Ringing in the New Year with reading goals

While I find it admirable to make New Year's resolutions, I think that it is more practical to set New Year's goals.  Resolving to do or not do a particular thing is a promise easily made and easily forgotten.  When you set a goal with intention, however, breaking it down into a series of smaller goals and planning the steps you will take to achieve them, the odds for success tilt in your favor.

Setting a goal for reading is a wonderful way to begin 2011.  Reading goals could include trying a book in a genre that you don't normally read, participating in a book club or reading series, reading the book instead of (or in addition to) watching the movie, and reading more books with your children.

As children's librarian, I try to read many children's books.  I find, however, that I am usually drawn to books with female main characters.  Missing out on the emotions, thoughts and actions of an entire gender in my reading  hardly seems like the workings of a just children's librarian (and mother of a son), so I plan to change my ways this week by fulfilling the goals of choosing and beginning a children's book with a male hero.

Any suggestions?