Jump-Starting Boys: Help Your Reluctant Learner Find Success in School and Life

by Cynthia Gill, Pam Withers

Everyone knows that boys are falling behind in education. Largely left out of the discussion are parents of boys, who are most aware that their bright, eager sons hit an invisible wall somewhere near fourth grade, after which they become disengaged, discouraged, and disaffected. There are dozens of books on underachieving boys, but most parents brave enough to lift one off the shelf are instantly intimidated by the footnotes, graphs, case studies, and academic-speak addressed almost entirely to educators. What about the average guilt-ridden, frustrated mother or father of an underachieving boy?

Jump-Starting Boys is the first book on the market that empowers parents, helping them reclaim the duties and rewards of raising their children and navigate the influences of school and media. Filled with reassurance and support, the authors turn fear and guilt into can-do confidence. Through easy tips and action list sidebars, this is the most practical, readable book on the topic.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Education

308 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

MA LMFT

Reviews

[Maranda Griffiths · Rating 2 out of 5]

In addition to being poorly written with no real intro or conclusion and way too many bulleted lists of statistics, this book has almost nothing to do with encouraging reluctant learners. It was 80% getting your kid to read and 15% manners and respect; personally my boys have problems with neither of those issues. Suggestions are few and obvious (let them read books they like. really?) and had nothing to do with school performance or life.

I'm really sorry I spent money on it.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and it confirmed for me many of the things that I already thought about boys, reading, school and society in general. I wish teachers would focus more on boys and what their interests are. In an effort to encourage girls, it seems as tho boys, their interests and learning styles have been forgotten. There are several suggestions that I will take from this book. Instituting a reading time each day where everyone reads, for example. How can we expect our boys to read when everyone else is doing something "fun." Another suggestion is Dad modeling good "reading for enjoyment" behaviors and skills. This may seem like common sense but in our fast paced world I think these things are lacking or could be better. When video games are high on your son's priority it is not always easy to convince him that reading books can be worthwhile. I would definitely recommend this book to parents of reluctant readers. Even tho a lot of this info we already know, it is a good reminder to put it into practice.

[ITaylor ITaylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

While parents may "feel" that their sons are falling behind in school, and teachers may have evidence of the shift in boys' academic performance, the reasons why this is occurring and what to do about it are not as clear. This issue, and ways parents and teachers can help boys to achieve and do well in school, is the topic of the newly released book, Jump-Starting Boys: Help Your Reluctant Reader Find Success in School and Life by Pam Withers and Cynthia Gill.

This easy-to-read handbook sets the stage for readers by discussing the reasons why somewhere around fourth grade, bright, eager, and up until then, engaged boys begin to fail in school, and become discouraged reluctant learners.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't have a reluctant boy learner right now, but I think all kids can be unmotivated at times and hopefully this book will have some useful advice. Taking notes...
- "A misbehaving child is a discouraged child." -Alfred Adler
- www.guysread.com
- "We know now that kids who tap their feet are not doing so because they're bad....They're doing it because it accesses a physical motor memory that facilitates focusing....When the teacher yells, 'Focus!' it stops the tapping - but it also stops the learning." - Jonathan Mooney

Lots of interesting info in this book, and a great list of resources for further reading.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about boys and the problems they face in terms of learning and how successful the can be if encouraged to read at an early age. I was disappointed in this book because I was hoping for more suggestions on helping my son be more enthusiastic about reading and learning. The suggestion of giving him books on subjects he enjoys was too simplistic and not enough to get more of the initial motivation to get him started on reading more.

[Farica · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son loves to read however it is difficult to motivate him to pick up a book. I did not realize just how important it is to encourage boys to read. This book has enlightened me as to how I can promote reading and literacy in order to secure a niche for my son in a society that generally does not acknowledge reading as the key to a successful future for boys and men.

[Vicki Barnes · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are wanting help with your reluctant learner this would not be the best 'how to' book. They spend more time on statistics and how boys and girls differ in their learning curve although they do have several websites and books that they list- they will probably help you more in the long run.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skimmed and found wanting. Besides rightfully suggesting that boys get an early start reading, not much was offered in the way of solutions for reluctant teenage learners.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous book over all!! Every parent and educator could learn something from this book. I wish the teachers at my son’s school read this! It’s wonderful!! The only point that I do disagree with is the topic of violence & sexuality in reading. Though I am a big believer in letting our boys choose what they read to become book lovers, I am NOT a believer in allowing them to read sexually explicit, vulgar, or violent material. What they read DOES matter, and they do play out and repeat what they read, just as in what they see on tv or in video games. As parents and teachers, we still need to be aware of what they are reading and use our best mora judgement when questionable books arise. All of this said though, I was actually relieved to find a book (finally!!) in support of boy’s education and love of reading (even writing!). It is much different than that if girls, and it deserves more attention within our education system. Let’s keep this discussion going and continue advocating for our kiddos!!

[Gita Arimanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives some useful tips to get boys to read and write more

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book in terms of imparting information about the sad state of boys and literacy in the U.S. As the mother of a teenage son, I work really hard to find ways to get my son to read. I am a big reader and know that it is important to read. But the last few chapters of this book lay out the life-long implications for boys who never become readers - pretty grim.

Lots of helpful strategies for getting boys to read. I highly recommend this book!

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

The title is very misleading. Not at all what it implies. Skimmed most of it and main premise is to make sure your boys continue to read for pleasure throughout their school years (not just required in school). No practical solutions on how to help your teen get excited about school. Maybe more helpful for parents of elementary school aged boys.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, not exactly what I needed but some good information. I could see myself re-checking this in the future for a specific issue. Lots of good "additional resources" information.

[Novanz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt like a collection of quotes and references from other people's work, with no real 'voice' from the author. Turned interesting content into a tiresome read, to me.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on the way boys learn!

[Pam Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KclAf...