Getting kids to read anything other than what’s on their smartphones is tougher than ever these days.

The Weapon Of Mass Instruction

Argentinian artist Raul Lemesoff constructed what he calls “La Arma de Instruccion Masiva,” or “The Weapon of Mass Instruction.” It’s a 1979 Ford Falcon that he converted into a tank that shoots books instead of artillery shells. Lemesoff uses it to deliver books to local schools, kids and, well, anybody else that’s willing to take one. “My missions are very dangerous,” he explained. “I attack people in a very nice and fun way.“ Lemesoff provides the books free of charge but there is a stipulation: Those who take one must promise to actually read it.

Tundra Tales

The Green Bay Packers rolled out its fifth annual “Tundra Tales” program end of 2015. It encourages kids in grades four through six to improve their reading skills. If they manage to read at least 60 minutes per week outside of school for eight weeks, they’ll receive free tickets to the Packers’ Hall of Fame. Tracking sheets were available on the team’s website and participants must have a parent sign it in order to confirm that they actually did the reading. Tundra Tales has proven successful over the years. According to the Packers’ press office, 5,000 kids from across Wisconsin participate in the program.

Guys Read

Various studies show that convincing boys to read is tougher than it is with girls. That’s why author Jon Scieszka created Guys Read, a web-based literacy program devoted to making reading easier and more enjoyable for young males. The site features a Book of the Month and listings broken up into categories designed to appeal to boys with limited attention spans. Among them: “War,” “Classics That Actually Hold Up,” “Superheros and Supervillains,” and (our favorite) “At Least One Explosion.”