Of Mice and Men

It is funny. I have taught many different novels over the years, but the one that the majority of my male students' favorite is Of Mice and Men. Smith and Wilhelm related a story about Bam, who was given this novel to read by his older brother. He was normally a reluctant reader, but thoroughly enjoyed the book and read it every year. The authors suggest that this book was such a hit with a reluctant reader for two reasons:

1. Someone that is important to him suggested the book to him.
2. He was engaged with the characters.

Hmmmm...very interesting. Especially since we tend to think that girls need to be more engaged with the characters (at least that was the thought that I had). "Even highly reluctant readers like Huey said they would read books given to them or recommended by significant others so they could talk together; for Huey friends were the most 'crucial' part of his life." (Smith, 143) So, if we can get at least one boy in the class to read and enjoy a book, it might just catch on like wildfire.

The texts, however, need to be interesting. In my high school classroom, I am constantly building up books. I sometimes use up so much energy talking about how brilliant a book is, I am worn out. But I truly do believe that this is something that our students need. That sometimes is not even enough. The book suggests that boys prefer almost anything associated with music. So, perhaps study lyrics as a lead in to other poetry.

Powerful Ideas is another thing that boys tend to be drawn to in their reading. Anything that is edgy, like many young adult books right now, seem to be of much more interest to boys.

Graphic novels are big as well. It is a well known fact that boys are more visual oriented and I think that the explosion of graphic novels has helped many boys that did not read very much to become avid readers.

The book also says that boys like texts that have a storyline. I thought that this was interesting because boys are usually the information seekers. Perhaps they are just information seekers when it comes to finding one particular piece of information. Besides, who doesn't like a good story? I know that Of Mice and Men has always been a favorite of mine...