Sharing Good Practice
The ultimate reading list for
boys
By Dr. Thomas Gamboa Jr., Ed. D.
R
eading is the gateway to
expanding knowledge and new
experiences. Engaging boys
in reading can be challenging.
The key is to provide them with reading
material that draws on their interests. In
order to compile the ultimate reading
list for boys, their age groups, areas
of interest, and cultural background
were taken into account. This was a
somewhat daunting task, which was
made easier by consulting with my
colleagues. As a group of educators
(two American, one Canadian and
one South African) with nearly 50 years
of teaching experience combined,
we drew upon our past teaching
experiences in other countries and
developed this list of books that we
hope will be new and engaging for
boys.
1. Of Mice and Men by John
Steinbeck: The focus of this story is
the relationship between George and
Lennie as they travel looking for work.
Steinbeck uses this powerful story
about friendship, loyalty, adversity,
and compassion to draw the reader in.
The story provides the reader with an
enjoyable opportunity to experience
many highs and lows.
2. Call of the Wild by Jack London: Set
in the 1890’s during the Klondike Gold
Rush; this story explores the instinct
to survive. The story follows a dog,
which was stolen from California, and
then sold to be a sled dog in the harsh
conditions of the Klondike. London
uses this storyline to demonstrate
how harsh conditions bring out the
innate primordial behaviors not only in
animals but society.
3. Black Stallion by Walter Farley:
The first of a series of books, this story
published in 1941 demonstrates the
powerful bond between people and
animals. Alec is a young boy who was
stranded with an Arabian stallion after
a shipwreck, on his journey home from
visiting his uncle in India. Although this
book draws the reader in with the plot
of training this wild stallion, the true
draw of the story is how man connects
with nature.
4. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch
Albom: this book will appeal to a
slightly older age group from early
teens through adulthood. Albom
highlights the impact of a mentor. It )