In an inspiring move, 11-year-old Tyler Davis from St. Louis has launched a book club titled “Pages for Brothers” aimed at enhancing literacy and celebrating diverse literature among his fellow students. Faced with a lack of representation in the books available to him, Tyler decided to take action rather than settle for stories that didn’t resonate with him.
“If you visit the library at my school, you won’t find many books focusing on African American authors or stories,” Tyler shared during an interview. His motivation stemmed from a memorable visit to a local bookstore that specializes in African American children’s literature, where he was visibly engaged while reading on the floor. Tyler’s mother, Linda Johnson, documented this moment in a Facebook live video that quickly gained traction, amassing over 60,000 views.
This viral moment prompted the duo to brainstorm ways to foster a love for reading within their community. The result was a book club that meets weekly, focusing on boys aged eight to eleven. With a current membership of around ten enthusiasts, the club is steadily growing.
Statistics highlight the need for such initiatives, as boys are consistently lagging behind girls in reading proficiency across various educational levels, according to a report by the Center on Education Policy. The disparity is evident from elementary through high school, with 79% of girls achieving proficiency in reading compared to only 72% of boys.
Tyler recognizes that representation in literature is crucial. “I love reading, but it’s even more fun to read with friends. I want to keep this going because reading is something I truly enjoy,” he expressed. The club discusses a selected book each week, having previously enjoyed titles like “The Lemonade Escapade” by Ty Allan Jackson and “Hidden Figures.” For Black History Month, they tackled “A Song for Harlem: Scraps of Time” by Patricia McKissack.
Membership to “Pages for Brothers” costs $20, which includes a book-related worksheet and a snack. Beyond the tangible benefits, the true value lies in the culture, literature, and representation they provide. As Tyler and his peers dive into stories where they can see themselves reflected, they cultivate a love for reading that can last a lifetime.
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In summary, Tyler’s initiative not only enriches the reading experiences of boys in his community but also addresses the broader issue of representation in literature, ultimately fostering a more inclusive reading culture.