Archived Editorial for 02/26/06

Boys As Reluctant Readers
from Max Elliot Anderson

Editor: I was pleased when author Max Elliot Anderson sent me this because I too had a reluctant reading son. When I was coming up, however, there was no television, no computers, no Gameboys^™ & the like -- only books, & the radio. I had three older brothers, so most of what I read was boys' books, & of course, "The Classics". My oldest bro enjoyed a good book although he preferred making model boats & airplanes. My middle bro was an avid reader, & usually had his nose in one, even while listening to the radio! & my youngest bro hated to read anything except mechanical manuals. Now, my oldest has helped two authors write books: one about his father-in-law, Willem Kolff & The Nuts and Bolts of Life & the other about sailing Through the Land of Fire. My middle bro publishes educational books & the youngest? He still doesn't read for pleasure. So I'm glad I can give Max Elliot Anderson a forum in which to say his piece, & promote his books...

You have likely seen the January 30 issue of Newsweek with the blaring headline, "The Boy Crisis. At Every Level of Education, They're Falling Behind. What to Do?"

This especially caught my attention because I grew up as a reluctant reader. This set the stage for a long struggle all the way through school. Even though I graduated with a degree in psychology in college, it would have been much easier if I had developed a love of reading. Right from the beginning I was a reluctant reader. Even though my father is a famous author of over 70 books, I've never liked to read. Out of a family of 7 children, I'm the very last person you would ever expect to take up writing.

My life has been surrounded with the production of films, television commercials, & video programs. I shot part of a film in Germany, for the first time, at age 16. I've been involved in production ever since with a PBS Gospel Music special, hundreds of national television commercials, & countless other films & video programs until... something happened that would turn my life upside down. As a result of 9/11, my professional video production business came to a stop. In the three years that followed, I began to research why I had been a reluctant reader. After an extensive search, I set out to write the kinds of books that I would have enjoyed as a child. All the while, my focus was on just one other reluctant boy reader. & it's working!

The administrator of Aurora Christian Schools, Aurora, Illinois, reported to the ACSI board this past summer, "I have found the books to be exciting and desired by our students. The content of these books is excellent, moral, and character building. It is a joy to see our students, especially boys, asking for more!"

A teacher at Warsaw Christian School, in Warsaw, Indiana, said, "Last year our third, fourth, and fifth graders read books like Animal Farm and Sarah Plain and Tall. It was a real struggle for the boys. But this year, we started with your Legend Of The White Wolf. The students are already finished with it. Our school only planned on using three of your books for the whole year. Now we'll have to buy more titles."

Another administrator has said, "I can recommend every book without hesitation. While reading Terror At Wolf Lake I had trouble putting the book down. Max Anderson, the author of the series, has a unique ability to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. As a grandparent I am encouraged that the book creatively and appropriately weaves Christian character traits and biblical principles through the life of the main character and his friends. Parents, you will find this true of every book in the series."

In addition to comments like these, I frequently hear from parents and children:

"I can't believe it... as the concerned mother of two struggling readers... who is also the daughter of a children's librarian... I think I have purchased EVERY book recommended for reluctant readers HOWEVER, they have ALL fallen short UNTIL today. We were able to purchase Newspaper Caper... and we're hooked!!! Any way to convince you that we need you to write faster?? I can't thank you enough for your efforts."

"I gave my son (11) a couple of your books for Christmas. He is definitely a reluctant reader... I have to be on his case constantly to get him to read. When he opened the package I could tell he was not too thrilled with getting books until he saw that you wrote them. "Oh, these are THAT guy's books... thanks, Mom!" Later in the day I mentioned to him that I expected him to read the books. He said "You don't have to tell me that, Mom... I want to read them!" As a Mom who is almost never without a book in her hand, it really warmed my heart to see him excited about reading! Thanks, Max! And please, keep them coming!"

"My parents always told me it was because they loved me that they had to discipline me. I never understood what they meant until I read Reckless Runaway. Now I love my parents." A 14 year-old girl.

"Usually my Mom has to make me read, but she doesn't have to with this author." A 14 year-old boy.

Each of my books has completely different characters, setting, & plot, so you can pick out any title & dive in. You can reach me at: www.maxbooks.9k.com

Copyright Max Elliot Anderson

Editor: So if you have a reluctant reader in your nest, I encourage you to bring home one or all of Max Elliot Anderson's lively & highly readable adventures, which have been compared to: to Tom Sawyer & Huck Finn, The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Scooby-Doo & adventure author Jack London.

So far from Max Elliot Anderson:
Terror At Wolf Lake
Mountain Cabin Mystery
Newspaper Caper
North Woods Poachers
Big-Rig Rustlers
Secret Of Abbott's Cave
Legend Of The White Wolf
Reckless Runaway

Max Elliot Anderson
2006©Max Elliot Anderson