Author Robert Lipsyte Examines the Decline in Boys as Readers in New York Times Essay
In the New York Times essay "Boys and Reading: Is There Any Hope?," Robert Lipsyte writes:
To me and I think to many prospective readers, today’s books for boys — supernatural space-and-sword epics that read like video game manuals and sports novels with preachy moral messages — often seem like cynical appeals to the lowest common denominator. Boys prefer video games and ESPN to book versions of them. These knockoffs also lack the tough, edgy story lines that allow boys a private place to reflect on the inner fears of failure and humiliation they try so hard to brush over. Editors who ask writers of books for boys to include girl characters — for commercial reasons — further blunt the edges.
Read the entire essay here on the New York Times website.
Robert Lipsyte received the 2001 Margaret A. Edwards Award from the American Library Association for lifetime contribution to young adult literature. His most recent Y.A. novel is “Center Field.” His memoir, “An Accidental Sportswriter,” was published in May. Learn more about Robert Lipsyte and his books on his website.
