More Dangerous Books for Boys

More Dangerous Books for Boys

A lot has been written in recent days about The Dangerous Book for Boys. I’m fascinated by all the excitement, and encouraged at the same time.

Some of the aspects being promoted about the book include how to tie various knots, to make paper airplanes, or even to build a sort of go-kart. The book promotes adventure in the lives of boys. This sense of adventure has been a goal of mine as I’ve written action-adventures and mysteries especially for boys 8 – 13. Why do I write books for boys? Because there simply aren’t enough of them. I’m just now working on manuscript # 35. To date, 7 of my books for boys are published.

Here they are:

NEWSPAPER CAPER
Tom Stevens was a super salesman. He and his friends delivered newspapers early every morning. Along their route, the boys often saw some pretty strange things. Then one day they actually became the story. Readers will like the humor, attack dogs, car thieves, and the chop shop Tom and the others uncover. This story reminds us of how important friendship is.

TERROR AT WOLF LAKE
Eddy Thompson was known for one thing and one thing only. Eddy was a cheater. He cheated on anything, anytime, anywhere, until something happened up at Wolf Lake. It wasn’t the brutal cold. It wasn’t when he fell through the ice. It wasn’t even when two scary men arrived at their remote cabin. What happened would change Eddy’s life…forever.

NORTH WOODS POACHERS
The Washburn families have been coming to the same cabins, on the same lake, catching the same fish, for about as long as Andy can remember. And he's sick of it. This summer would be different he decided. Only he never imagined how different. The story is filled with excitement, danger, humor, and drama. In the end, Andy learns the concepts of family tradition, and that it is important to follow the rules. Readers will enjoy the gigantic, jet-powered floatplane, computers, home made radio transmitter, and naturally, no one will ever forget Big Wally. He’s a fish of course.

MOUNTAIN CABIN MYSTERY
Scott and his friends had dreamed and prepared for their first wilderness camping adventure. When they become separated from their group in a mountain fog, trouble begins. There was that bear, the decrepit suspension bridge over a bottomless gorge, the sheer cliff in the dark, those terrorists in the remote cabin, the Army, the helicopter ride, and…

BIG-RIG RUSTLERS
Todd and Amanda live with their parents in a Midwestern city. The children are invited to visit their uncle, aunt, and Cousin Drew, on their Wyoming ranch over spring break. Todd learns, in a unique way, why stealing is wrong. A band of high-tech cattle rustlers are caught, revealing that Todd was also wrong about Travis, a shadowy character.
Read about the round up, rattlesnake, and rustlers.

THE SECRET OF ABBOTT'S CAVE
Who are the real heroes in America? Randy and his friends pooled their resources to go cave exploring, discovered the hidden loot from a bank robbery, and learned they weren't heroes at all.

LEGEND OF THE WHITE WOLF
They didn’t call him a liar; they just couldn’t believe his story. Brian Fisher was determined to prove it was true even though it involved the risk to his own safety. His rescue of a wolf pup from a steel trap results in a mysterious relationship with surprising results. The story is set in the lower elevations near Yellowstone

If there is a boy in your family, or in your circle of friends, he needs one of these action-adventures or mysteries.

Max Elliot Anderson
http://www.maxbooks.9k.com
mander8813@aol.com

The Dangerous Book for Boys

As I write this post, THE DANGEROUS BOOK FOR BOYS ranks # 3 on Amazon. This is very encouraging to me, since all of my action-adventures & mysteries are written especially for boys 8 – 13. Still, even girls and adults like them as well.

It is reported of THE DANGEROUS BOOK FOR BOYS, that this one book may help lift the entire Collins publishing division.

Earlier I have reported on what seems to be a growing awareness that there is a need for good reading material for boys. For far too long, the majority of books for young readers have been slanted toward girls, since they represent the largest numbers of readers. But has this become a self-perpetuating cycle? I think so.

My research has brought me in contact with a number of people who also recognize there is a need in this area. I’ve learned new terms such as the “lace curtain” and the feminization of our culture and education system.

Yesterday I had the privilege to speak to a combined gathering of students from two schools in the Beloit, Janesville, Wisconsin area. When I asked if there was anyone who didn’t like to read, the majority of hands that were raised immediately, were boys.

Clearly it is time for publishers to begin releasing the kinds of books that will hook and hold the interest of boys. My twenty-eight available manuscripts of action-adventures and mysteries would be a good place to start.

