When sixth grade boys don't want to read, what will get their attention?

Every librarian's dream occurred in my last class on the last day of the first week of school. It was such a zinger, I must share it!

The sixth grade boys came in, we did our continent review, added some new information to what they knew. I collected their maps for further work next time. Then I read to them the first few pages of "Night of the Howling Dogs," one of the contenders for 2010's Louisiana Young Readers' Choice, sponsored by the State Library of Louisiana. This is a rip-roaring adventure story of the first order (along with themes of relationships, bullying, courage, and finding oneself).  I had read one page when one of the new boys raised his hand: "Can I check out that book?" Oh, yes, you can, I thought. "Sure, of course," I actually said.

But what I'm getting to is what happened with another new student. Nearly all the boys in this sixth grade class are readers, but this one new student told me he didn't like to read. Usually, I can find nonfiction that will appeal to their interests. I showed him the Believe It or Not section. Soon, he came with book in hand. It was "Oh, Yuck! The Encyclopedia of Everything Nasty." Oh ho, my fine young friend. So that's your taste, I thought to myself. "Let me show you another book you might like," I actually said aloud.
Dino Poop & Other Remarkable Remains Of The Past
He was actually embarrassed at first. I assured him the book was legitimate scientific study, as I had read it myself. After checking it out, he took that book to one of the reading nooks with pillows. The laughing and downright giggling that came from that corner warmed the cockles of my heart. Those boys had discovered that books can be fun, that they are worthy of reading and sharing.

I also discovered that it is most helpful to read as many of the books on the shelves as possible. This summer I read a number of new books. Two came in handy in classes this week. In the class of fifth grade boys we were talking about Africa. One of the boys asked if giraffes came only from Africa. Wow, I thought, I read that this summer in Animal Lives: Giraffes (Animal Lives (Teacher Created Resources)), one volume in a multi-volume series. In fact, the spots on giraffes differ from region to region. And, yes, they are found only in Africa.

When we discussed Antarctica, I could tell them that it never rains there. Someone asked why the Arctic Circle wasn't a continent. Another answered because there is no land mass there. A fine book to consult--and I'll put these books out next week-- isAntarctica (True Books)

Oh what a delight for a librarian! What a fine end to a tiring first week!

Addendum: I've discovered a new series to add to this list--the Conspiracy 365 set of 12 books, each corresponding with a month (making 365 days). I can speak only for book one: "January," which is a thrill ride from page one to the last page! Surely, the "reluctant" reader will find these irresistible!