In this article, the author takes a critical look at what counts as literacy for preadolescent and adolescent talented boys. Arguably, there exists a population of boys who demonstrate strong verbal abilities, as measured by standardized verbal assessments and classroom performance, yet indicate a lack of enthusiasm when encountering print-based…

Combines a personal anecdote involving success with one aliterate student and results of research on the reading habits of adolescents. Presents an annotated list of 50 books for "tough guys" that match the reading habits of that particular group. (RS)

Poses the question of why coming-of-age stories about girls are usually published as juveniles while those about boys originate on adult book lists. Challenges the conventional wisdom on how best to market young adult literature. (FL)

One cannot alter the instinctive respect for courage by steering the young onto literature describing peaceful events rather than violent ones. The adolescent's desire to explore his virtues by entering imaginatively into tragic or violent events is too deep to be eradicated. (Author/SJL)

Summarizes research on reading preferences of boys and girls, the relationship of these preferences to reading ability, the availability of materials for boys, and the notion of a female versus a male morality. The implications of these factors for building a well-balanced children's collection are also considered. (nine references) (MES)

Describes observations of recreational reading material selection by kindergarten and first-grade boys and girls. Discussion covers gender-related preferences in choices of recreational library materials, fiction and non-fiction choices, flexibility in reading choices, and gender roles. Observations made in 1983 and 1984 are appended. Five sources…