2007 Boys and the Boy Crisis

In late 2001, when I decided to begin writing books for boys, I had no idea what was ahead. All I knew was that there appeared to be a need for action-adventures and mysteries that were crafted especially for boys 8 and up.

Now, nearly six years later, the magnitude of the problems that boys face in education is becoming more evident. I’m encountering terms like The Lace Curtain, The Feminization of Education and our culture, and the like.

On July 13 – 14, 2007, The National Men’s Equity Congress will meet again in Washington, DC. This is there third meeting, and the title for this year is:

2007 Boys and the Boy Crisis

You can read more about the conference at http://www.trueequality.com/speakers.php

The new book, Whisker Rubs, by Don Otis, is certainly a step in the right direction.

There is a great need for adventure and action in books for boys. These are the things they LOVE to read about. Once publishers figure out how to market books of this kind for boys…look out!

National Turn Off TV Week

April 23 - 29 is National Trun Off TV Week. You can learn more about this efforrt by going to http://www.tvturnoff.org/ They also have another program called More Reading, Less TV.

So, I’m editing one of my previous posts, which talks about summer reading, to reflect National Turn Off TV Week.

This week, let 'em READ a movie.

Several young readers have reported that reading one of my action-adventures & mysteries is like being in an exciting or scary movie. This comes from my extensive background of dramatic film and video production. My books are first targeted for boys ages 8 - 13. But girls like the books also.

Books are ranked by Accelerated Reader. They can be ordered from Baker & Taylor, and are available on Amazon.com

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, are 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.

So this week, turn off the TV, turn off the computer, and let 'em READ a movie

Max Elliot Anderson
Author
Author http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/ Reviews http://www.maxbookreviews.blogspot.com/ Books for Boys blog http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/
Ranked by Accelerated Reader...Distributed by Baker & Taylor
News release on this subject: http://www.prleap.com/pr/72541/

Speaking in Indiana

Had a great time speaking about my books for boys, to 90 fifth-graders, in an elementary school, in Indiana. It was especially fun since the event fell on Friday the 13th. My schools presentations include music and sound effects, so, I made sure to have some extra spooky music for that day.

Students listened as I read two chapters from an unpublished manuscript, then they did a writing exercise. Students were invited to read their paragraphs out loud.

It is extremely rewarding to have the opportunity to speak to students in the age group that I’m writing for, readers 8 – 13, especially boys.

Several students bought books at the conclusion of the presentation.

My special thanks to Chandler Cox, and Mr. Shively!

This summer, let 'em READ a movie

Young readers, and their parents, have reported that reading one of Max Elliot Anderson’s action-adventures or mysteries is like being in an exciting or scary movie. This comes from his extensive background of dramatic film and video production. Mr. Anderson’s books are written for boys ages 8 – 13, but girls also like his books. His author web site can be found at http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/

Summer vacation is almost here, and with it comes the dreaded announcement, “Mom! I’m bored!” This complaint is usually met with computers, video games, DVDs, or television. But these only work for a limited amount of time. Today, children are being robbed of using their imaginations. Even sending them outside to play would be better than the electronic alternatives. Families going on vacation might take a Max Elliot Anderson adventure or mystery along. Parents of reluctant readers can encourage their children to read a chapter a day during the summer.

Mr. Anderson grew up as a reluctant reader. In fact, he hated to read. Years later he began to research why this had happened. Based on his findings, he has crafted mysteries and adventures that young readers find hard to put down. Because he has spent a lifetime in the production of exciting movies, commercials, and television programs, he brings a unique, visual style to his writing. Nearly 50 pages of reviews can be found at http://www.maxbookreviews.blogspot.com/ .

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, are compared by readers and reviewers to a modern day Tom Sawyer, The Hardy Boys, Huck Finn, Nancy Drew, Tom Swift, or, Scooby-Doo, Lemony Snicket, and adventure author Jack London. Each book has completely different characters, setting, and plot. All contain as much excitement and adventure as any reader, 8 and up, can handle. Some families enjoy reading the books together, out loud, so that everyone in the family can enjoy the fun.

Along with heart-pounding action, humor, and excitement, books by Max Elliot Anderson also provide an opportunity to learn about new things. Each book has been well researched, providing an educational experience, without the reader even realizing it. Books are ranked by Accelerated Reader. They can be ordered from Baker & Taylor and Amazon.com. Books ordered directly from the author will be signed. He can be easily located by searching on Google or Yahoo.

