By Erika Kosin
Rowan Public Library
Most parents will tell you that it is an ongoing struggle to get their boys to read, and even those who like reading generally lose interest around age 9.
They begin to move towards activities that keep them active or are more visually stimulating and view reading as something that they have to do for school. As boys stop reading, they begin to fall farther behind in other areas since reading is a fundamental part of all school subjects.
So why do boys stop reading? It has been determined that some of the issues are biological, but also sociological in that boys do not view reading as a masculine activity.
In order to keep boys reading, we have to find books that speak to their interests. A boy who claims he hates to read may one day sit down with a large book and vigorously read it. This usually happens when boys find fantasy-based fiction with anthropomorphic characters. They also like books that contain scary and gross tales such as Goosebumps or non-fiction titles that contain interesting facts.
Here are a few titles that might peak a boys interest that can be found at the Rowan Public Library:
– “39 Clues: Maze of Bones” ó ages 9 and up. This is the first book in a mystery, adventure series written by a collection of popular children’s authors. When Grace Cahill’s Last Will and Testament leaves her family a choice between taking home a million dollars each or the chance to uncover the greatest family secret, Amy and her younger brother Dan decide to take the challenge and start out on a worldwide hunt for the 39 clues where knowledge of history and ingenuity help them stay in the game. Fans of mysteries and movies like “National Treasure” would like this series.
– “The Golly-Whopper Games,” by Jody Feldman ó ages 9 and up. Don’t let the colors on the cover of this book fool you; this is a book that boys will love, especially if they like word games and puzzles. Gil Goodson wants his family to move out of Orchard Heights because life hasn’t been so good since the “incident.” He finds the perfect opportunity to win enough money for the family to move, all he has to do is win the Golly Toy & Game Company’s ultimate competition, the Golly-Whopper Games. He studies for almost a year and knows everything there is to know about the company, but does he know enough to be able to solve all of the puzzles and complete all of the challenges to win?- “One President was Born on Independence Day and Other Freaky Facts About the 26th Through 43rd President” ó Do you know which president was the first to have a mustache or which president walked a raccoon on a leash? Who served jelly beans at every cabinet meeting? Which president had one leg 1 inch shorter than the other?
Find out these facts and more in this fun book that looks at the facts that most people wouldn’t know about past presidents.
For more book titles that might appeal to boys, visit www.guysread.com or www.kidsreads.com/features/great-books-boys.asp.
Computer classes: Classes are free. Sessions are 90 minutes long. Class size is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Dates and times are subject to change without notice.
Headquarters ó Thursday, 2:30 p.m., Absolute Beginners Computer Class.
East ó Tuesday, 1 p.m., E-mail Class.
Children’s storytime: Through Nov. 19, weekly story time. for more information, call 704-216-8234.
Headquarters ó Tiny Tots (infants-23 months), Wednesdays, 11 a.m.; Toddler Time (2 years), Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Preschool Time (3-5-year-olds), Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.; Noodlehead (4-8 years), Thursdays, 4 p.m.
South ó Preschool Time, Mondays, 10:30 a.m.; Noodlehead, Mondays, 4 p.m.; Toddler Time, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Baby Time, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
East ó Toddler Time, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Preschool Time, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Baby Time, Thursdays, 11 a.m.
Book chats for children: Children in grades 2-5 are invited to participate in Book Chats, a new program at South Regional library only. Registration required. Registration begins three weeks before each program. Call 704-216-7728.
Teen program: Transform your T-shirt with tie-dye, bleach or paint. No sewing skills required. Teens should bring at least one T-shirt, but may bring several. For information, call 704-216-8234. Headquarters, Monday, 5:30-7 p.m.
Tuesday Night at the Movies: All movies are at 6:30 p.m. All movies are rated G, PG or PG 13. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Free popcorn and lemonade.
Tuesday, “Last Chance Harvey.”Displays: Headquarters ó Domestic Violence Month by Family Crisis Center; American Legion by Amy Cozart; South ó Art by Carson High School. East ó Girl Scout Troop.Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.