Book Description

What is a typical guy moment, anyhow? Daniel Pinkwater remembers the disappointment of meeting his Lone Star Ranger hero up close and personal. Gordon Korman relishes the goofy ultra violence of the old Looney Tunes cartoons. Stephen King realizes that having your two hundred- pound babysitter fart on your five-year-old head prepares you for any literary criticism. And that's just a sampling from Guys Write for Guys Read, a fast-paced, high energy collection of short works: stories, essays, columns, cartoons, anecdotes, and artwork by today's most popular writers and illustrators. Guys Write will feature work from Brian Jacques, Jerry Spinelli, Chris Crutcher, Mo Willems, Chris Van Allsburg, Matt Groening, Neil Gaiman, the editors and columnists from Sports Illustrated, The Onion and Esquire magazines, and more. Selected by voters at the Guys Read Web site and compiled by Jon Scieszka, this wide-ranging collection of authors and illustrators shows that guys do read . . . and will read more if given things they enjoy reading. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

What a delightful surprise!
I purchased this on a whim for my son's 13th birthday after receiving an Amazon recommendation.My son does not read voluntarily unless you count video game cheat sheets and Garfield cartoon books. The book arrived yesterday.I grabbed it along with the day's mail and headed out to pick up my son at school. I started reading the book in the middle, with Gary Paulsen's electric fence adventure, to amuse myself in a very slow carline.I was hooked and began racing through the selections picking out the authors of the stories our family has enjoyed over the years sometimes laughing out loud, othertimes recognizing all too well the growing pains of adolescence.My son finally arrived. I relenquished the book to him and asked him to indulge me and read the Paulsen story outloud.He did and was hooked as well.He read several selections to me outloud then took the book to bed with him, had it with him through breaksfast, and carried it to school as it is the last days of the school year so he will have extra time to read it.This from a boy who has never read anything over 100 pages in his life.

I will wait patiently for my chance to finish the book and will encourage Dan to write his own review but wanted to share the fun this book had brought us.I can see that we will be sharing this with Dad, Grandfather, and my young adult son and that this will be a college graduation gift for my daughter's boyfriend.What a great summer reading book for the whole family. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Best in breed.
I ordered several books of this type for my 11 year-old and read them all cover-to-cover. This is the best of the bunch in it's coverage of diverse topics and its practical, non-techinical tone. As a mom, I especially liked the section which throoughly explained the ramifications of an unwanted pregnancy. In contrast, the book "Asking About Sex and Growing Up" dealt with pregnancy via sections such as "Why would a girl let herself get pregnant?" (sometimes a girl secretly wants to get pregnant...) and "What happens when a girl gets pregnant?" (she may be upset for a long time afterward.) This isn't how I want my son to understand his role. "What's Going on Down There" gets my top grade.

Just In Time
We are at a time in society where 10 year old kids are making babies. My son was 10 when he read this book and I must say I couldn't have bought it at a more perfect time. This book explains the changes his body is going through and will go through in a few years. When I asked him if he understood what he was reading, he told me that he already knew or was feeling some of what the book outlined - He just didn't understand "WHY." He even translated to me in his own words what each chapter was about. I remember thinking to myself, not only is this book educational, it's also an easy and interesting read. I am a single mother and there is no way I could have ever answered his questions without this book. This book has made me and my son's life a little less complicated. Thank you Karen Gravelle, et al - Me and me son really needed this book.

All in all pretty good
My son was really glad I got him this book because he was having some quesitons to things that were uncomfortable. He has read the book cover to cover and says he feels prepared for things that might happen to him.

Good information-pefect for its target audience
This is a very illustrative book for adolescent's (even adults) that provides essential information about a very normal process of life- going from childhood, to adolescence to adulthood. Young teens have questions, many of the answers they ascertain are from a wrong source or one that gives partial information. The book however clarifies many questions in a plain and fun to read way which is the type of language that a young teenager may appreciate. Chances are anything too complicated will not be read but it is light in tone but accurate in detail which I find makes it ideal for young males and females to read. I read the Spanish version which is a translated version of English (Que pasa alli abajo) and I found it quite enlightening and could easily be understand. The way the information is presented is valuable for the target audience. Teens need to know and understand their corporal changes, know the implications of early intimate relations, STDs etc. In the day and age in which we live kids increasingly have more exposure to these themes at an early age and it is important that they get correct information and not a fabricated version from their peers. As a parent you may want to read the book and then decide if it's adequate for your teens. I thought it was superb for the target audience.