Growing complaints from parents, teachers, and librarians indicate that there aren’t enough good books for boys, with adventure, danger, and excitement. Max Elliot Anderson writes books for boys and girls.

So this summer, parents might try turning off the TV, or the computer, and let 'em READ a movie by Max Elliot Anderson.

Max Elliot Anderson
P O Box 4126
Rockford, IL 61110
(815) 877-1514
Mander8813@aol.com

WHISKER RUBS

I grew up in a family of four boys and three girls. Two of my sisters were the oldest, and one of the things that drove them crazy was a phrase my father often used to explain why my brothers and I acted as we did. His explanation was clear, simple, and succinct, “Boys will be boys.”

Looking back now, I can see how wise he was. And, at the same time, I remember how happy I was to be a boy, growing up in that house, at that time.

Recently I discovered a new book, WHISKER RUBS, Developing the Masculine Identity, by Don S. Otis, published by Living Ink Books. It mirrors some of the things I’ve learned over the past six years. I especially appreciated the introductory material where Don writes personally about the differences in how his father and mother viewed his growing up years. Of particular significance is the way Don feels that his father pushed him outside of his comfort zone, in order to explore all the possibilities in life.

My own son came to such a place in his life. It was one of the most difficult choices he had to make, causing him to stretch far beyond what he believed he could do. Today he is an attorney in a large law firm in Chicago. Still, I often wonder how his life might have turned out, if he hadn’t had a father who encouraged him to try?

Well, “Whisker Rubs” offers to shine a bright light into the darkness on the subject of boys who, today, are struggling with difficulties related to their own masculinity and self-esteem.

Call it inadvertent, or the law of unintended consequences, but there isn’t any doubt. Today, boys have a serious problem. Much of it comes from the fact that there may not be a positive male role model in their lives. Even though they may be doing their best as single parents, moms can only do their part of the job. A boy needs a man in his life, to teach some of life’s most important lessons.

“Whisker Rubs” in no way denigrates women. The book simply points out the importance of both the feminine and the masculine influences necessary as a boy grows into a man.

“Whisker Rubs” is divided into three main sections. In the first, Stages of Bewilderment, Don takes the reader through the same minefield that boys encounter as they grow up. From there, he tackles the consequences in our society after feminism entered the culture. The final section offers the most hope as it explains what men need in order to feel fulfilled.

“Whisker Rubs” is an important book because it doesn’t simply lay out what’s gone wrong for boys and men in our society. Nor does it lay the blame solely on women or the feminist movement. Don also offers answers and solutions.

I appreciate this because, when I set out to write books, especially for boys, I did so with the same knowledge that boys are different, their interests are different, and their emotional needs are different. There is no way we can cram boys and girls into the same mold. My action-adventures & mysteries, written especially for boys 8 – 13, are filled with danger, excitement, and heart-pounding action.

So far, most publishers have told me that they do better, in the market place, with books that appeal to girls. It is my hope that a book like “Whisker Rubs” will be one of many initiatives that will help swing the pendulum back in the opposite direction from where it is today.

“Whisker Rubs” would be excellent for sociology study at the college level, for study in adult Sunday school classes, in counseling, or for reading by parents today.

Max Elliot Anderson
Author of Action-Adventures & Mysteries, especially for boys.
Author web site http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/
Books for Boys blog http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/
Nearly 50 pages of reviews http://www.maxbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Not enough good books for boys

There is an interesting article in the Guardian, a publication from England. According to Mr. Alan Johnson, the education secretary, there aren’t enough good books for boys. He intends to make a “boys’ bookshelf” available in every secondary school library in the country, with titles that promote “positive, modern, relevant role models for boys”.

The article goes on to explain that no one knows where the money will come from, but that Mr. Johnson has acknowledged there is a pressing problem. The author of the article goes on to point out that the idea that boys won’t read is a myth. What they do like are books with fast-paced plots and fearless characters.

2008 has been designated as the National Year of Reading, and parents are encouraged to get involved with their children.

Books for Boys & Summer Reading

It’s hard to believe, but summer is almost here. If you’re a teacher, it probably can’t come soon enough, so you can get that much needed break from the classroom.

And if you’re a parent, you’re already thinking of activities to keep your children busy and learning during those long summer days ahead.

