Gifted Male Readers: Current Understandings and Suggestions for Future Research

Abstract

Research literature concerning gifted male readers relies primarily on more extensive bodies of work regarding gifted males and male readers. Studied as a whole, the two halves portray a worrisome state of affairs for gifted male readers, who lag behind their female counterparts in the same patterns found across the ability spectrum. This literacy gender gap manifests in males' reading behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs and has persisted both historically and globally. This article incorporates research from diverse fields of study to synthesize existing knowledge on gifted male readers and to offer insights regarding new avenues for research.

Keywords:

• gender
• gender differences
• gifted
• language arts
• literacy
• males
• reading
• talented readers