I keep recommending it again and again.
With three boys in the house, I can really appreciate this book. My eldest son read it at 12 and again at 13 and now again at 14 - it does a great job at being reassuring and never patronizing.

I feel comfortable that it gives kids certain needed information, like how to avoid unwanted pregancy and STDs, and yet is neither unrealistically expecting abstinence nor ignoring morals and values. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Young Jeremy Jacob is plucked from obscurity while innocently constructing a sand castle and is thrust into a brand-new life as a pirate. Captain Braid Beard and his crew recognize Jeremy as an exceptionally talented digger and they happen to be in desperate need of a digger to help them bury a treasure chest. Jeremy thinks a pirate life sounds like fun, as long as he’s back the next day in time for soccer practice, and so he goes along with the ragtag group of seafaring thugs (with hearts of gold, naturally). And while Jeremy adores the pirates’ lack of table manners and opposition to vegetables, he comes to realize that a life away from his parents lacks some of the niceties to which he’s become accustomed. Nobody tucks him in at night, for instance, and the only book available to read is a treasure map. Melinda Long’s story, narrated with a sense of boastful exaggeration by Jeremy, is full of a sense of high adventure that's lovingly evocative of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tales. David Shannon's illustrations, full of a goofy vibrancy, are a perfect accompaniment to the story. (Ages 4 to 8) --John Moe ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Beautiful illustrations & cute story
'How I Became a Pirate' is about a little boy who goes away with pirates one day. He learns how to live like a pirate, the joys (eat anything you want, don't brush teeth, go to sleep whenever) and the pitfalls (no one to comfort you, no one to tuck you in). Finally he decides to go back to his family.

This story is fun to read and the illustrations even capture my babies's eye :) I do like the importance based on having a family & having someone to comfort you & read to you.

The only potential drawbacks & why I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars (and I might be being critical) is that:
1.) it might give the message that it is okay to leave your family to go off with strangers
2.) also it is fun to not brush your teeth & eat like a slob.

Overall, though, I would recommend this book.

Best Little Boys Book
I bought this book for my 3 y.o. son this past February. It has by far become not only his favorite book but the favorite book of my five year old daughter. They love screaming the words of the crew when we read this book together. The story line is wonderful - a small boy who joins a crew of pirates, learns what he likes and doesn't like about the pirates, lots of exciting adventures, a shark, a bad storm, and a treasure to bury. It's precious, and the illustrations are superb. This is perhaps the best little boys book I have ever bought (I should know - I'm a kid's book junkie), and it's a great book for little girls as well.

Best Pirate Book
2 boys at home almost 4y and just 2y. They love pirates and this is the best pirate book I have found (and we have several) My opinion on other pirate books. Pirate Pete 2.5 ; Everything I know About Pirates (would be better for older kids) 3.5; Pirate School 4; Do Pirates Take Baths 4.5; Pirates (by Anastasio) not a story, just "facts" 4.5. But How I Became a Pirate is the most fun to read aloud.

AYE MATEYS! My 4yo Daughters Favorite Book!
Great Book! My 4 year old daughter wants to hear this book every night! So Cute! Buy It your child will love it

Golden Trap Award Winner
This book is great. I ran out and bought it as soon as I heard it for the first time. This book won the Golden Trap Award winner for all of the islands in our area. My son loves it! ... Read more

Book Description

"Mom, where do babies come from?" Many parents live in fear of the day their child asks that question—which inevitably happens,often as early as the preschool years. Here is a picture book designed especially for youngchildren who are becoming sexually aware but aren’t ready to learn about sexual intercourse.Written with warmth and honesty, Amazing You! presents clear and age-appropriate informationabout reproduction, birth, and the difference between girls’ and boys’ bodies. Lynne Cravath’swhimsical illustrations enliven the text, making this a book that parents will gladly share with their young ones. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Hanging Low, Keeping Cool," "A Hairy Question," "Feeling Private/Feeling Guilty," "You Don't See Any Blind, Crazy Morons Around Here, Do Ya?"

