Secret of Abbott’s Cave makes use of a police scanner that leads the boys into nabbing bank robbers when they find the loot in a private cave.

Legend of the White Wolf takes place in Wyoming . The main character has saved the life of a white wolf when it was just a pup. Now that adult wolf is shadowing his every move, and even saves his life twice. It’s a different twist on a boy-and-his-dog story.

Most of my stories would be like these, although some are quite different.

What goes on inside the mind of kids who hate reading? How do you think parents should approach this problem?

Each year, I have the opportunity to speak in several schools. I always ask the question, “Is there anyone who doesn’t like to read?” Immediately several hands go up. Most of these are boys. As other students look around the room to see how many hands have been raised, more go up.

Then I ask, “Why?”

The answers are pretty much the same no matter where I go. Kids tell me that books are boring, too slow, and not very exciting. When I ask what they’d rather be doing the responses range from video games, the computer, watching movies…ANYTHING other than reading.

After I’ve described how my books are written, and why they are that way, many want to try them. The responses I get back from parents and kids are astounding. Like this one:

“I can't believe it .... as the concerned mother of two struggling readers (boys ages 13 & 16) .. 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 from Amazon and we're hooked !!!

Any other titles out there ?? Any way to convince you that we need you to write faster ??

I can't thank you enough for your efforts .......... I actually think I caught my husband listening too!!!"

Reluctant readers are often easily distracted and their minds wander. So, excess noise, talking, and television should be eliminated while they’re reading.

Parents should strike a balance with the time their children spend, possibly using video games and TV as rewards for reading first. In some instances, parents need to start reading aloud with their children in order to get the ball rolling. Be very selective when looking for material that will attract and hold interest.