One of the things I hear most often, concerning my action-adventures and mysteries, is that readers find it difficult to put them down. The good thing is, that’s how they were designed. Most chapters end with a cliffhanger, and the reader is never quite sure what’s going to happen next, or how the story will turn out.

Young readers have also told me that reading my books is like being in an exciting or scary movie. And wouldn’t you rather your young reader “read” a movie instead of simply watching another one?

My books have been ranked by Accelerated Reader. Six titles are rated for 4th grade, while Legend of the White Wolf is rated for 3rd grade.

If your child is like most, you’ll find that one of these books isn’t going to be enough. Make sure to check out the reviews at http://www.maxbookreviews.blogspot.com There you’ll find nearly 50 pages of reviews which represent a cross section of thinking. They will help you in making your selection of titles.

When I set out to write books for boys, it was with the intent of creating the kinds of books that would capture the imagination of kids. It is my hope that this will be your experience with your young reader this summer.

Remember, these books are enjoyed by boys, girls, and…you might be tempted to take a peek yourself. I won't tell anyone. : ))

Unlock the Mystery

This is a special hello to all the students and their parents who attended “Unlock the Mystery” earlier today in Joliet. I counted well over 100 people who came to my two sessions. I enjoyed speaking to you, and exploring the things you “saw”, on the screen in your head, as we listened to music and sound effects.

If you’re already a reader, way to go. Keep at it. If you don’t like to read very much, I encourage you to start. Find a book or magazine about a subject that interests you, and read it. When you finish, find another one and another.

As I said today, reading will help you on tests, it will help you to become more successful, and readers are the leaders others follow.

I am impressed that so many of you chose to give up a Saturday morning, to come from several schools, so you could find out more about reading and writing. Congratulations to all of you who won awards!

I hope what we learned together was helpful to you.

Max Elliot Anderson

Start boys reading early

This is my son, Jim, when he was much younger. I use it to illustrate a point. Boys, even if they don’t like to read, WILL read what interests them. In Jim’s case, from the day he was born, was attracted to sports. I used to joke that he was never without a ball, from some sport, in his hand. Here, his grandfather snapped a picture of him reading the sports page.

If you have children in your life, who aren’t particularly interested in reading, make sure to experiment. Once you find something they like, feed that with as much material as possible.

Some parents have discovered that it works well to read out loud to their young children first. I’d suggest that you go to the library and bring home a carload of different books. Soon you’ll have two stacks. One stack will represent material that he / she hates, while the other pile will help you to turn on the light switch of reading in your child.

Often times you’ll find that your child is happy to take over reading, once their interests have been identified.

In order to help that along, I end most of my chapters with a cliffhanger. Readers, young and old, tell me that they find it difficult to put my books down for that very reason. And I’ve heard from many parents of reluctant boy readers. My books have turned on that switch.

Many are shocked to learn that, though I’ve written dozens of action-adventure and mystery manuscripts, I grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until my college years that I discovered a love for psychology. That’s when my reading kicked into high gear as I devoured everything in my major.

Today, Jim is an attorney in Chicago. Probably his favorite TV show is Sports Center. Yet, because of an early interest in reading, he’s grown into a voracious reader. This illustrates another point. You may be an avid reader, yet you find that your son has no interest. He may never rise to the level of your reading, but you can help to build a foundation early in his development.

So, if you go out there and find something your child is interested in, I believe he’ll begin reading too.

High school seniors lag in math, reading

There is a jarring headline in today’s paper, from The Associated Press,

“High school seniors lag in math, reading.”

Unfortunately, that’s a little like the fire department racing to the top floor of a high-rise, when the fire is actually in the basement. These high school test scores simply reflect what happened to students years before.

The scores are from the National Assessment of Education Progress and represent the 2005 test results.

More than 25% of seniors were unable to score at the basic level on the reading test. The report didn’t indicate the percentage of boys VS girls. Based on other sources of information, I suspect that it’s the boys who are largely bringing down these scores, but that’s just speculation. What we do know is that boys give up, very early, on math and reading in school.

One state commissioner of education said that we are sleeping through a crisis.

The 2005 scores were no better than when the test was last given in 2002.

I was one of those boys who didn't like to read. Unlike today, where students are encouraged to read through a number of avenues, no one noticed, or encouraged me. This is the primary reason that I now write action-adventures and mysteries, especially for boys 8 – 13. My books work with boys!