Can you guess what all these chapter titles are about? Give you a hint:everything you ever wanted to know about (but were afraid to ask)... You got it,boys and puberty! Author Lynda Madaras and her daughter Area Madaras haveexpanded and updated their sensitive, detailed, often witty guide for boys onthe cusp of adolescence. To help boys realize they are not alone in theirconcerns about masturbation, body hair, growth spurts (or lack thereof), femalepuberty, voice changes, perspiration, shaving, and sexuality, this classic guideis written in a down-to-earth, nonjudgmental style and filled with answers tothe many questions boys have as their bodies begin the transformation intoadulthood. As a result of thousands of reader letters over the years, as well asthe ever growing body of information about puberty in boys, the third editionhas been revised to include more detailed discussion of penis size (the authorsget more questions about penis size than all other topics combined), updatedinformation on acne treatment, expanded sections on eating right, exercise,steroid abuse, and weight training, and important facts about STDs, AIDS, andbirth control. Filled with anecdotes, illustrations, and diagrams, the guide isdesigned with the understanding that some boys and parents will want to read ittogether, while others will want to pore over it on their own. Either way, thisresource will prove to be incredibly useful for boys and their parents overthese strange, exciting years. The companion volume for girls, What's Happening to My Body? Book forGirls is a must-read as well. (Ages 8 to 15) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Not for preteens
I bought the third edition of this book hoping it would be something my ten year old son could refer to if he has questions he is embarassed to talk about. The book is very factual without being overly clinical, but some of the topics discussed at lenght are more suited for older teens. The exhaustive list of slang names for male and female body parts really isn't necessary -- adolescent boys seem to do well in that department all by themselves! I also feel that the chapter "Girls and Puberty" has far more detail than a pre-teen boy needs or can handle. The book would be much better if it were presented in a loose-leaf format so I could give my son the sections he is able to handle at his age. I also wonder why the author has removed chapters on the important topics of birth control and STD's, which she says were in her previous edition. The book will certainly help me in my talks with my son, but I'm still looking for the right book for him to read on his own.

What;s Happening to My Body? Book for Boys: A growing up Gui
I initially borrowed an earlier edition of this book to read, as my son is 11 years old. My husband is very uncomfortable in discussing puberty with his son, and even with me. He was a very late bloomer and therefore, not a great resource on when things may occur or start to occur in my son. I read the book and then sat down one night with my son. As we sat on the couch, I read the book to him, as he looked on. We laughed some, we talked some, we giggled some, we learned a lot. His father came in during our conversation and sat down. Dad then was able to become part of a discussion that had already started and did not have to bring up himself. This worked great for our
family. I found humor, so did my son. It did have a lot of slang terms, but every child may not know exactly what they mean, and this way, my son now does and can be better educated in the slang and in the correct names. Too graphic? I do not thinks so, there were certainly some chapters we did not address
at this time, as they are more appropriate for another (older) time. The book is around the house so he can read it as he wants, there is nothing in the book that I do not want him to know. Very educational for me as well as I grew up in a family of females and therefore had no idea at what ages certain things happened to boys. My son then was able to talk to me about some of the changes that were happening to him. He then had other questions? I was able to discuss these questions with him intelligently and comfortable in my facts. He was very nervous about going through puberty, now he is not. I believe this a book for the family, not just to be handed to the child. Every child has questions that need to be answered, this book has most of the answers. I found it nonjudgemental. It did not discuss abstenance in its chapter on birth control, I wish it had, but the book will help us as a family discuss the topic of birth control and we can add in our moral values as we teach, learn and discuss.

My 10 yr old REALLY thought this book was GOOD!
He said it explained a lot about some things he just didn't feel like asking me or his father about. I am glad I got it for him. He feels much more comfortable with his pre-teen body now.

