“The truth is that everyone needs to talk about their feelings. Reaching out to others for support is actually a sign of strength – not weakness. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel, and you will find that everyone has these same feelings from time to time.” p. 81
Reader's Annotation
Are you a guy with questions about becoming a teenager? From peer pressure to body odor to dating to talking to your parents, and everything in between, turn to this guide for the information.
About the Author & Editor
Author Kate Gruenwald Pfeifer is a licensed clinical social worker who has a Master’s degree in social work and a certificate in child and adolescent psychodynamic psychotherapy. She is a school social worker who supervises several middle school social work programs, and also has a private practice serving children and adolescents. Medical Editor Amy B. Middleman is a medical doctor and also has Master’s degrees in Education and Public Health. She is a board-certified Adolescent Medicine specialist and Associate Professor of Pediatrics. In her medical practice, she specializes in adolescent care. For information on both author and editor, see this page.
Genre
Nonfiction: health
Reading Level/Interest Age
11-13 yrs.
Content Summary
This guide for pre-teen boys answers questions that many in this age group have about becoming a teenager. The format of the guide is very similar to that of the American Medical Association Girl’s Guide to Becoming a Teen. The nine chapters cover the topics of: puberty, eating and exercise, height, appearance (skin, teeth, and hair), the reproductive system, physiological aspects of male sexuality, feelings, relationships, and sex. Each chapter starts off with a brief introduction to the topic. Then the majority of each chapter consists of questions which pre-teens may have (one or two per page) followed by concise and clear answers. Also included throughout the text are “Real Boys, Real Feelings” two-page spreads which list the thoughts and concerns of actual boys, e.g., ‘I used to be popular but now....I spend more time alone than before.’ or ‘My dad yells at my soccer coach during games and makes me want to crawl in a hole…’. Most pages include a drawing or two of a boy relating to the topic at hand, and there are also clear labeled drawings of aspects of male anatomy. Additionally, there are “Mythbuster” boxes which clear up commonly believed myths about teen health issues, and boxes with more detailed information on various topics. The book concludes with a list of recommended Web sites which pre-teen boys can consult for further information, and a glossary.
Critical Evaluation
This is a clear and well-organized guide that I think many pre-teen boys will find useful. It addresses a wide range of questions, including topics as diverse as feelings about parents’ divorce, grief, pressure to use drugs, how to handle anger, pubic hair growth, low self-esteem, relationships, height, and so many others. The text is not preachy, but presents valuable information objectively, accompanied by sound advice in situations where many pre-teens are prone to impulsive actions. As in the AMA Girl’s Guide, however, I felt that topics such as sexual orientation and depression could have been covered in more depth. While the illustrations are attractive, I think that some boys will find them a bit “cutesy” at times, and as with the AMA Girl’s Guide, I would have liked to see a wider range of body sizes depicted, including especially heavier boys. Also I would suggest that the word “guys” be used instead of “boys” in future printings, as the former is how many pre-teen boys see themselves. But despite these minor concerns, I highly recommend this book, and wish more high-quality guides for boys such as this existed.
Booktalking Ideas
• Give a general overview of the book, and mention a couple humorous anecdotes about the issues that concerned you (teacher/librarian) as a pre-teen.
• Read aloud several of the myths mentioned in the “Mythbusters” boxes.
• See my review of the AMA Girl’s Guide for alternative booktalking ideas.
Curriculum Ideas
• Health: With your school’s and parents’ permission, have each boy meet individually with the school counselor to discuss any questions/concerns about the book or related topics that they did not want to bring up in front of the group.
• Health: Boys brainstorm ways to handle anger, frustration, etc., in small groups, and then share these with the class.
• See my review of the AMA Girl’s Guide for alternative curriculum ideas.
Potential Challenge Issue & Defense
Discussion of sex and sexual orientation, and drawings of male anatomy:
• Become familiar enough with the book’s content to promote its merits.
• Refer to library’s collection development policy.
• Refer to book reviews from authoritative sources such as ALA, School Library Journal, etc.
• Obtain book reviews from tweens who have read it.
Why I Chose This Book
I was impressed with the AMA Girl’s Guide, and wanted to review their guide for boys.
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