One of the more popular series in the early days of my classroom was THE CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE books. Boys especially gravitated to the decision making that occurred at the end of a chapter – If you want to risk death go to page 30. If you prefer to tell your parents skip ahead to p. 41. I made that one up, but you get the idea. The thought of not having to read an entire book or reread it for a different experience was appealing to many. I had several students reading every path to the end, often exceeding 40 different ways.

185 of the original series were published in the 80’s and 90’s, reportedly selling 250 million copies. New titles continue to be published today. No small feat. The series is even credited for the strategy used today by many video games, putting the user in a role and forcing them to make decisions at critical junctures.

There have been numerous writers of the books, but the original publisher and frequent author, R.A. Montgomery passed away earlier this month. His final title released just this past September was GUS vs. THE ROBOT KING.

Thanks, R.A., for creating interest in reading for many reluctant readers. May your next adventure be as fun as your last.