Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Summer ... time to get boys reading!

Here's exciting news. I just made the author list under "adventure" writers, at boysread.org. My middle-grade book, "Cheechako," is well-rated and reviewed for reluctant readers—the ones who can read but would rather not.

Are the boys in your life readers? A recent study by the National Literacy Trust in Great Britain states that "only one in four boys reads out of school." My guess? It's similar here.

Why should boys read? If there's a core reason, it's that reading builds the ability to use language effectively. To make it possible for a young person to understand more of what they hear and communicate more of what they understand and feel.

Want your child or grandchild to do well in school? They should read. And you should know that young children who have been read to, reach kindergarten at the top of their pack.

So here comes summer.

The best way to help kids with summer reading? Have something around for them to read. The list of authors and books at boysread.org is a good place to start. These are books with a track record—and truthfully—a track record for both boys and girls. A good book is a good book. 

When might kids read this summer? When the alternatives are worse: stuck in the car, waiting at an appointment, a rainy day, a day when regular play friends are gone. Those are great days and times to be able to pull out a book and say "try this." 

To add extra kick, try reading a chapter or two aloud. You know what? You might get hooked, too.

Model the activity

Want kids to do some particular thing, like reading? Then show them it's okay and that you do it. And make sure you have books or worthwhile magazines around. 

When you're shopping for summer books, you can read the first thirty pages of any of my books, completely free, right here ... Jonathan Thomas Stratman books  ... And thanks in advance for considering my work among your summer bring-alongs. 

Happy reading!

Monday, May 23, 2016

School librarians and teachers, take note: this one's a keeper!

on May 23, 2016
School librarians and teachers, take note: this one's a keeper!
A young teen finds himself in a new culture when he moves
to Alaska. In order to blend in and be accepted by his native
Alaskan schoolmates, Will must first learn the skills and then
find the courage to overcome what seems the hostile Alaskan
environment. With the aid of his dog, Blackie, Will faces
frightening challenges in this coming of age story. The author,
Jonathan Thomas Stratman has captured the essence of the
youthful challenges of growing up. As a former educator,
librarian, teacher, and administrator, I highly recommend this fast paced story for its
universal themes that apply to all adolescents moving towards adulthood.

Exciting summer reading for someone special, Grade 5 through adult.