Dawn
asked
Jack Gantos:
You are one of my "go to" authors for reluctant readers, especially boys. What books (yours or others) would you recommend to a teen who just doesn't like to read?
Jack Gantos
Hmmmm. THIS BOYS LIFE. STOP-TIME. CLOCKWORK ORANGE. 1984. CATCHER IN THE RYE. HALF A LIFE. THE CAR THIEF. ON THE ROAD. CITY OF NIGHT. THE THIEF'S JOURNAL. THE BELL JAR. ... and take a look at Mellville Press on line. They have a novella collection which is quite good--classics, but shorter. I think a lot of those reluctant readers are just looking for books that have great story surface and great emotional resonance. In short, they want the best books in a short package.
More Answered Questions
Laurel Levesque
asked
Jack Gantos:
I read Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key to my 5th grade class every year and was wondering if your new book would be appropriate to read to ten year olds. I find some of the subject matter in Joey a little mature for them (especially all of mom's drinking) but they love all the trouble Joey gets himself into! Also, my ADD kids relate to Joey, but ask if the events happened. Can you answer this question for them?
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