One of the
concerns of educators in the Caribbean is the fact that the children are so reluctant
to read, especially the boys. As a writer of fiction for Caribbean children, I keep trying
to discover what would be of interest to our children and give them joy in
reading books. Following is a conversation I had with a boy in Jamaica.
Q. Bradley how old are you, and what
grade are you in at school?
A.
I am nine and in Grade 5 at school.
Q.
What books do you like to read?
A.
Non-fiction books about science, animals, earth and the environment.
Q. What non-fiction books have you read recently?
A. One called Reptiles, and one about chameleons which
change colour to match their environment or their moods.
And one about hurricanes in the Caribbean
change colour to match their environment or their moods.
And one about hurricanes in the Caribbean
Q.
Do you read any fiction?
A.
Sometimes in library sessions at school. I prefer non-fiction.
Q.
Do you read fiction by Caribbean authors?
A.
Yes.
Q.
What stories have you read recently?
A.
Caesar and the 3 Robbers by Jean D’Costa and
Bernie and the Captain’s Ghost by Hazel D. Campbell
Bernie and the Captain’s Ghost by Hazel D. Campbell
Q.
Why did you choose those books?
A.
My grandmother said I should read them.
Q.
What other fiction have you read recently?
A.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Q.
Apart from books, what else do you read?
A.
Stuff on the computer, like things
about world
problems in the environment and strange animals,
and when there are disasters. I play games on the
computer and I watch things on YouTube.
I saw something about the White Witch of Rosehall,
a Jamaican story, on YouTube
problems in the environment and strange animals,
and when there are disasters. I play games on the
computer and I watch things on YouTube.
I saw something about the White Witch of Rosehall,
a Jamaican story, on YouTube
Q.
What do you watch on cable?
A.
National Geographic, Avatar, Johnny
Test,
The Suite Life on Deck and funny shows.
The Suite Life on Deck and funny shows.
Q. What would you like Caribbean authors to write about
in their stories.
in their stories.
A. Stories with the sea and sea
animals, scary stories, funny stories.
Stuff like that.
Stuff like that.
So, Caribbean writers of children's stories, what do you think? Are we writing stories which will woo and excite our boys into reading for pleasure?
Came across this relevant discussion.
http://www.k12reader.com/boys-and-reading/