Parents; yes- Teenage boys; no way.
I was looking for a book for my stepson, (he's almost 12) and noticed that this book received a lot of positive reviews- so thought I'd try it. I just wanted a book that my wife and I could read first; turn him loose with it on his own, then talk with him afterwards about what he thought of it. Unfortunately, we won't be giving it to him, and here's why:
This book doesn't really relate to 8 to 15 yr old boys- on their own level. The words are way too big, and the book's approach is way too clinical. I remember being a teenagage boy, and I think it's safe to say that if you try to work words like "bulbourethral glands" or "pre-ejaculatory fluid" into the conversation- you lose 'em REAL fast. No kid would EVER sit around reading it! Then about every 10th page, you'd find a crude drawing of everything from simply naked boys; to cross-sections of penises, breasts, and vaginas. It ranged from clinical to slightly creepy, and just put yourself in the shoes of a teenage boy: you may want to know what it feels like to touch a female breast, but cross-sections of milk ducts can be a little scary to think about. And really- who actually needs an arrow pointing to a "nipple", in order to know what (or where) it is? "Oh THAT's a nipple! How illuminating! Can't WAIT to get my hands on that uterine lining"!:-) Which brings me to my main complaint about the book: We searched cover to cover, but found NO sense of humor in the approach- and I believe that if you want to help teenage boys to be comfortable about the topic of sexuality - you need that. Let's just say that if you want to give your teenage boy a book that he'll actually read, enjoy,and benefit from - Keep looking.

Hated it!
I bought this book for my 14-year-old nephew. When the book arrived I scanned it and found it had a lot of sexuality information that I disagreed with. I thought this book was going to be straight health & science...this is what happens to your body as it matures, this is what you can expect. Instead, I found it had opinions on sexual orientation,... etc. Abstinence wasn't given equal time. I thought the title of this book misrepresented its content. This book just wasn't for our family. I returned it for a refund. ... Read more

Book Description

There's this boy. Let's say he's somewhere between nine and thirteen years old or so. You'd like to see this kid get creative. You'd like to see him get some exercise. You'd like to see him get out from in front of the television. And you'd love for him to be motivated enough to find some stuff to do on his own. This boy NEEDS The Big Book of Boy Stuff!

The Big Book of Boy Stuff has all the important information that boys just have to know. Collected here for the first time in one place, it holds the answers to these timeless questions:What do I do if I get a bean stuck up my nose?How can I make lightning without killing myself?Where can I find new practical jokes to play on my friends and family?What is the best way to poop outside?How do I tell a girl I like her?WHY would I tell a girl I like her?How many mosquitoes does it take to suck all the blood out of a person? . . . and many, many more! This big, thick, durable book includes fascinating chapters on gross stuff, magic, emergencies, fireworks, games, experiments, jokes, activities, insults, pets, flying things, and, of course, duct tape. This is perhaps the greatest book ever published! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Funny and fun
It has great practical jokes and gross stuff. Besides saying this book will make my summer a lot more fun, IT ROCKS

Boys Dream
To every boy, and every 50 or 60 year old, boy at heart, you need this. Written by a genious, this book has everything you need to keep yourself busy. I, myself as a student in his amazing class, can certainly vouch for the fact that, in truth: This book is so well written and so funny, you will wish that YOU could write a book right now! So get on it, and take yourself on an adventure. ... Read more

Book Description

In Boy, Roald Dahl recounts his days as a child growing up in England. From his years as a prankster at boarding school to his envious position as a chocolate tester for Cadbury's, Roald Dahl's boyhood was as full of excitement and the unexpected as are his world-famous, best-selling books. Packed with anecdotes— some funny, some painful, all interesting— this is a book that's sure to please. ... Read more

Reviews (99)

The Boy
BOY
BY: Roald Dahl

This book is an autobiography about the author's life.

In addition to his mother and father, Roald had five siblings, two brothers and three sisters. His father became wealthy selling ship supplies. He died when Roald was a baby.

Roald went to a preschool and kindergarten close to his home. The headmaster beat him with a cane after he and two classmates played a prank at a candy store. After this event, his mother was determined to send him to an English boarding school because his father had always believed that English schools provided the best education.

Roald had a difficult time at the boarding school because he was sent there at such an early age. One time he broke his pencil while taking a test and asked to borrow one from a classmate. He was accused of cheating and was beaten by the headmaster. Another time, he was so homesick he faked being ill. His mother came and took him to the doctor. The doctor advised him not to pretend to be ill and to return to school. The doctor never told Roald's mother that he was pretending to be sick.

One of the highlights of his stay at boarding school was that the Cadbury Candy Company sent samples of new candies they were testing. The students had to fill out a survey to tell the company which candies they liked best. Also, he learned photography and took pictures for the school. He even had his own darkroom.

Roald's boarding school experience was difficult but he learned to be a great writer of children's books as a result of the education he received.

