More reading for boys

I just finished BOOM! by Mark Haddon of CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG . . . fame (I can never get that title right). Anyway. There's no doubt that Haddon can write for both children and young adults. And I completely adored his adult novel A SPOT OF BOTHER (be warned, though--there are graphic bits). But BOOM! is pretty disappointing. It's a middle-grade novel for boys, based on an earlier middle-grade novel Haddon wrote that went in and out of print pretty quickly. The premise is this: two friends begin to suspect that several of their teachers are aliens. Real ones.

The first half is terrific--funny and snappy and yes. I wanted to find out what happens. But the second half of the novel fell flat for me, although it's possible that young boys might like the wack-a-doo humor. I could be wrong about this, but it feels like Haddon sort of wrote himself into a corner and didn't know how to get out of it. I've done that myself. A lot, actually.

For Hamburger Club this weekend we went to Best Burger in North Salt Lake, which is my Brother the Doctor's fave joint. I liked it. The best thing was the fry sauce which had a smoky taste and bouquet.

I know. It's a problem when I start talking about fry sauce as though it's a wine.

Seriously?

It's Wednesday?

Not only haven't I blogged all week, I haven't even written a column. WHICH WAS DUE MONDAY. What's my deal? (Answer: I don't know what my deal is.)

So. Anyway. I better get busy. But before I do I want to mention a book I read this weekend called THE STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODA by Tom Angleberger (I almost said Origami Yoga there--another bit of evidence to support the idea my brain is not firing on all its pistons today). Anyway. It's a terrific middle-grade novel for boys (and maybe even girls, too). It's about a clueless boy named Dwight who never gets any attention from peers until he starts wearing a "magic" paper puppet on his finger.

The chapters are "case studies" written by different kids whose problems are somehow solved by Yoda (or solved by Yoda they were). It's very funny. And sweet. And I'm buying copies for me and my nephews.

But first a column I have to write. And a cupcake I must eat.

Boyz

Yes! I love spelling "boys" that way. It makes me feel so gangsta.

Anyway. I may have posted on a smiliar topic months ago, but I've forgotten if I did, and I hope you did, too. I'm speaking in a few weeks about "boys" and "books," and I'd appreciate any input you can give me by answering any of the questions that follow.

1. What books have the boys in your life liked (titles and ages would be helpful).
2. Why did/do your boys like those books?
3. What kind of books do your boys not like? Feel free to share dealbreakers here.
4. Why is the market for children and YA (this is a true stat) 80% female? In other words, why do girls appear to like reading more than boys?
5. Any tips for getting boys to read?

Thank you, readers. I love you.