Here are just a few comments:

North Woods Poachers

For the young pre-teen and early teen male, this is a must read. I gave the book to an 11 year old boy who does not read books unless forced to, and he read it cover to cover in one setting. One of the best series of books since Tom Swift came out 40 years ago.
The “North Woods Poachers" is a really exciting story. When I finished reading it I wanted to read it again. It's better than Nancy Drew mystery stories. The characters were so real that it seemed as if I was there as an onlooker - not just reading a book. There was just enough danger without being too scary. This book is perfect for kids who like mystery stories. Kaiti Wawrzyniak - age 11

Written in the manner of a good, old-fashioned “Hardy Boys”- style mystery,
From beginning to end I was wondering what was going to happen next. I just couldn't put it down. Usually my mom has to tell me to read at least 10 pages a day but she doesn't have to with this author. Brian Baden 14 yrs old
Terror at Wolf Lake

(PS from Caleb's Mom---I am not sure if I've ever seen my son so rivetedby a book---he was hooked and totally immersed himself in this read! Allliterature should so make a child soar like this book did!)

What a great story! I was hooked from page one to the end. It is rare that anything hooks me like that…except for Star Wars, of course.

Newspaper Caper

This is Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn if they lived in modern American suburbia.

Max Elliot Anderson will have moms everywhere enthusiastic about his books about young boy's adventure books - he is writing books for our children geared at some really challenging years, sometimes referred to as the "tween" years. These books were great for ME to read - and for my 7 1/2 year old son who is just now getting into "chapter books" as he calls them.


Mountain Cabin Mystery

My grandpa sent me your book. I read it and think it is very good. I really liked the old suspension bridge. I also really like the part where Al and Scott trick the terrorists with the laser pointer and camera flash. The end where you bring in the Army is really cool.

Check out all 7 books at Amazon.com under Max Elliot Anderson.

Read nearly 50 pages of reviews at http://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Here is a link to the AP story http://crossword.uniontrib.com/news/education/20070222-1229-math-reading-scores.html

These books are now ranked by Accelerated Reader

The action-adventures and mysteries, published by Baker Trittin Press, and written by Max Elliot Anderson, for readers 8 - 13, especially boys, are now rated by Accelerated Reader (AR).

With AR, students choose books at their appropriate reading levels and read them at their own pace. Next they take a standardized quiz, written by AR. Teachers and parents get immediate feedback on the reading and vocabulary progress for each student, and the students get points for every AR book they read.

According to the AR web site, students, teachers, and parents love this program which has increased reading wherever it is used.

Newspaper Caper, Terror at Wolf Lake, North Woods Poachers, Mountain Cabin Mystery, Big Rig Rustlers, & Secret of Abbott's Cave are AR rated for 4th grade readers.

Legend Of The White Wolf is AR rated for 3rd grade readers.

Not only are these books enjoyed by boys, girls and even adults like them too. They are distributed by Baker and Taylor, and can also be found on Amazon. Children report that reading these books is like being in an exciting or scary movie.

The books are compared by readers and reviewers to a modern day Tom Sawyer, The Hardy Boys, Huck Finn, Nancy Drew, Tom Swift, Scooby-Doo, Lemony Snicket, and adventure author Jack London.

Mountain Cabin Mystery contains a plot in which the boys foil the terrorists plans of a sleeper cell. Recently, a real plot was thwarted in the author's home town of Rockford, IL. There, a terrorist planned to blow up hand grenades in the shopping mall.

All of Max Elliot Anderson's titles are relevant for young readers, and Mountain Cabin Mystery demonstrates just how relevant.

If you have any questions, you may contact the author at mander8813@aol.com

Boys, Education, and Reading

When I began writing action-adventures and mysteries for boys, about five years ago, I’d like to say that I was fully informed about the road ahead. I wasn’t that smart. What I did know, based on my research of a couple hundred books for my target age group, 8 – 13, was that I didn’t find much material that would have interested me when I was that age.

This had been the problem, I believe, that led me to avoid reading whenever possible. It was only after I had written several manuscripts, and a couple of the books had been published, that I became better informed.

I found that boys tend to be a bit behind the girls in areas of reading and math. As I spoke in schools, and asked if there was anyone who didn’t like to read, many of the boys’ hands went up. When I asked why, they gave pretty consistent answers, no matter where I went.