The book was well written and easy to read with some exciting parts. It was not a book I enjoyed a whole lot. I really don't like autobiographies and it was hard for me to identify with the characters.

A Good Read
BOY was a good read because I never got bored with reading it. Scenes such as the adenoid removal, his sister's operation when the Boy smelled the sweet smell of the chloroform, the mouse in the candy jar, the goat droppings in the pipe, the canings, were all full of detail and interest. I didn't expect Dahl to have such vivid, sour memories of his childhood. He suffered beatings and pain at his boarding schools, and this must have had a huge effect on his life or he wouldn't have mentioned the canings in such detail. The headmasters were mean old farts, who seemed to enjoy beating boys; they would smile and laugh and take their time about the punishment, most of which ended in a caning. Some parents might not like their children reading this book because of some of the gruesome scenes, which might affect their children's mental state. But it's the truth, and the truth hurts sometimes. Dahl makes fun of everything, especially stupid old adults, who cause all the problems in the world.

Boy by Roald Dahl
Boy, by Roald Dahl, takes place in Norway, England, and Wales. His family lives in Wales and vacations in, his parents' former home, Norway. When Dahl was a kid, he was schooled in England. An important person is his beloved mother who raised him, and his sibling, single-handedly. Dahl's siblings were also important to him. Important childhood events are: when he dropped a dead mouse into a sweet shop jar owned by an evil woman; getting bullied by Boazers, which are like school prefect if you didn't know what a Boazer is; getting his adenoids removed; getting a job in Africa as a young man; and almost having his nose cut off in a car accident.
Our opoinion is Boy by Roald Dahl is boring, if you're like us, who like fiction books; it's an autobiography. It was also very boring because, he gave small details, and not all of our questions were answered. But, if you like non-fiction books, you'll probably like Boy.

BOY by Roald Dahl
BOY is the most incredible book you could ever READ!!!If you haven`t read this book,then you don`t know very much about Roald Dahl,do you?BOY is about Roald Dahl as a child with his Papa and Mama,his brothers and sisters:Alfrild,Ellen,Elsa,Astin,and Radyr.It starts from the time he was born to the time he left school.There are some gross parts in this book but I can assure you that there are many,many silly parts in this book.I hope you will read and enjoy this book because it is an awesome book and you will enjoy this wonderful book,Boy.

Terrific!
Usually, if an author writes really hilarious and original books, you don't expect their life to be just as great. And Roald Dahl's life isn't that way- his life is way more exciting!

When I first read this book, I couldn't believe that anyone's childhood could be that interesting. By the end, you'll believe... from The Great Mouse Plot to putting goat droppings in a pipe and smoking it,there's never a dull moment. A fantastic thing for a kid to discover, and for all who are a true kid at heart. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

review by a teen for a book to teens
This is a very good book because it brings up topics that relates to teenage boys and gives them advice on how to handle some of the problems in their teenage life and answer some of the questions that have that no one will answer or that they can't find out. For example, it gives good advice on how to go on dates and what to do on them. I this book says on dates you should talk to the person you are out with and get to know them better, not to kiss or do anything bad. If you are a parent, this book tell your children to do anything bad.

Lacks depth
The book is very shallow - the section on sex is one page, for example. There is no discussion of AIDS, STD's or using birth control. If you are looking for a book to begin a conversation with your teenage son, go ahead and buy it. If you are looking for a book that will discuss the many issues of teenage life (emotions, friends, sexuality, drugs) in depth - this is not the book.

GROWING UP!
Parents should read this book first then share it with their teenage children. It covers the first date, first kiss anxiety and awkwardness, and moves on into puberty, sex,committment, depression, and drugs. Solutions offered are positive. Information is presented in detail and with occasional humor. Parents you can help your children transcend the growing up process more smoothly. This "survival guide" is a good start.

This book is spectacular!
My son has been experiencing a lot of anxiety with regard to the whole puberty/growing up thing. I reserved this book at the library (for myself) but the librarian thought it was for my son and gave it to him. He stuck his nose in the book and read the whole way home, laughing out loud (and he is not much for reading). I am now ordering him his own copy.

The book is wonderfully reassuring about all of the many changes a boy's mind, body and emotions are experiencing as they make the journey from being a boy to a young man. It helps him to know that while the things that are happening to him seem strange, they are perfectly normal.

