Every secondary school should have a boys’ bookshelf packed with spy novels and action stories to encourage more boys to read,J the Education Secretary, Alan JohnsonJtold the Fabian Society. They needed “not just Jane Austen, but a necessary dose of Anthony Horowitz as well”. He was referring to the writer of the popular Alex Rider espionage series.
Mr Johnson also announced aJnew drive to recruit more men as primary school teachers to provide role model for boys. Officials suggested that books which schools should be offering to boys could include Raven’s Gate by Mr Horowitz, The Fall by Robert Muchamore and Bloodtide by Melvin Burgess.