Then, very recently, I learned a new term. Again, this has become somewhat controversial, but here it is anyway: The Feminization of Education. The first person to tell me this term was Dr. Ray Moore. He heads an organization called Exodus Mandate. The mission is to inform parents so that they will remove their students from public schools and place them in private, Christian, or homeschools. You can find more information about Exodus Mandate at: http://www.exodusmandate.org/

I began to do a little research, and uncovered the following web sites. While I don’t personally stand behind any one of them, I found the information extremely interesting, as it relates to why boys have difficulty in finding reading enjoyable.

Business Week - The New Gender Gap
http://www.arlindo-correia.com/boys_and_girls.html

ABC - Can Boys Really Not Sit Still in School? http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=1545271

Supporting Our Sons http://www.supportingoursons.org/index.html

Teaching Our Boys http://www.aw.org/s_cross/p_nielsen/TeachingourBoys.htm

Learning About Educating Boys Better http://www.csbl.org/Articles/learningabouteducatingboys.htm

Stop Feminizing our Schools - Our Boys Are Suffering http://infowars.net/articles/february2007/010207feminising.htm

Illinois Loop - Gender Bias http://www.illinoisloop.org/gender.html

LEARN NC - Reading is for the Boys (and Girls) http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/boysread0602-1

These sites provide eye-opening statistics, and real world, classroom examples. No wonder boys don’t like to read, most of them would rather be outside playing instead of sentenced to sit at their desks and “behave.”

The more I am able to get my message out about how my books address some of the problems, concerning the lack of interest, on the part of boys, in reading, the more I see doors opening.

Writing for Boys VS Writing for Girls

Over the last few years, I’ve had a chance to interact with parents, teachers, professional educators, acquisitions editors, publishers, and young readers.

Something I learned years ago, while I was involved in the business of producing and distributing films for kids, was this. Boys would enjoy a boy’s story, but not one specifically intended for girls. Girls liked both.

I used this background as the model for the books I would write. On the publishing side, I ran into stiff objections and a lot of rejections.

But you should hear the people who live in the marketplace, as they relate how my books are different, and why they work with boys. Here is just one example.
“Women and girls tend to love details. Guys hate ‘em. I doubt if it was a woman who first said, ‘Cut to the chase.’”

All of that to say this. Even though I grew up with three sisters, and my wife and I have raised a son and a daughter, there is no way I know what a girl feels inside; her emotions, thought process, or other things that make us so different. I’ve been asked several times to write for girls, and I don’t feel qualified.

My first target is boys. I know from the inside what a boy is like, what he feels, how he thinks, and what is important to him. And you should see the intensity with which parents, teachers, and boys are reporting back to tell me that my books are something unique. Families, libraries, and schools tend to buy all 7 titles.

I’m not saying I’ll never attempt to write a book for girls. It might be a good exercise. But for the time being, I’m going to continue on my path of writing action-adventures and mysteries especially for boys.

My books are ranked by Accelerated Reader, and distributed by Baker & Taylor.

Author web site http://www.maxbooks.9k.com
Nearly 50 pages of reviews http://www.maxbookreviews.blogspot.com

Why My Books Are Working With Boys

One of the most rewarding aspects of publishing books for kids, is when I hear back from a reader, parent, or teacher. Here’s a classic from the parent of a reluctant boy reader. This mother recounted what happened when her son began reading LEGEND OF THE WHITE WOLF.

She said, “I was sitting in the family room the other day when my very reluctant reader son came storming into the room. He had been reading your book, LEGEND OF THE WHITE WOLF. He walked up to where I was sitting, and slammed the book onto the coffee table. ‘I know what that guy is trying to do,’ he fumed.”

“Who?”

“The guy who wrote that book,” he pointed in defiance to the book on the table. “I know what he’s doing.”

“What?”

“He’s trying to get me to read the next chapter.”

“What do you mean?”

“’Well look.’ He picked up the book and turned to the end of the chapter he had just finished. ‘Listen.’”

“Then he read the cliffhanger ending to that chapter, slapped the book closed, and said, ‘See, he’s just trying to make me read the next chapter!’ Then he stomped off to his room and did exactly that.”

She went on to tell me that whatever I was doing, to please continue, because it was working with her boy.

My books are fast-paced. They have shorter sentences, and I don’t spend a lot of time on details. The books are filled with humor, suspense, and heart-pounding action. These are reasons why kids tell me that reading one of my books is like being in an exciting or scary movie.

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.