Kristy Valenti begins a series of columns for the Comixology website examining connections between gender and reading habits, especially vis-a-vis comics. The first installment focuses on boys, and Valenti quotes educator Christine Welldon’s advice for encouraging reading habits among boys:
First, select the titles boys love to read. Be sure to get Captain Underpants, because the cartoon format and simple-but-crude plots are perfect for boys. Graphic novels are also popular and the simple comic book is great for reluctant readers.