Ontario parents and teachers (and librarians) were shocked this last month by results from the province's new Grade 10 literacy tests. About 32% of the 126,000 students who wrote the reading and writing tests failed one or both. In real terms this means that between one quarter and one third are failing to acquire good literacy skills and, before that, good language skills - basic abilities which are necessary for them to develop their own independence in the world. This is serious stuff since our future, too, depends on raising mature individuals who can function in society.

As a volunteer with an adult literacy program, I know from first-hand experience just how disadvantaged these children will be. I have seen how adults who cannot read feel socially outcast, - how inarticulate they become through lack of exposure to the written word, - how they try to hide their secret. There will no doubt be many more studies on this literacy problem, and it will not be easy to halt the present trend, in light of the many diversions which tempt children and tired parents away from reading, but we have to do something.

There are only so many hours in each day, but it is so important that parents set an example to their children by showing them that Mums and Dads too, need to read and indeed like to read. Parents should try to develop in their little children a desire to read, and not leave it until the child enters school. If children do not learn to read and communicate while they are young, then they are doomed, and indeed may never learn to read when they are older. Parents who feel inadequate in this way can get help. It is out there. Literacy programs will do all they can, if they are asked. The first step is the hardest but it will be worthwhile.

New books to note this month

Non-fiction.

Brehony, Kathleen.   After the Darkest Hour. How suffering begins the journey to wisdom.

Bridges, William.    The Way of Transition. Embracing life's most difficult moments.

Canfield, Jack.   Chicken Soup for the Gardener's Soul.

Carson, Anne.   The Beauty of the Husband.

Colapinto, John.   As Nature Made Him. The boy who was raised as a girl.

Consumer Reports.   Used Car Buying Guide 2001.

Covey, Stephen.   7 Habits of Highly Effective Families.

Cottage Rental Directory 2001.

Froehlich, Mary Ann.   What To Do When You Don't Know What To Say.

Harris, Marjorie.   Seasons of My Garden.

Hobbs, Thomas.   Shocking Beauty. Thomas Hobbs' innovative garden vision.

Jarvis, Cheryl.    The Marriage Sabbatical. The journey that brings you home.

Lavin, Judith.    Special Kids Need Special Parents.

Lowe, Janet.   Oprah Winfrey Speaks.

O'Donnell, James.   The Bunker. The final days of the Adolf Hitler.

Roffman, Deborah.   The Thinking Parents' Guide to Talking Sense About Sex.

Stephens, Trent.   Dark Remedy. The impact of thalidomide and its revival as a vital medicine.

Fiction.

Brookner, Anita.   Bay of Angels

Bush, Catherine.   Rules of Engagement.

Dubus, Andre.   House of Sand and Fog. An 'Oprah' book.

Erskine, Barbara.   Whispers in the Sand.

Higgins, Jack.    Edge of Darkness.

Roscoe, Patrick.   The Truth About Love.

Scottoline, Lisa.   Vendetta Defense.

Tan, Amy.   The Bonesetter's Daughter.

Woods, Stuart.   The Run.

           Read for Pleasure! -Frankie