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1. Rockin’ Reading For Boys
By Collette Knight
Article Summary:
Research has shown that boys devote less time to reading and
are less motivated to read. Many boys see reading as a “girl activity”.
Boys need to be engaged in reading and we must encourage them.
What topics do boys enjoy? What types of books do boys like to read?
According to the article, boys like to read: comics, magazines, scary
stories, and graphic novels.
The purpose of this article was to present the results of a
federally funded study where fifth grade boys discussed the books they
were reading and what types of books they enjoyed. Twenty seven
fifth grade boys participated in the study from two classrooms in the
Midwestern area of the United States. The boys were provided with a
selection of fiction and nonfiction books and communicated with the
researchers through email journaling. Students were encouraged to
comment on what they liked or disliked about the books. The author
also interviewed students regarding their reading preferences.
The conclusions of the study found that boys selected books
because they “looked good.” Struggling readers preferred books that
were easy to read and had wide margins. Boys enjoyed reading books
that are part of a series. Informational and fact books are very
popular, particularly when detailed pictures and photographs are
included. One memorable finding was that, “boys preferred books
with significant characters who weren’t depicted as perfect but rather
had believable flaws (Farris, 2009).” In summary, books must be
believable!
Farris, P.J. & Werderich, D. E. & Nelson, P. A. & Fuhler, C. J. (2009). Male call: Fifth-Grade
boys’ reading preferences. The Reading Teacher, 63, 180-188.

2. th th
Annotated Bibliography- For Grades 5 -6 Robinson, Nick. (2009). Super simple paper airplanes: Step-By-Step instructions to
Coffer, Eoin. (2002). Artemis Fowl. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for make planes that really fly from a Tri-Plane to a Jet Fighter. New York, NY:
Children. Sterling Publishing Company.
This is a story about a 12 year old genius who is also a thief. His There are over 40 different planes for boys to make. Each plane has
father disappears in Russia and he must maintain the family’s wealth. He basic, easy to understand directions. Also includes color photographs to help
devises a plan involving a fairy book full of their secrets and kidnapping. students create these fun, flying designs.
Flanagan, John. (2006). The Ruins of Gorlan:The Rangers apprentice, Book 1. Schwartz, Alvin & Helquist, Brett. (2010). Scary stories to tell in the dark. New
New York, NY: Puffin. York, NY: Harper Collins.
This is a very popular book among adolescent boys. Will doesn’t Considered by some to be the number one book checked out of the
know who is parents are and Choosing day is arriving where he will learn library, this book is part of a series of scary books. Students enjoy the folktales
what his future career will be. He is apprenticed to a the secret society of and the black and white illustrations. These stories are frightening but age
Rangers and must learn about this mysterious, dangerous job. appropriate.
Gee, Joshua. (2007). Encyclopedia Horrifica: The Terrifying TRUTH! About Smith, Jeff. (2005). Bone: Vol. 1: Out from boneville. New York, NY: Scholastic.
Vampires, Ghosts, Monsters. New York, NY: Scholastic. This is the first book in a popular 9 book series. It is a fun story in a
This book tells students anything they want to know about popular graphic novel format. The characters are three ghostly figures that have various
monsters. It also includes the history behind the familiar stories. Students funny experiences with other scary, mystical creatures.
will learn interesting facts and see scary drawings and pictures.
Snicket, Lemony. (1999). The Bad beginning: Series of unfortunate events, Book 1.
Guinness Book of World Records. (2009). Guinness Book of World Records New York, NY: Harper Collins.
2010. Published by Guinness World Records. Three children, Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire suddenly become
This is one of the most popular books checked out of the library orphans and have to live with their strange uncle, Count Olaf. Terrible events
and ordered from book orders. Students will enjoy reading about various occur and the children must learn to live in their new surroundings even though
wacky records and accomplishments. Also includes color photos illustrating they have their suspicions about Count Olaf. Readers will turn pages quickly to
many of the more interesting facts and world records. learn what happens next.
Pilkey, Dave. (1999). Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Spinelli, Jerry. (1999). Maniac Magee. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Toilets. New York, NY: Scholastic. New York, NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
The main characters, Harold and George, enjoy playing tricks on Things change in a small town when a strange new kid by the name of
people. They sabotage a science fair with hilarious results. The cartoon style Maniac Magee shows up. Maniac views people and events differently than the
illustrations are sure to entertain. other kids and makes changes to a community without even trying. This book
addresses issues of racism through funny characters and events.
Robertson, Matthew. (1999). The Big Book of Bugs. New York, NY:
Welcome Books. Weitzman, I. & Blank, E. & Green, R. (2000). Jokelopedia: The Biggest, Best,
This beautiful color illustrated book provides interesting facts and information Silliest, Dumbest, Dopiest Joke Book. New York: NY: Workman Publishing
regarding various bugs. Some of the pictures are 3-D and students use the 3- Company.
D glasses that accompany the book. Boys will have fun testing their This book contains over 1,700 jokes appropriate for children. Students
knowledge on the short quizzes. will have fun attempting to repeat the tongue twisters and puns. The jokes are
organized into categories that even include jokes about teachers.

3. Six Favorites from Guy Write for Guys Read
Prelutsky, Jack. (2005). Boys Are Big Experts.
This is a very short poem that sums up the fun
activities that boys engage in including reading.
Paolini, Christopher. (2005). It All Began with Books.
The author provides excerpts of well written
and imaginative fantasy created by authors from almost
a thousand years ago.
Paulsen, Gary. (2005). From How Angel Peterson Got His
Name.
A hilarious recollection of stunts by the author
and his family members.
Pinkney, Jerry. (2005). Role-Playing and Discovery.
The author shares his love for westerns through
fun, make believe games as a child and how these
experiences influenced his future writing.
Shan, Darren. (2005). Guyifesto-Who We Are!
The author provides funny explanations for why
guys burp, scratch, wrestle and other “guy” activities.
Sis, Peter. (2005). Untitled.
The illustrator provides examples of his amazing
drawings which can be seen in works by author Jack
Prelutsky.
References
Farris, P.J. & Werderich, D. E. & Nelson, P. A. & Fuhler, C. J. (2009). Male call:
Fifth-Grade boys’ reading preferences. The Reading Teacher, 63, 180-188.
Scieszka, Jon. (2005). Guys write for guys read. New York, NY: Penguin Group.
Images
Boy Rocker:
http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/images/sections/fiction/rocksolosm