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To Turn Boys Into Readers, Gross Them Out

Publishers embrace books about farts, boogers, blood

By Sam Biddle, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 8, 2008 11:18 AM CDT

(Newser) – Young boys, who trail far behind their female peers as readers, are reversing that trend with help from publishers who seek to exploit their love for everything gross. The Wall Street Journal examines the wave of children's’ titles rife with farts, boogers, blood, and flesh-eating bacteria—and talks with some grown-ups who don't see a problem.

Scholastic’s ‘Wicked History’ series of bloodthirsty leaders is selling well, as is its "24/7: Science Behind the Scenes” series, featuring books with vivid illustrations of rotting limbs. Some wildly popular books aimed at boys skip the quasi-educational content altogether, but the challenge, says the publisher of Sir Fartsalot Hunts the Booger, is to "pull a boy away from a videogame."

Publishers are going after young boys with books that revel in their grossness. (Penguin Group)

Publishers are going after young boys with books that revel in their grossness. (Scholastic)

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To Turn Boys Into Readers, Gross Them Out

Publishers embrace books about farts, boogers, blood

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

education • children • reading • Scholastic • book • children's books • Penguin Group

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Does Surfing Equal Reading?

Experts debate whether kids' online time is as educational as hitting the books

Publisher Fights Lefty Bias in Kids' Lit

Is this rabbit a communist?

Lame Dads Rule in Kids Books

Old dad, poor dad as out of it as ever in kid lit

Death of Reading Greatly Exaggerated

Author Eggers pooh-poohs skeptical pundits, says it's 'as alive as ever'

Don't Get Comfy, Harry Potter

Dr. Seuss, EB White win popularity contest over Rowling

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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What is Newser?