There are a couple of interesting posts on Author Andrew Smith’s blog about boys and reading. Should boys be indoctrinated into reading “girl” fiction? After all, girls read “boy” fiction. Should they be forced to read books with girl MC’s?
Andrew Smith talks about this and literacy for boys in general.
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LM Preston
April 23, 2010 at 1:02 pm
I believe books should be marketed that focus on the unique likes and dislikes of both. My son would love to see a boy on the front of a cover more. So would I for that matter. My daughter will read anything, but my son wants to read books that give him a strong male point of view also. Personally, I don’t blame him.
CJ Paris
April 23, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Hey. I definitely understand this feeling, and being a ya writer myself, my works (especially my newest one) are targeted towards boys.
But I also think that we must be really careful and not force our own opinions and prejudices onto this new generation. I, 22, grew up with a strong host of male MCs, and so that was what I’m use to. But the boys nowadays have no problem watching or reading about a strong female MC.
Oh, I’m definitely not saying they’re out to read Twilight. Let’s be realistic. But as this article shows-
http://theenvelope.latimes.com/news/env-et-tweentv27-2010mar27,0,1575013.story?page=1&track=rss
- They definitely have less problems with following a girl MC. I think it depends on the content and if they have a male character on the show or in the book to relate to and who comes off as an independent male MC. Not someone with the best looks whose only purpose is to get more female viewers.
And a lot of these has to do with parents, I think. There were no complains when most of the MCs were male and all of the girl targeted shows and books screamed pink and ponies. Now the lines are blurred, and parents don’t like that.
Well, that’s my 2 cents. Nice blog you have here.
Kirsten Lesko
April 23, 2010 at 7:04 pm
I think boys and girls should be forced to read about both genders in school. For leisurely reading, I think they should be able to pick whatever you want.
That being said, I think it’s harder to find books for boys. I’m glad that you have such a great resource to help boys, teachers & parents find books targeted toward boys.
toyota melbourne
May 22, 2011 at 9:45 pm
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