Scary, Gross, and Enlightening Books for Boys Grades 3–12

Deborah B. Ford is an award-winning library media specialist and international speaker with over 25 years of experience as a classroom teacher and librarian in K–12 schools.

• Table of FiguresAbout the AuthorIntroductionThe BooksStrategiesThe ChallengeWebsitesCHAPTER 1: Just the Facts: NonfictionNonfiction BooksWeb ConnectionsPublisher SitesMagazinesAuthorsFor KidsFor Teachers and LibrariansCHAPTER 2: A Picture Paints a Thousand Words: Graphic WorksWeb ConnectionsCHAPTER 3: And He Scores: SportsWeb ConnectionsCHAPTER 4: And a Shot Rang Out: Mystery and AdventureWeb ConnectionsCHAPTER 5: Knock! Knock! Who's There?: HumorWeb ConnectionsCHAPTER 6: To Infinity and Beyond: Fantasy and Science FictionWeb ConnectionsCHAPTER 7: The Way We Were: War and HistoryWeb ConnectionsCHAPTER 8: It's a Dude Thing: Male CharactersWeb ConnectionsCHAPTER 9: That's Show Business: Books That Have Become MoviesFair Use GuidelinesCopyright GuidelinesWeb ConnectionsCHAPTER 10: Say It Proud: Read AloudsWeb ConnectionsAppendix 1 : Selected Books That Have Worked for YearsSeriesK-33-65-8YASelected Titles That Have Worked for YearsAppendix 2 : Professional BooksAppendix 3 : Great Book Sources for All ReadersEducatorsAppendix 4 : Reading Interest SurveyWorks CitedIndex

"After citing national studies that examine test scores, reading levels, and drop-out rates, Ford gets right to the point: to encourage readers we must provide them with books they will enjoy and plenty of choices. By doing this, and by acknowledging different learning styles, teachers and librarians can play a part in creating successful educational experiences for students. But that’s not all. . . . Her superb recommendations include a variety of titles and formats. For each book included, interest and reading levels are noted, which will aid those looking for material for students reading both below and above the grade standard. Brief annotations provide plot descriptions and highlight the appeal of a particular book, and throughout Scary, Gross, and Entertaining Web sites, teaching tips, and bits of information about authors and titles to share with a class are offered in shaded boxes. The author encourages educators to try some 'non- traditional' activities to get books into the hands of reluctant readers. Her numerous suggestions range from playing '20 Questions' to planning a special event."Despite the fact that the most recent titles listed are 2008 publications, this book can be used for inspiration and as a collection development tool. (If you can’t get a handle on your students' changing tastes, poll your class with Ford's 'Reading Interest Survey.')" - School Library Journal, Curriculum Connections