are consistent with studies in New Zealand, England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Why is this happening?

Research on gender and literacy has shown some interesting facts:

1) Boys take longer to learn to read than girls
2) Boys read less than girls
3) Girls comprehend both narrative and expository texts better than boys
4) Boys finding reading boring and no fun
5) Boys like informational texts more than fiction--most reading teachers are women who favor fiction rather than informational texts
6) Boys do not like reading stories about girls; girls don't mind reading about boys or girls
7) Boys enjoy escapism and humor, science fiction, and fantasy
8) The majority of learning support students are boys (80%)
9) Boys like to read books about things they do or might be interested in doing
10) After the early years, boys view reading as a girl's activity

In other words, if we want boys to read, we have to try to help them find interesting, informational books that tap into their personal interests. They need to see their fathers, big brothers, or other male figures reading books. Since boys have a tendency to be more active, they need more breaks and opportunities to move around the classroom even as they are reading. Most older boys like to read books that serve a purpose--like fixing a Chevy . . .

So we can continue to teach them against the grain or accept the fact that those boys in our lives have different needs that must be addressed. Yes, boys will be boys; however, there's no excuse for boys being illiterate and aliterate in today's society.