Books For Boys?

Hannah Owen
Youth Services Librarian

The Children’s Book Council and the Library of Congress have appointed children’s author Jon Scieszka the first ever National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. The goal of this appointment is to raise national awareness of the importance of children’s books.   Serendipitously, Scieszka is Hickory’s 2008 Lenoir-Rhyne Little Read author.  Not only will he be speaking to every 3rd grader in Catawba County, he will be at P.E. Monroe Auditorium on April 12 at 12:00 for everyone to hear. 
 
Scieszka is the author of  “The Stinky Cheese Man,”  “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs,” and “Math Curse.”  His books are very popular and have won many awards.  He has also created a website, www.guysread.com, to encourage boys to read.  In case you hadn’t heard, it is mostly boys who are reluctant readers, who have been diagnosed with learning disabilities, who think reading is boring or useless.  Unfortunately, many required reading lists lack books that appeal to boys: little or no humor, nonfiction, graphic novels, science fiction, etc.

 Scieszka is determined to provide and promote books of interest to boys.   His latest book series, “Trucktown,” started off with the title, “Smash! Crash!”  What do you think?  Will boys like that one? 

The Hickory Public Library is also determined to provide programs and materials of interest to all children.  All of the mentioned books may be found at the Patrick Beaver Memorial Library.  You can also find a complete list of our programs at our website www.hickorygov.com/library/.  The next very boy oriented program will feature the “Captain Underpants” books on March 25th at 3:00.  You can be sure that your boys will love this.
The Hickory Public Library is a department of the City of Hickory.  Patrick Beaver Memorial Library is open 9-9 Monday through Thursday; 9-6 Friday and Saturday; and 2-6 Sunday.  Ridgeview Branch is open the same hours except it is closed on Sunday.