Patrick Downs recommends True Talents because “it has a lot of action, and it is very nice to read.”

Greenville, SC -- When Berea High Media Specialist Madeline Fletcher discovered that the school missed making AYP by just one category, she came up with a brilliant idea.  She decided to create a book club just for boys called BAd BOyZ ReAD. Mrs. Fletcher encouraged male students to join by purchasing hundreds of books targeted to them. The most popular books have titles like Blokhedz, Tiger, Upstate, and The Making of Dr. Truelove.

Fletcher also knows the way to a boy’s heart is through his stomach, so she offered fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and pizza (along with lots of Texas Pete!) during the lunch-time meetings. By the end of last school year, the BAd BOyZ ReAD book club had more attracted more than 100 students. For many, this was the first time they sat down to read a book.

The students are responsible for reviewing the books they’ve read with Mrs. Fletcher. After discussing elements of the book, Fletcher gives each student the opportunity to get extra credit in one of his classes. Even though the extra credit reward is very small, it gives the students an incentive to read, she said.  “The boys really enjoy talking with someone one-on-one about what they have read. I believe these conversations are one of the main reasons this program has been such a success,” she said.

Glam Girls meet during lunch to discuss the books they’re currently reading.

Fletcher was overwhelmed with pride when Quincy came to the library and told her, “My mom was so proud of me for reading, and I’m proud of myself.” And for Joshua, reading became an important part of his life. “Before the club I wasn’t reading at all, and now I’m reading about two books a month,” he proudly told her.

BAd BOyZ ReAD has been such a hit that the girls wanted a book club, too. Instructional Coach Megan Bishop spearheaded the creation of the Glam Girls club last October, encouraging girls to read well-written books with strong female lead characters. 
“I believe that improving students’ abilities to read will positively impact student achievement in all facets of their education.” She explained. “It is also vital for students to read purely for enjoyment. Glam Girls addresses both of these needs at our school.”
Glam Girls has been so popular that there is a waiting list. Up to 60 girls can participate each month, so if a girl cannot attend one month’s meeting she can sign up to participate the next month.  The girls especially love being able to sit together for a few minutes and chat with other club members in an environment where no boys are allowed.

Bishop said she knew the moment Glam Girls was having an impact when one student came up to her and asked how she could join. “She told me that she thought joining Glam Girls and reading with us might help her improve her ability to read,” said Bishop.

The unbelievable success of BAd BOyZ ReAD and Glam Girls has been a great asset at Berea High. “Students hold it as a matter of pride to participate in BAd BOyZ and Glam Girls and to read as many books as possible. Everywhere you turn students are reading.”

Like the Glam Girls’ motto says, “Books, Beauty, Brains…It’s all about the B.”

# # #