As a former teacher and as a children's book author Jon Scieszka has seen it time and again--boys simply have a harder time learning to read and connecting to books than girls. Indeed, Scieszka says that he started writing books such as The Stinky Cheese Man and the Time Warp Trio series in part to reach out to boys who were reluctant readers.

Now, with the help of the Penguin Putnam publishing house, Scieszka is taking his compaign a step further. Speaking at the Annual Banquet during the IRA Annual Convention in New orleans, he unveiled a new literacy initiative, "Guys Read," that aims to help boys become "better readers, better students, better guys."

Citing statistics showing that boys as a group score lower on standardized tests than girls, are more likely to be placed in remedial classes or held back a grade, rank lower in their class, and are much more likely to get into fights or commit suicide, Scieszka said, "I;m afraid we're losing these guys. I want to make a difference and galvanize people around an issue."

The Guys Read mission includes several components:

• Make plenty of noise on a national level to call attention to the question of boys' literacy.
• Motivate adults (parents, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and publishers) to examine the role gender plays in the book choices we give boys.
• Reach boys directly with books recommended by other guys.
• Challenge men to step up and be role models for literacy.
• Try to help boys explore the possibilities of a wider emotional range and connection to feelings through reading.

Through a new web site at www.guysread.com, Scieszka offers practical ideas, a forum, and support to get guys reading. The Web site includes a list of recommended books for guys, ideas that fathers, educators, book sellers, and other can use to encourage boys to read, and more.

Noting the important role that fathers and other males can play as role models for reading, Scieszka described how a neighbor had formed a book club for dads and their sons, Called Books and Balls, the group met at a local indoor batting range in Brooklyn. First they would read and discuss a book. Then they would play indoor soccer or practice batting.

It's more important to get boys reading than to worry about what they are reading--it's all right for them to read Captain Underpants, Scieszka said, "If we can find a way to reach boys, then we can move them to other things."

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