Tweeners are those children caught between "you're too old for this" and "you're too young for that." They are in-betweeners and probably between 7 and 13 or the 8-12 age group. Based on experience that became our target population. 

The "what if" was Bible centered and promoting biblical literacy became our goal. As our work progressed, we faced this reality.

“They will never read the Bible if they can’t read.”

More than one child in the middle school has asked, “Why do I need to spend more time doing this stuff? I already know how to read.”

In his mind he has reached the goal set before him. He can read! A struggling reader has no desire to continue facing frustration and defeat, yet he has a very limited idea of how well he needs to read, write, speak, and listen. Every child needs a goal higher than just knowing how to read.

It has been easy for society to focus on tangible reading scores. There is a tendency to panic because they seem almost to be in a free fall with no apparent remedy. This is especially true for boys. We should be concerned. Our future depends on having an informed society. At least one national publication has given space to the unique problem boys are facing in school.

At Baker Trittin Press. We are broadening the campaign. Where some speak of the reading crisis, we view it as a literacy crisis. Literacy involves more than reading, and reading is not the only place where we are losing ground. There are four components for communication. Two - speaking and listening - are natural. The other two - reading and writing - are not. But all four are important to reach the desired level of optimum communication which is at the heart of literacy.

"Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, writing an exact man."

Sir Frances Bacon understood the requirements for literacy. He named reading first, but he did not neglect the other three aspects of communication.

Bacon had it right. Reading is the place to start, but we also need to be able to discuss what we have read. Conferencing is becoming a lost art. Who will declare we have the same quality of diplomacy we had earlier? Guns, brawls, and bullying are more frequently used to settle differences. 

The power and influence of words has not decreased since the inspired scribe wrote, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pitchers of silver." We have overlooked “fitly spoken.”

Charged to "train up a child in the way he should go" (Prov. 22:6) every parent has to be concerned with the intellectual growth and development of their children. Society also has a responsibility to foster a balanced literacy. We must improve reading ability, but we dare not neglect the other communication skills.

To join in this struggle for literacy Baker Trittin Press set out to achieve these things: (1) Publish a transliteration of the first five books of the New Testament at a level tweeners can understand, (2) publish books that would appeal to reluctant readers -  usually boys, and (3) create a literacy program that embraces all four aspects of communication.  Our books, teacher’s manuals, and activity packets are explained more thoroughly in LITERACY PROGRAM. 

In addition to making our own products available the Baker Trittin Press Bookstore , teaming with Spread the Word Ministries, is making available the very best in Christian products that will build up the body of Christ spiritually, intellectually, economically, and efficiently.

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