- A 1990 study of more than 105,000 students in Maryland's Prince George's County, where African Americans made up about 65 percent of the enrollment, showed that black male pupils performed comparably to boys and girls of all races on first- and second grade stamdardozed ,atj amd readomg test. But by fourth grade, African American boys experienced a sharp decline in their scores. More recent national studies have shown similar findings: In 1994, fouth grade reading scores of African American boys lagged behind those of all other groups at the same grade level, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Parents Renaissance Readers is a wonderful opportunity to ensure that our boys find the love and passion for reading.
Lyn Fordham
List of Great Books for Boys
Corretta Scott King Author Awards
Corretta Scott King Author Awards
ELIJAH OF BUXTON
Christopher Paul Curtis
Scholastic Press
ISBN: 9780439023443
Ages 9-up
288 pages
Eleven-year-old Elijah is the first child born into freedom in Buxton, Canada, a settlement of runaway slaves just over the border from Detroit. He's best known in his hometown as the boy who made a memorable impression on Frederick Douglass. But things change when a former slave steals money from Elijah's friend, who has been saving to buy his family out of captivity in the South. Elijah embarks on a dangerous journey to America in pursuit of the thief, and he discovers firsthand the unimaginable horrors of the life his parents fled a life from which he'll always be free, if he can find the courage to get back home.
We Are the Ship:
The Story of Negro League Baseball
written and illustrated by
Kadir Nelson
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (January 8, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0786808322
ISBN-13: 978-0786808328
The story of Negro League baseball is the story of gifted athletes and determined owners; of racial discrimination and international sportsmanship; of fortunes won and lost; of triumphs and defeats on and off the field. It is a perfect mirror for the social and political history of black America in the first half of the twentieth century. But most of all, the story of the Negro Leagues is about hundreds of unsung heroes who overcame segregation, hatred, terrible conditions, and low pay to do the one thing they loved more than anything else in the world: play ball. Using an "Everyman" player as his narrator, Kadir Nelson tells the story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s through its decline after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947. The voice is so authentic, you will feel as if you are sitting on dusty bleachers listening intently to the memories of a man who has known the great ballplayers of that time and shared their experiences. But what makes this book so outstanding are the dozens of full-page and double-page oil paintings--breathtaking in their perspectives, rich in emotion, and created with understanding and affection for these lost heroes of our national game. We Are the Ship is a tour de force for baseball lovers of all ages.
More Great Books for Boys...
More Great Books for Boys...
Alex Rider SeriesAnthony Horowitz
Philomel Books/Penguin Young Readers Group
Ages 8-12
Following the untimely death of his beloved uncle, 14-year old Alex Rider is recruited by Britain's top-secret intelligence agency to investigate some of the most high-profile and dangerous men in the world. Alex is quite reluctant to take on such a huge responsibility, but he ultimately chooses to accept his mission and help rid the world of evil.
The Alex Rider series consists of seven books so far: STORMBREAKER, POINT BLANK, SKELETON KEY, EAGLE STRIKE, SCORPIA, ARK ANGEL, SNAKEHEAD and CROCODILE TEARS.
Putnam Juvenile
ISBN: 9780399250347
Ages 8-12
192 pages
Growing up in the shadow of his football star brother, Chris, Newt Newman has never felt particularly special. When Chris is knocked into a coma, Newt’s two best friends decide that taking him out for Halloween is the best way to cheer him up. Using some of Chris’s old, oversized clothes, Newt creates his best costume ever --- Captain Nobody!
Newt feels so strong and confident in his new getup that he keeps wearing it after Halloween is over. In no time, Newt assumes the role of a hero in a string of exploits that include foiling a robbery and saving a planeload of passengers. But will Captain Nobody be able to save the one person he cares about most?
THE 39 CLUES Series Schoslatic Press
Ages 9-12
Grace is the last matriarch of the Cahills, the world's most powerful family. Everyone from Napoleon to Houdini is related to the Cahills, yet the source of the family power is lost. Thirty-nine clues hidden around the world will reveal the family's secret, but no one has been able to assemble them. Now the clues race is on, and young Amy and Dan must decide what's important: hunting clues or uncovering what REALLY happened to their parents.
The Lionboy Trilogy
The Lionboy Trilogy
LIONBOYZizou Corder
Puffin/Penguin Young Readers Group
ISBN: 9780142402269
Ages 8-12
304 pages
Puffin/Penguin Young Readers Group
ISBN: 9780142402269
Ages 8-12
304 pages
When his parents are kidnapped, 10-year-old Charlie Ashanti knows he must rescue them. He doesn't know who has taken them, or why. But he does know that one special talent will aid him on his journey --- his amazing ability to speak Cat. Charlie calls on his clever feline friends --- from stray city cats to magnificent caged lions --- for help. With them by his side, Charlie uses wit and courage to try to find his parents before it's too late.
LIONBY: THE CHASE
Zizou Corder
Puffin
ISBN: 9780142404546
Ages 8-12
288 pages
ISBN: 9780142404546
Ages 8-12
288 pages
Charlie Ashanti has helped a pride of lions escape the circus ship and travel all the way from Paris to safety in Venice. He has also eluded the sinister Rafi and Maccomo for now. But the Venetian palace Charlie has taken to for safety feels suspiciously like a prison. His lions have been separated from him, and Rafi and Maccomo are closing in. If Charlie doesn't find his parents soon, he may lose them forever!
LIONBOY: THE TRUTH
Zizou Corder
Puffin
ISBN: 9780803729858
Ages 8-12
240 pages
Puffin
ISBN: 9780803729858
Ages 8-12
240 pages
After months of searching, not to mention leading a pride of escaped circus lions through Europe and all the way back to Africa, Catspeaker Charlie Ashanti has finally been reunited with his parents --- and a long-lost relative with a huge secret to reveal. But their family reunion doesn't last long. Kidnapped and thrown in a boat, Charlie finds himself alone and bound for who knows where. Charlie's parents and his faithful lion friends are in hot pursuit, but can Charlie outwit his captor and topple the Corporacy's wicked enterprise?
