I Grew Up Hating to Read

When he grew up, Max Elliot Anderson hated to read. This was ironic because his father was an author who has published 77 books. Five years ago Max decided to look into why he didn't like to read. That research resulted in his decision to begin writing the kinds of books he would have enjoyed as a child.

The Jan. 30, 2006 issue of Newsweek carried a cover story warning, "The Boy Crisis. At Every Level of Education, They're Falling Behind. What to Do?" Since reluctant reading is primarily a problem for boys, Max is finding that his books are filling an important need.

His professional background has always involved the production of films, television commercials and video programs. He began to incorporate some of those visual concepts into his writing. For example, readers won't find these books to be heavy on descriptions. Boys want a story that moves rapidly. Anderson also chose to write each story with completely different characters, setting, and plot. As a child, he could never accept the concept of a group of friends, or cousins, or a brother and sister who would get up, every Saturday morning, go out into the back yard and save the world ... again.

Letters and emails from readers and their parents indicate that these new books are working. Yet, not only are they enjoyed by reluctant boy readers, but avid boy readers, girls and even adults get swept away in the action.

Here is just a sampling of the comments that he regularly receives about these unique books.

A mother writes, "I can't believe it ... as the concerned mother of two struggling readers ... who is also the daughter of a children's librarian ... I think I have purchased every book recommended for reluctant readers However, they have all fallen short until today. We were able to purchase Newspaper Caper ... and we're hooked!"

A teacher reported, "This year, we started with your Legend of the White Wolf. The students are already finished with it. Our school only planned on using three of your books for the whole year. Now we'll have to buy more titles."

Another mother said, "At last we've found something that will interest him in reading."

A school administrator wrote, "It is a joy to see our students, especially boys, asking for more! I can recommend every book without hesitation. While reading Terror at Wolf Lake, I had trouble putting the book down. Max Elliot Anderson, the author of the series, has a unique ability to keep the reader on the edge of their seat ..."

It is often said in business, find a need and fill it. We have a need to capture the interest and imagination of the next generation, or risk losing our readers. Today, kids have so many other, more visual distractions with television, computers, video games and DVDs. It takes a different kind of book to hold their interest.

These books will hold their interest, and are excellent for summer reading programs. There are seven books available at this time and they are available on Amazon. A total of 34 manuscripts have been written, so there should be a steady supply in the future.

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, Tom Swift, Scooby-Doo and adventure author Jack London.

Children have said that reading one of Max Elliot Anderson's mysteries or adventures is like being in an exciting or scary movie.