The Boys Project

I’d like to direct your attention to a web site called The Boys Project http://www.boysproject.net This organization is directed by Dr. Judith Kleinfeld. Dr. Kleinfeld and I shared pages in the October, 2006, issue of Education Matters, a publication of the Association of American Educators http://www.aaeteachers.org Additional information is available at Dr. Kleinfeld’s personal web site www.judithkleinfeld.com/

The Boys Project has an impressive board of directors, which suggests the seriousness surrounding the subject of boys, education, books for boys, and reading. Their web site describes Dr. Kleinfeld this way. “Judith Kleinfeld has published widely on gender issues, including the groundbreaking article, "The Myth That Schools Shortchange Girls," and has received awards from several associations for her work on gender equity.”

As I began writing books for boys, I had no idea that an organization like The Boys Project existed, nor did I have an understanding of the enormity of the potential market for my books. To date, however, it has been an interesting challenge to convince publishers that this is, indeed, a mammoth growth area.

Following are comments concerning my books:

- “You can imagine my delight when I became aware of the work of prolific author Max Elliot Anderson. Aimed at readers, ages eight through thirteen, Anderson’s books are filled with action packed adventure and each contain important moral messages as well. My son was attracted immediately to the latest book, Legend of the White Wolf, which is billed as ‘a wonderful mixture of Indian lore, truth, God’s love and redemption, and adventure.’ As a mother, it’s great to be able to offer my child a book by which he will be both edified and engrossed. Max Elliot Anderson is a light for parents looking to teach their children both a love of reading and sound Christian principles.”

- “I can't believe it ....as the concerned mother of two struggling readers...who is also the daughter of a children's librarian ... I think I have purchased EVERY book recommended for reluctant readers HOWEVER, they have ALL fallen short UNTIL today. We were able to purchase Newspaper Caper...and we're hooked!!!"

- "This year, we started with your Legend of the White Wolf. The students are already finished with it. Our school only planned on using three of your books for the whole year. Now we’ll have to buy more titles.” - Teacher

- "At last we've found something that will interest him in reading."

- "Oh, these are THAT guy's books...thanks, Mom!...I want to read them!"

- “The final lights out came at 9:30pm and he complied and shut the lights out and "went to bed". It was later that we found out that he grabbed his flashlight and under his covers finished reading the book that night. What can a parent say to that behavior? After searching for interesting books for him to read we finally found books that he couldn't put down.”

- "It is a joy to see our students, especially boys, asking for more!” - Principal

- “I can recommend every book without hesitation. While reading “Terror at Wolf Lake” I had trouble putting the book down. Max Elliot Anderson, the author of the series, has a unique ability to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. As a grandparent I am encouraged that the book creatively and appropriately weaves Christian character traits and biblical principles through the life of the main character and his friends. Parents, you will find this true of every book.” - School administrator

It’s encouraging for me, as an author, to get comments like these, and to know that my books are touching the young lives I envisioned, when I began this journey in 2001.

Nearly 50 Pages of Reviews

Over a three year period, I completed 34 action-adventure & mystery manuscripts, written especially for boys. You can read nearly 50 pages of reviews at http://www.maxbookreviews.blogspot.com .

The first 7 published books, NEWSPAPER CAPER, TERROR AT WOLF LAKE, NORTH WOODS POACHERS, MOUNTAIN CABIN MYSTERY, BIG RIG RUSTLERS, SECRET OF ABBOTT'S CAVE & LEGEND OF THE WHITE WOLF, have been compared by readers and reviewers to Tom Sawyer, The Hardy Boys, Huck Finn, Nancy Drew, Tom Swift, Scooby-Doo, Lemony Snicket, and adventure author Jack London.

Newsweek, June 30, 2006

In case you missed it, here's a link to a contriverseral article in Nesweek. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10965522/site/newsweek/ Since it was published, there have been some attacks on the findings. But, I think you'll find the information interesting. There are related links on the site as well.

Books for Boys

Hello.

My name is Max Elliot Anderson. In late 2001, something happened that would entirely change my career path. As a result, I began writing action-adventures and mysteries for readers 8 - 13, especially boys. The interesting thing about this is that I grew up hating to read.

You can go to my author web site and read more about how this all came about, at http://maxbooks.9k.com , but, for now, I simply wanted to introduce myself. As we move forward, I'll be adding information about the subject of boys and books. You may agree or disagree with some of my ideas, and I'll be happy to hear from you as we go along.

The important thing is that I believe there is a tremendous need for the kinds of books that will attract and hold the attention of young, boy readers. I'll share stories about how these books are already having an impact. And I'll suggest other resources that may be helpful, if you are looking for information about boys, books, and reading.

One more thing: my books are enjoyed by reluctant boy readers, avid readers, girls, and even adults.

So, let's get started.