Guys Write for Guys Read

February 21, 2005
An outgrowth of Scieszka's Guys Read Web-based literacy initiative to encourage boys to read, this volume reveals a rich array of voices, styles and approaches. The 90 children's authors' and illustrators' pieces reveal memories that defined their boyhoods and, in many cases, launched them on their career paths. Anticipating their audience, the contributors keep their works succinct and enticing, allowing boys to skip about, and dip in and out. What emerges is an affecting, articulate composite of the humiliations and triumphs of youth, touching on themes of sports, girls, school, fathers, brothers and the creative process. Terry Davis and David Klass share moving recollections of their fathers; Jack Prelutsky presents a lively poem about boys as well as a harrowing tale of his close encounter with a zoo lion; Gordon Korman offers a snappy enumeration of "Guy Things"; David Shannon recalls creating the first version of No, David!
at the age of five (a reproduction of that early attempt is included); and Scieszka relays a comic—kid-pleasingly graphic—account of a family car trip on which the pet cat's upset stomach sets off a chain reaction. Though the tone of the entries ranges from comic to poignant and will resonate with readers to varying degrees, all convey a remarkable candor and eagerness to reach out to boys. Lloyd Alexander, Avi, Eoin Colfer, Jack Gantos, David Macaulay, Dav Pilkey, Walter Dean Myers, Peter Sís, Jerry Spinelli and Laurence Yep are among the others who enrich this inspiring revelation of what it means to be a guy. Ages 11-up.