Abstract
What do fifth graders read? This reading interest inventory was based on lists of books that 1079 Iowa fifth graders read for pleasure during the five-year period from 1978-1983. More girls (589) than boys (490) participated in the voluntary program and read more books (two more per year). A sample group of 100 boys and 100 girls was analyzed. Sex differentiation was apparent in the analysis. Fiction was the most frequently selected genre by both sexes. Realistic fiction was chosen twice as often as fantasy. Girls selected fiction in much greater numbers than boys, but nonfiction was selected much more frequently by the boys. The other genre were chosen in greatly reduced numbers and were not significantly sex-differentiated. The most popular titles and authors were identified and differences in theme choices were noted. Such information can aid the adult in selecting appropriate reading materials to stimulate the desire to read.
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