Even Hockey Players Read: Boys, Literacy and Learning

The role of gender in reading success is a complex one. This book faces the issues head-on, uncovering many of the assumptions and stereotypes parents and educators have about boys and how they handle the world of print text. Included are the voices of boys and men interviewed by the author, who reveal their literacy challenges, struggles, tastes and values. These 'real' voices provide valuable insights into how we can support boys in their journey towards becoming successful readers and writers.

Even Hockey Players Read explores the powerful potential of literacy in a boy's life:

• What factors in the home and in the classroom influence the literacy lives of boys?
• Why do so many boys select different reading materials than girls?
• Why do girls score higher than boys do on tests of reading achievement?
• Why do so many males consider themselves non-readers?
• Are society's expectations for boys' and girls' literacy lives different?
• Do we minimize the literacy needs of girls if we focus on the difficulties with boys?

Drawing upon his background as a parent and a literacy educator, the author suggests a wealth of strategies and techniques for promoting an alternative culture of literacy in school and home settings, where what children choose to read is valued alongside what children need to read. Even Hockey Players Read advocates changing the classroom environment so that

• Boys who can't read are helped;
• Boys who don't read become motivated;
• Boys who do read find enrichment.

This highly readable book demonstrates the powerful potential of literacy in the lives of boys. It is essential reading for teachers who want to guide boys to a love of reading that will help them in their school life and beyond.