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The timing couldn’t be better for Comic-Con 2010, those who love a good comic book, and those who find themselves constantly defending them. A new report by the Canadian Council on Learning says comics and graphic novels boost boys’ reading abilities.
The study states what researchers have long held as true: girls are generally more inclined to read than boys and score higher in literacy tests. However, the researchers stress that may be due to the fact that boys’ reading choices aren’t represented in school libraries and classrooms.
The study cites findings that comics were boys’ second most popular reading choice after newspapers and magazines, and the proportion of elementary school boys who read comics stood at 75 percent compared to girls’ 50 percent.
Is this all to say that comics would improve boys’ reading? The report calls comics an effective gateway to reading novels. It also suggests that if boys’ reading choices aren’t represented in libraries (where most kids get their books), then those boys aren’t reading as much as they might otherwise, thus they’re lacking practice in reading. And we all know practice makes perfect.
Of course, the counter argument is that the very reading of said comic books is what’s lowering boys’ reading capabilities; that comics are the junk food of literacy, and that if the kids were reading novels, their comprehension would improve.
I’d venture to say that parents of reluctant readers are happy to see their children reading anything, be that comics or Herman Melville. Even parents of super readers will likely understand the occasional desire for a different, possibly lighter style of literature, say Batman over an aged classic.
I recently read a great New York Times article that I wanted to share. It’s about the Kindle-users’ ability to highlight favorite passages, which other readers on the network would then notice and perhaps comment upon. There’s been criticism of this function; some people fear the popular passages will distract readers from thoughtful, solitary contemplation, which they believe is necessary for higher reasoning and, therefore, better reading.
The writer of the article argues, “Quiet contemplation has led to its fair share of important thoughts. But it cannot be denied that good ideas also emerge in networks.” I must agree. While I sometimes slip into a good book for reasons of pure escapism and, thus, want to be left to enjoy the adventure in peace, I also enjoy talking with people about great books. Apparently many other people feel the same way, as evidenced by the thousands of book clubs across the country. Obviously a great many people enjoy sharing literature and new ideas.
As a writer, I’d also love to learn which passages are my readers’ favorites. Who wouldn’t want to know which words struck a chord?
My daughters and I are back from the U.S. National Short Track Championships, held with the American Cup Finals, in Wausau, Wisconsin. What a blast!
There were incredible talents there on the ice. Up for grabs were a spot on the 2010 World Short Track Team for the American Cup men and every age-group championship title.
My girls and I skated four distances each. Corina’s lean is really improving in her new boots, and Antonia got two personal bests. I managed to get one personal best and finished out the season with both long track and short track national titles.
Now comes a short period of rest before the real work starts — dryland training over spring and summer. Running hills and stairs will remind me once again what sore legs feel like.
I’ve had the honor and immense pleasure of skating with many of the speed skaters that will be competing in the 2010 Winter Olympics. There aren’t many sports in which an amateur can train right alongside the best of the best, but speedskating is one of them. I’ve gotten to know a bunch of them, including Shani Davis, Nancy Swider-Peltz, Jr, Mitch Whitmore, Jilleanne Rookard, and others, and I can honestly say that they’re friendly and humble and fun people.
I wish them all great success. They train tirelessly, sacrifice much, and challenge themselves day in and day out. Congrats to them for what they’ve already accomplished and what is to come!
The American Library Association has just released the 2010 list of literary award winners for the most prestigious awards that children’s books can receive.
The John Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children’s literature goes to When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead and published by Wendy Lamb Books.
The Randolph Caldecott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children is The Lion & the Mouse, written and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and published by LIttle, Brown, and Company Books for Young Readers.
The ALA announced many other awards and honors bestowed. You can find the announcement here and immediately add to your own reading list.
USA Today has released its list of best-selling books for 2009. I’m happy to say that I’ve read most of top ten at least, which I’ve listed below, and many others are on my to-read list.
It’s no surprise that numbers one through four are New Moon, Eclipse, Twilight, and Breaking Dawn, in that order, all by Stephenie Meyer. Next come The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown and The Shack by William P. Young. Numbers seven and eight are both Diary of a Wimpy Kid installments, The Last Straw and Dog Days by Jeff Kinney. Rounding out the last two places are Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man by Steve Harvey and Going Rogue: An American Life by Sarah Palin.
Wondering how many of the books on USA Today’s list you’ve read? Check it out here and congratulate yourself for a year of good reading.
Wow, it feels great to reach a goal. I’d hoped to finish a revision on a work in progress by the end of 2009, and I did it! I feel the piece is much stronger now than before and I’m really very pleased with it.
Now to move on to a Young Adult project that I’ve put on hold for half a year (It’s amazing how time flies!). It’s fun rereading what I’d put down so far; I’m liking the direction. I’ve got a long way to go before that manuscript’s finished, but the fun is in the journey.
Here’s hoping your goals for 2010 are met and exceeded! A new year, a new decade, a new chance to show ‘em how it’s done!
Anyone with a webcam can record him- or herself reading a book and send the link to loved ones, say a grandchild or family living stateside. There are even discounts for the brave men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces.
That child will then be able to see both the book fullscreen, page by page, and their loved one in a smaller screen reading it. Recipients can watch the reading over and over again, as many times as they want. Check out the site and especially the excellent demo!
What a great gift for those who want to be a regular part of a child’s life but find that distance gets in the way!
Children’s and young adult books have been a bright spot for publishing even through the recession, showing growth where other categories have floundered. Naturally, publishers want their customers to enthusiastically buy their products. To do that, the publishers need to know what their customers want.
A new survey put out by TeenReads and The Book Report Network says teens respondents (who turned out to be overwhelmingly female) are most drawn to series fiction, especially in the romance and fantasy genres. The vampire-lovers out there are smiling so widely their canines are showing. Next comes adventure and mysteries/suspense/thrillers.
The survey reached out to many geographic areas and populations. The results of the survey are nicely broken down and displayed at Publisher’s Weekly here. It’s good news if, like me, you’re writing a fantasy novel. And it’s great news for the industry and book-lovers everywhere when children’s books are selling well.
Look at her go! This is video of my daughter Antonia skating her personal best in the 500 meters — and opening the Olympic Qualifiers at the Pettit.
Big events like these often have several young people forerunning, ie, skating a distance while the officials check the clocks. Toni skated with fellow Badger Club Member Michael Oechsner.
The timing couldn’t be better for Comic-Con 2010, those who love a good comic book, and those who find themselves constantly defending them. A new report by the Canadian Council on Learning says comics and graphic novels boost boys’ reading abilities.
