* The Gender Divide. Ofsted and Equal Opportunities Commission, London, pound;7.95. www.ofsted.gov.uk.

* Accelerated Learning in the Classroom, by Alistair Smith (Network Educational Press pound;15.95).

* Raising Boys, by Steve Biddulph (ThorsonsHarper Collins pound;8.99).

* Raising Boys’ Achievement, by Jon Pickering (Network Press pound;12.95).

* Raising Boys’ Achievement in Schools, edited by Kevan Bleach (Trentham Books pound;15.99).

* Improving Boys’ Performance, by Geoff Hannan (Heinemann pound;20.99).

* Schooling the Boys: masculinities and primary schooling, by Christine Skelton (Buckingham pound;16.99).

* What About the Boys? issues of masculinity in schools, edited by Wayne Martino and Bob Meyenn (Open University Press pound;15.99). Contributions from leading researchers from Australia, the United States and the UK.

* Bringing the Best Out in Boys: communication strategies for teachers, by Lucinda Neall (Hawthorn Press pound;14.99).

* Children’s Reading Choices, by Christine Hall and Martin Coles (RoutledgeFalmer pound;14.99)

* How to Raise Boys’ Achievement, by Colin Noble, Jerry Brown and Jane Murphy (David Fulton pound;14). Good practical coverage with case studies on underachievement.

Children’s Fiction

* Flour Babies, by Anne Fine (Longman pound;6.25. Standard edition: Puffin pound;5.99).For children in key stages 2 and 3, but also a must-read for teachers, this funny novel by the Children’s Laureate highlights the lengths to which boys will go to avoid writing. How to Write Really Badly, also by Anne Fine and illustrated by Philippe Dupasquier (Egmont Books, pound;3.99) has a similar theme, but is for younger readers.

Teacher packs

* Improving Boys’ Performance. Geoff Hannan (Heinemann pound;47.25).

* Raising Boys’ Achievement Resource Pack (posters, leaflets, video - primary and secondary versions available), pound;39.50 plus pound;2.50 pamp;p. Plus Sprout - “a catalyst exploring issues around raising boys’

achievement and tackling an anti-swot culture”. Video with teachers’

support pack, pound;40 plus pound;2.50 pamp;p, and Let’s Hear it for the Boys (leaflet for parents of boys new to Year 7 and middle school), 10p. All published by Kirklees School Effectiveness Service, 01484 225793.

Other resources

* www.cool-reads.co.uk is a website compiled by two teenage boys, devoted to books they have enjoyed.

* Many public libraries have done local studies on boys and reading, and some have produced information leaflets. Hampshire Libraries’ Dads and Lads programme has been successful in breaking down barriers to reading, and in introducing boys and men to literature. Contact Anne Marley, Hampshire Schools Library Service on 01962 826658.

* The National Reading Campaign runs a Reading Champions programme to recognise men and boys’ achievements in introducing other men and boys to books. Teachers, pupils, librarians, youth workers and family are involved. See: www.readon.org.uk; tel: 020 7828 2435.

* Achieving the National Healthy School Standard by Raising Boys’

Achievement, by Gary Wilson. Published by the Health Development Agency this month. It will be sent free to all schools but other copies will be available from: www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk.

A full list of resources can be found at www.tes.co.uk