Mike McQueen's blog

 All libraries need vision

Overhauling two schools

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"

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

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

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...

 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.

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

Do boys belong in the library?

It’s all about your library VISION!

iPhone Fart Machines

Within the first week of buying an iPhone, I downloaded a free fart machine application as well as one that cost me a few bucks. It was so cool. I learned how to set my iphone to "Sneak Attack" so that I could play tricks on my buddies. I know what your thinking, "How old are you?" Believe me, I ask myself the same question from time to time. I don't know why I'm attracted to gross things like that. I actually a pretty normal guy - really.

Why the Obsession with Gross Humor?

For the most part, boys of all ages are obsessed with gross humor.  Perhaps there are some brain based chemical reactions that are going on, I don't know. One thing is for certain though, most boys like things that are gross.

Library stereotypes

The first thing that comes to mind for most people about a library is a little old lady with wire rimmed glasses on the tip of her nose, hair in a bun, index finger pursed to her lips, shushing you! They’ve even made an action figure out of her. This image brings a smile to our face, but in the big scheme of things, shushing has a terrible impact on library patrons, especially boys.

3 problems with shushing

1.    It’s offensive