Scary, Gross, and Enlightening Books for Boys Grades 3-12

by Deborah B. Ford

Overview

Finally, a book to help educators promote sure-fire reading pleasers to boy readers in grades 3–12!

Scary, Gross, and Enlightening: Books for Boys Grades 3-12 is the helpful new reference handbook for educators looking for just the right books to captivate the imaginations of boys in a way that makes reading fun as well as effective.

In chapters than span the full range of categories and genres, Scary, Gross, and Enlightening surveys the latest and greatest titles aimed at boys in the primary and secondary grades, including nonfiction, graphic novels, mystery and adventure, sports, sci-fi and fantasy, humor, history, books that were made into movies, read-aloud titles, and classic works that have stood the test of time. Each chapter suggests a number of appropriate and delightful titles on a specific theme and includes listings of corresponding websites, reproducible lessons, and activities. The book also provides lists of professional titles to support each chapter's theme, as well as research-based strategies for teaching with the suggested books.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781586833442
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	11/19/2009
Pages:	158
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Deborah B. Ford is an award-winning library media specialist and international speaker with over 25 years of experience as a classroom teacher and librarian in K–12 schools.

Table of Contents

Table of Figures
About the Author
Introduction
The Books
Strategies
The Challenge
Websites
CHAPTER 1: Just the Facts: Nonfiction
Nonfiction Books
Web Connections
Publisher Sites
Magazines
Authors
For Kids
For Teachers and Librarians
CHAPTER 2: A Picture Paints a Thousand Words: Graphic Works
Web Connections
CHAPTER 3: And He Scores: Sports
Web Connections
CHAPTER 4: And a Shot Rang Out: Mystery and Adventure
Web Connections
CHAPTER 5: Knock! Knock! Who's There?: Humor
Web Connections
CHAPTER 6: To Infinity and Beyond: Fantasy and Science Fiction
Web Connections
CHAPTER 7: The Way We Were: War and History
Web Connections
CHAPTER 8: It's a Dude Thing: Male Characters
Web Connections
CHAPTER 9: That's Show Business: Books That Have Become Movies
Fair Use Guidelines
Copyright Guidelines
Web Connections
CHAPTER 10: Say It Proud: Read Alouds
Web Connections
Appendix 1 : Selected Books That Have Worked for Years
Series
K-3
3-6
5-8
YA
Selected Titles That Have Worked for Years
Appendix 2 : Professional Books
Appendix 3 : Great Book Sources for All Readers
Educators
Appendix 4 : Reading Interest Survey
Works Cited
Index

Editorial Reviews

After citing national studies that examine test scores, reading levels, and drop-out rates, Ford gets right to the point: to encourage readers we must provide them with books they will enjoy and plenty of choices. By doing this, and by acknowledging different learning styles, teachers and librarians can play a part in creating successful educational experiences for students. But that's not all. . . . Her superb recommendations include a variety of titles and formats. For each book included, interest and reading levels are noted, which will aid those looking for material for students reading both below and above the grade standard. Brief annotations provide plot descriptions and highlight the appeal of a particular book, and throughout Scary, Gross, and Entertaining Web sites, teaching tips, and bits of information about authors and titles to share with a class are offered in shaded boxes. The author encourages educators to try some 'non- traditional' activities to get books into the hands of reluctant readers. Her numerous suggestions range from playing '20 Questions' to planning a special event.

"Despite the fact that the most recent titles listed are 2008 publications, this book can be used for inspiration and as a collection development tool. (If you can't get a handle on your students' changing tastes, poll your class with Ford's 'Reading Interest Survey.')” —School Library Jourbanal, Curriculum Connections

“Ford, an award-winning library media specialist and speaker, surveys exciting books that will capture the imaginations of boys in grades 3–12, covering nonfiction, graphic novels, mystery and adventure, sports, sci-fi and fantasy, humor, history, books that were made into movies, read aloud titles, and classic works. Each genre chapter includes entries with bibliographic information and brief synopses, teaching tips, and related web connections for authors, organizations, characters, books, museums, and clubs. Some of the suggested titles are not what librarians and teachers would usually consider 'great literature,' but are guaranteed to get boys to read.” —Reference & Research Book News

“Although the title suggests that these books will be of primary interest to boys, teachers and librarians looking for appealing, quality titles for any reader will find a wealth of suggestions here.” —School Library Jourbanal

“Recommended.” —Library Media Connection

From the Publisher

Citing studies and describing the academic risks boys face, Ford challenges educators to help boys become more successful readers and students. Nine chapters cover nonfiction, graphic works, sports, mystery and adventure, humor, fantasy and science fiction, war and history, books with male characters, titles that have become movies, and read-alouds that meet national curriculum standards. Entries include a brief synopsis along with the publisher's interest-level recommendation and a reading level calculated by averaging three standard tools. Throughout, activities are highlighted, and Web resources are included at the end of each chapter. Appendixes offer a number of lists, including "Selected Books That Have Worked for Years," "Professional Books," "Great Book Sources for All Readers," and a "Reading Interest Survey" to use with students. Although the title suggests that these books will be of primary interest to boys, teachers and librarians looking for appealing, quality titles for any reader will find a wealth of suggestions here. The most recent entries were published in 2008, but educators can log onto the author's blog for a list of her 2009 suggestions.—Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA

School Library Journal