I especially recommend this book to single moms! It has answered many of my own questions too and my son and I are both feeling relieved. Thanks to the author for your help and humor! This is a cool book!

a must have
I'm fifteen and this book has helped me alot on a few things that I was worried about. I especially liked the section on how to ask out a girl, something that I had no clue on how to do before I read this. It has all kinds of practical advice that is a must need for guys in their teens, and girls should get a copy of this also. The author has a somewhat corny aproach, like an adult trying to be cool; but the author pulls it off through most of it, he writes in a way that makes it easy and comftorable to read without coming across like a scientist. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Awesome book
This book is a must read. It's awesome. Personally, I don't enjoy reading that much, but this was a great book and I got hooked after only a few pages. Anyone looking for a good read, this is your book.

hmmmm...
Interesting plot, but not well set up. The author kind of rushes you into the story without setting up the characters. I think that the main character was a bit too moronic for me to believe. Though there were some gripping and fascinating parts, mostly I found myself thinking, "ok, is it over yet" There were too many pointless additions.

Great suspense a la Silence of the Lambs
This fast-paced suspenseful novel about a teen who discovers the diary of a serial killer will capture your attention and keep you reading till the last page. Some scenes are reminiscent of Silence of the Lambs, but without the gore. A great summer read when you need some chills.

A good read
This book is about a a boy named Duncan who takes a summer job working in the transit lost and found. While looking around, he discovers a diary. He quickly finds out this diary belongs to an arsonist that mutilates animals. In the latter entries of the diary, it talks about getting tired of "kids stuff". It explains how he plans to murder a woman. Ducan teams up with his friend to stop him before its too late.

I thought this book was great until the end. It seemed like the author rushed it and everything just fell into the character's laps. The suspense was great though.

The Next Step Up From "Holes"
Working at a bookstore, I was able to read the advance galley version of this book, and the quote on the back more or less sums it up: "The two of us going after this guy is like the Hardy Boys meets Hannibal Lecter."

Graham McNamee has here written the male equivalent of the impeccable "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson, or perhaps a teenage, literary, 'mundane' "Unbreakable". Certaintly, this is the next step for boys 13 years old (at least) who find Louis Sachar's Newberry-winning "Holes" to be below their level. It embraces male stereotypes at the same time it rejects them, and it has a timeless quality in the details of setting that ensure it a lasting place in the hearts of those who found "Catcher in the Rye" to be too downbeat and lacking in action.

All in all, if any of the above sounded even mildly appealing, you'll enjoy this book a lot more than mildly. ... Read more

Book Description

Growing up is tough ... really tough. But what if you had a handbook that told you how to figure things out? How to stay out of trouble?

At Duke's Place, Jimmy and Kevin find out that the handbook doesn't need to be written down. It can be as easy as listening to Duke and the old guys talking about their lives. But how can Duke understand what it is to be young now?

Reviews (6)

A book to teach and entertain
This book by the renowned Walter Dean Myers is aptly named. It is not so much a work of fiction as it is a guide to those young men who must navigate the rough shoals of life as an African-American male teenager. This is a book with a mission to instruct and entertain, but, primarily, instruct. If you object to didacticism in fiction, this is not the book for you. But if you think this is an important message--I think it is--then you must admire Myers' craft in making it much more than a tract.

handbook for boys
I liked the book. The book was good cause it gave alot of information about people and what they should do to do better in thier life in the future.The best part of the book was when people got into trouble and then Duke would talk to the boys and ask them how they could have changed the sitution. There was lots of characters. There was Jimmy (he worked for Duke) Duke, Cap, Mister M., and Kevin. The resolution of the book is hard to understand. Kevin got in to trouble and had to go to jail. Duke hired a new boy to work for him. Jimmy told the boy to listen to them in there it could help it in your life.

