Audio Interview with Bart king, Author of The Big Book of Gross Stuff


Bart King

21:25 minutes (19.67 MB)

6 Reasons Why Boys Like Magazines


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Re-define Your Library Vision

 All libraries need vision

Research shows that effective library programs have significant impact on student achievement. Conversely, ineffective programs can hurt everyone, especially when asking for tax increases or when facing budget cuts. These issues are prevalent for school and public libraries at every level. A good library vision will help alleviate many of these problems and ultimately have a great impact on kids.

Overhauling two schools

With the support of my principals, I completely overhauled the library program at 2 separate schools, both of which were in desperate need of change. The library played a critical role for one school which went from being on “Corrective Action” to performing “average” on state standardized tests, a

Guys Read - How We Ran Our Group

How it All Began

When I was an elementary teacher librarian, I was approached by Deb Hansen, a well respected reading specialist and colleague. Deb knew about my history and interest in getting boys to read and showed me Jon Scieszka's website GuysRead.com. We knew of a handful of 5th and 6th grade boys that were really struggling with reading and decided to try our own version of Guys Read.

Our Goals:

1. show these boys that reading could be cool
2. bond with them and make them feel special
3. just have relaxed fun reading and discussing a book
4. plant a life long seed for reading Picking Boys Who Say, "I Hate Reading"

Dads - The Ultimate Reading Role Models

Calling all dads, calling all dads!

In a world with too many deadbeats dads, I witnessed a wonderful sight while waiting for my daughter in the dentist waiting room - a dad, his infant baby, his middle school son, and his young daughter - all involved in reading.

The teenage brother

When I first sat down, I noticed the older boy was reading a book out loud to his younger sister. Was he shy or embarrassed about reading in front of a room full of people? Not at all! Not only did the he read, but I could tell that he also

Getting Boys to Read - Quick Tips for Parents, Librarians, and Teachers

This is a growing list of general quick tips for getting boys to read.

FREE PANCAKES IN THE LIBRARY! We do it and so can you!

Students Love Pancakes!

Food in the Library - Are We Crazy?

If you want boys to read, get them into the library by going after their stomachs! As part of our Extreme Library Makeover, we allow students to eat and drink in the library any time they want - even at the computers. Are we crazy? Maybe little, but heck, most adults eat and drink at their computer all the time. Are adults more careful thanks kids? In my experience I'd have to say no (this includes me).

Start with Administration:

Interview with Ralph Fletcher

It took months of persistence, but Ralph was finally able to take a few moments from his crazy schedule to answer a few of my questions. As you likely know, Ralph Fletcher is the industry guru for boys and writing. For years I've freely promoted his book, Boy Writers, as my favorite for getting boys to write - be sure to read my book review. Here are the highlights from my interview with him...

Books For Boys - The 8 Most Popular Topics

 Interested in the best books for boys? This list of topics is based on my 15 years of experience in education. For the most part, the list addresses boys of all ages. Bizzarre Books

  1. Misc. Nonfiction! Materials that match his current interests! Various formats - web sites, magazines, books. Examples: Guinness World Records, Star Wars Dictionary, The Way Things Work, Dinosaurs, Pirates, Survival / Outdoors, Biographies
  2. Vehicles: Lowriders, Hot Rods, Custom Cars, Choppers, Sport Bikes, Trucks, Sports Cars, Race Cars
  3. Sports: Extreme Sports: Skateboarding, BMX, X-Games, Motocross Football, Baseball, Basketball, Ultimate fighting, pro wrestling
  4. Military:  Wars, Marines, Tanks, Weapons, Branches of Service
  5. Bizarre / Gross: Fart, poop, boogers, Ripley's Believe it or not, Nasty encyclopedia,
  6. Humor: Stinky Cheese Man, Pranks, Jokes, Encyclopedia of Humor
  7. Fiction: Humor, Horror, Action / Adventure, Sci-fi, Sports,
  8. Comics: Marvel, Calvin & Hobbes, The Simpsons, Manga

Getting Boys Into the Library

 

Do boys belong in the library?

Walking into the library is an uncomfortable and intimidating experience for many boys. They often feel inadequate, out of place, and even unwelcomed. Growing up as a non reader, I hardly ever visited the library. On the few occasions I did, I remember how nervous and uncomfortable I felt. Even with today’s more modern way of thinking, many boys still feel like they just don’t belong. I see that look in their face all the time, as they first walk into our library.
 

It’s all about your library VISION!

If you really want boys to be involved in the library, you must define and publicize a vision that
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