As long as there have been schools, there have been boys who would rather be elsewhere. Unfortunately, today too many boys do go elsewhere — dropping out or simply disengaging from what's going on in the classroom. When boys struggle in school, more than likely they are struggling with reading.

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In his book "To Be a Boy, To Be a Reader," William G. Brozo, professor of literacy at George Mason University, offers a pragmatic approach to improving literacy skills among preteen and teenage boys. This one-of-a-kind book offers ideas for using literature with positive male archetypes that will capture boys' imaginations and engender a lifetime love of literature.

Brozo provides vignettes in which teachers across the curriculum develop innovative strategies and activities using young adult books with these archetypes. He also demonstrates ways to work with adults in the community to positively influence boys' literacy behavior.

"Regardless of what we might learn about male brain chemistry or understand about boys' behavior, we know they need special attention with respect to literacy. Dimensions of masculinity should be considered when developing reading curricula or designing activities to promote independent reading habits," Brozo notes.

He cautions against simplistic solutions. "Putting an interesting book in the hands of a disengaged reader is not enough. To start boys down the literacy path, they need mentors, a supportive context, and a sustained effort to expose them to a broad range of good literature. They need to know that it’s okay to be a reader and a boy."

Brozo also sees a need for literacy beyond business' call for future employees. "We're not necessarily trying to elevate boys' reading achievement so they can continue to dominate the corporate and political institutions of the world. We think of reading as a way of enriching selfhood. If boys become better, more thoughtful readers, they may become better, more thoughtful men."

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