Boys and Reading

Today there was an interesting article in the Washington Post about why boys don't read anymore. The article states that although there are fewer young adults reading altogether, the percentage of young men who read has really plummeted--from 55% to 43% (girls only declined from 63% to 59%). Here is the article's explanation of why this is occuring :
Although one might expect the schools to be trying hard to make reading appealing to boys, the K-12 literature curriculum may in fact be contributing to the problem. It has long been known that there are strong differences between boys and girls in their literary preferences. According to reading interest surveys, both boys and girls are unlikely to choose books based on an "issues" approach, and children are not interested in reading about ways to reform society -- or themselves. But boys prefer adventure tales, war, sports and historical nonfiction, while girls prefer stories about personal relationships and fantasy. Moreover, when given choices, boys do not choose stories that feature girls, while girls frequently select stories that appeal to boys.
Unfortunately, the textbooks and literature assigned in the elementary grades do not reflect the dispositions of male students. Few strong and active male role models can be found as lead characters. Gone are the inspiring biographies of the most important American presidents, inventors, scientists and entrepreneurs. No military valor, no high adventure. On the other hand, stories about adventurous and brave women abound. Publishers seem to be more interested in avoiding "masculine" perspectives or "stereotypes" than in getting boys to like what they are assigned to read.

This is exactly what I was talking about several posts ago, when I talked about G. A. Henty, and the dearth of good modern books for boys! I am glad to have the boys at home, reading books I can pick out for them, and finding them so thrilling that they would rathe read then go outside and play in the snow. That was Nathan this afternoon. He is deep into Son of Charlemagne , by Barbara Willard, right now, although he did later take a break and go outside. The article doesn't say what the schools are planning on doing to address this problem--my guess is do many more studies (another one was mentioned), but I doubt we'll be seeing too many classic adventure stories being assigned in elementary school. That's because they teach boys to aspire to be manly and strong, and that is not a poular notion now. So consequently we'll have more selfish, ungentlemanly boys, who have the added benefit of not being readers. Lovely! Reading articles like this makes me so proud to be a mom to all boys. I realize again what an awesome responsibility it is to raise Godly men, men who are good husbands and fathers and leaders. It's such an honor to be chosen--I pray I'll be found faithful!