“Never make reading a chore”

“Never make reading a chore”

by James McCann, former reluctant reader, former bookseller, now library digital services technician and author of teen books. Excerpted from Jump-Starting Boys by Pam Withers and Cynthia Gill (Viva Editions). Reading is important because it opens up your mind to new...
A parent’s greatest gift

A parent’s greatest gift

What’s the greatest gift parents can give their child? Taking care of their own emotional health. When a parent struggles with anxiety, depression or anger issues, there is a hundred percent chance the children will be affected by it. On the other hand, when parents...
Who reads what? Male vs female tastes

Who reads what? Male vs female tastes

Nonfiction books checked out at primary school libraries: 75% cent to boys, 25% to girls. Book readers overall: men, 46%; women 54%. Literary readers: men, 37%; women, 63%. Heavy readers: men, 29%; women, 71%. Readers of science fiction and horror: men, 17%; women,...
Writing toolbox for kids

Writing toolbox for kids

Tools such as storyboards, writing frames, scaffolds, and templates allow kids to use their analytical skills. For instance, if your child can remember the acronym POWER, it will help get him started: P is for plan, O is for organize, W is for write, E is for edit,...