For more than 30 years, children’s librarian Frank Dimech has been doing what many parents consider nearly impossible—getting preteen boys to read.
In January 2010, he founded Guys Read, a book club for nine to twelve year old boys. It kicked off its fall session on Sept. 21.
Dimech was inspired by the many parents who come to him complaining that boys won’t read. They often request classic children’s books or bring in lists of titles from school.
“My response is not to moms. I turn to kids and say, ‘What do you want to read?’”
And it seems that Ottawa’s boys need people like Frank Dimech. In the provincial Grade 3 and Grade 6 assessments of reading this spring, male students lagged significantly behind females.
“It’s not seen as guy thing. It’s not cool to read. I really think we have to change how guys see themselves. How many fathers read in front of their children?” Dimech asked.
Boys face other obstacles when it comes to reading. Many spend more time being disciplined in school than learning. And then there are the demands on kids’ time: sports, music lessons, and now, book club.
Dimech expected three boys Wednesday, all returnees. He was ecstatic when seven showed up.
Even without a book to discuss yet, they found plenty to talk about, including their reading over the summer and the Harry Potter series. Dimech gently steered the conversation from movies back to books.
Next month, each boy will bring his favourite library book and talk about it. Eventually everyone’s book will be the selection of the month for Guys Read.
“It won’t be like homework,” Dimech explained. “Just say in 25 words or less if you liked the book, did you relate to the characters or the storyline, and what did you get out of it? Fathers and moms, you are attentive, amazed audience members.”
With short attention spans in mind, Dimech wrapped up after 40 minutes and set the boys loose on the children’s floor.
The parents hung back to talk. Many were concerned about the lack of structure.
“I was hoping for some more direction. He devoured the Jack Stalwart stuff, but we’re looking for something else that will hold his imagination,” said John Loop, father of Harry, nine.
The Secret Agent Jack Stalwart series by Elizabeth Singer Hunt is popular with boys. So are Greek myths, picture-heavy books about sports, and according to Dimech, “anything wild, gory, or gross that is going to make parents scream and get really uncomfortable.”
Boys don’t always get that at home or school.
“Let me show you something. This is illustrative,” said Toby Sanger, father of Adam, nine. He pointed to the library’s huge collection of Dear Canada books, which feature young girls enduring grim historical events.
Nearby, one boy was absorbed in a graphic novel. Two others laughed as a third attempted “Giddy gladiators grow gladiolas” from a book of tongue twisters.
Then Tai, eight, appeared with a large hardcover called “Warriors,” its title printed in shiny dark red. The boys crowded around it, turning the pages rapidly.
“We’ve got to show our parents this one!”
“Look, a bloody sword!”
“Every single page of this book has blood on it, even the cover!”
Guys Read meets once a month on Wednesdays from 7-8 pm. The next session is Oct. 19 at the Sunnyside Branch of the Ottawa Public Library.