Book Review

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of being interviewed on Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein’s radio program. In preparation for that interview, she sent me a copy of her new book, THE TRUTH (I’m a girl, I’m smart and know everything). The book is cleverly disguised as the diary of a young girl.

This format interested me because my wife and I have raised a son and a daughter. Picking up the book felt more like discovering my daughter’s diary and, even though you know you shouldn’t, you begin to read it. I found the book to be refreshing. Even though I primarily write action-adventures & mysteries for tween boys, 8 – 12, I found this book to be interesting.

From the perspective of a young girl, writing her diary, we learn about her feelings concerning important issues in life that matter to her. She talks about struggles with her parents, issues surrounding love, and gives her thoughts about growing up.

Because this is not a true diary, the book is useful to parents and girls who are interested in gaining a better understanding of themselves and each other.

Young girls can enjoy it as they look forward, and adults will enjoy it as they look back and remember.

Max Elliot Anderson
Author

Author web pagehttp://www.maxbooks.9k.com/

Books for Boys bloghttp://booksandboys.blogspot.com/

50 Pages of Reviewshttp://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Books for Young Readers

Reports from several sectors indicate that our nation is in danger of creating a generation of nonreaders. The reasons are varied, however, there are a few distractions that seem constant.

Children are now raised in an environment where they regularly use cell phones, iPods, computers, and video games. They also spend hours watching television and DVDs.

I often speak to students in schools. In the opening of each program, students are shocked to hear, “Something is being stolen from you, every day, and you don’t even realize it. That something is your imagination.”

Because of all of their electronic devices, children are not required to think, or to imagine. Everything has already been packaged for them, and they simply soak in what someone else has decided they should think or feel. Many don’t go outside and play like children of previous generations.

Several of today’s books for young readers are missing the mark, by not understanding that there has been a major shift in our culture. Books now need a hook, something that will grab young readers and hold them. Children can not be expected to read books that they find boring.

Toward the end of 2001, I did a survey of the books that were available. Many that I found for kids, tended to be silly, evil, or reliant on potty humor.

That’s when I decided to do something about the situation. In my own small way, I began writing books that I felt were a cross between the typical, linear page, and the highly visual world in wich young readers live.

Readers of all ages tell me that reading one of my action-adventures or mysteries is like being in – not watching, but being in – an exciting or scary movie. And it’s good scary, not bloody or horror.

I’ve begun this blog in order to speak to the issue of books for young readers, and to keep readers up to date on my activities to address the important issues.

Max Elliot Anderson
Author

Other Max Elliot Anderson resources

I grew up as a reluctant reader. Now I write action-adventures & mysteries, especially for boys 8 and up, that kids hate to put down.

The following books are Ranked by Accelerated Reader

NEWSPAPER CAPER, TERROR AT WOLF LAKE, NORTH WOODS POACHERS, MOUNTAIN CABIN MYSTERY, BIG RIG RUSTLERS, SECRET OF ABBOTT'S CAVE, & LEGEND OF THE WHITE WOLF are compared by readers and reviewers to Tom Sawyer, The Hardy Boys, Huck Finn, Nancy Drew, Harry Potter, Tom Swift, Scooby-Doo, Lemony Snicket, and adventure author Jack London.

Author web pagehttp://www.maxbooks.9k.com/

Books for Boys bloghttp://booksandboys.blogspot.com/

50 Pages of Reviewshttp://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com/