Handbook for Boys
Handbook for Boys by Walter Dean Meyers is about making the right choices in life. I liked this book because it really makes you think about how you want to end up in your how life. The guys in the barbershop really give out some great information and advice to this lost teen. Because of what they tell him he makes better choices in his life. Since I read this book some troubles that Jimmy where faced with have also come up in my life and I can say that because I have had supportive parents and people to support me like Jimmy did I have made the correct choice. I have not read any other books but Meyers, but I really have in interest to read his book called Monster that was recently made into a movie.

not a novel, but a self-help book
I bought this book because I had loved Myers' previous work, "Monster." However, I was rather disappointed by "Handbook for Boys"' lack of storyline. The stuff Duke talks about is all true and good, and Jimmy seems to accept and understand all of this. But almost nowhere in the book do we see Jimmy actually applying this newly acquired wisdom. And you never get to figure out how exactly Duke, Cap, and Mr. M got that smart in the first place! It would've been nice if Mr. Myers had given some background on Duke's life at least. All in all, "Handbook for Boys" is more of a self-help book for teens (not just boys, either), than an actual novel.

A great book for kids and adults to read together
Sixteen-year-old Jimmy Lynch has a choice to make: go to jail for six months or join Duke Wilson's community mentoring program. Thinking he got off easy, Jimmy goes to Duke's barber shop every day after school, where life is anything but easy. A steady stream of various characters provide a colorful backdrop of lessons to be learned. Duke, Cap, and Mr. M provide a daily barage of advice and stories for both Jimmy and Kevin, another student in need of mentoring. Jimmy thinks the old men are anything but helpful, until he finally begins to understand the purpose of their comments and the depth of their wisdom. When Kevin falls back into trouble Jimmy has a choice to make, one that he knows can affect his life forever. Like Duke says, Jimmy knows what the right thing to do is. Doing it is different, though.
Myers' book is a quick and lively read that helps young readers see the necessity of living life as a participant, not a spectator. The "mentors" encourage the teens to be in charge of their own destiny, and to not be a victim, like many of the people they see in their neighborhood. I highly recommend this book for both teens and adults, especially to be read together. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"I am Eloise/I am six." So begins the well-loved story of Eloise, the garrulous little girl who lives at New York's Plaza Hotel. Eyebrow raised defiantly, arm propped on one jutting hip, Eloise is a study in self-confidence. Eloise's personal mandate is "Getting bored is not allowed," so she fills her days to the brim with wild adventures and self-imposed responsibilities. An average Eloise afternoon includes braiding her pet turtle's ears, ordering "one roast-beef bone, one raisin and seven spoons" from room service, and devising innovative methods of torture for her guardians.

Eloise's exploits are non-stop, and--accordingly--the text uses nary a period. Kay Thompson perfectly captures the way children speak: in endless sentences elongated with "and then ... and then ... and then... " Hilary Knight's drawings illustrate Eloise's braggadocio and amusement as well as the bewilderment of harassed hotel guests. Eloise's taunts are terrible, her imagination inimitable, her pace positively perilous. Her impertinence will delight readers of all ages. (Ages 5 and older) ... Read more

Reviews (98)

I rawther love love love this book!
As we all know, Eloise is six and she lives at the Plaza Hotel with her Nanny who says things three times, her dog Weenie, her turtle Skipperdee and two dolls. When I was a child, I adored this book and wanted to be just like Eloise. She does whatever she wants and gets away with it.

As an adult, I feel so sorry for Eloise because her mother only sends for her when it's sunny and otherwise isn't present. What a poor little girl to grow up so alone!

However, this is a tremendously humorous and beautifully illustrated classic that can always make me grin from ear to ear. I looooovve room service too! Oh, and charge it please. Thank you very much.

Childlike and Literary
A few weeks ago, I took a friend and her two 5 year old twin girls to dinner. There was a 45 minute wait, and we went to the bookstore next door. I was dreading the prospect of entertaining two 5 year olds for 45 minutes until I saw a copy of Eloise, which has been out of print for many years. I sat down and started reading to them. The time flew by. A few older women walked by and smiled. I like to think that they had read the book when they were little girls. The 45 minutes went by all too soon for me.

What can I say about Eloise? We named our DOG Eloise when I was a boy. It is both literary and true to children. It is one of the books (like Charlotte's Web or Black Beauty) that stays in your heart from childhood.

Give it to your children.

Informed Parents
This is a very fun book. The story is imaginative and witty and the illustrations wonderfully whimsical. I bought this book for my little girl, remembering how much I loved it as a child when my first grade teacher read it to our class. Though I truly love this book, I can only give it 4 stars. This is because I must edit it as I read it to my daughter because I find some of the language used by the precocious Miss Eloise a bit offensive. By my count(done quickly), Eloise uses the phrase "for Lord's sake" six times and "Oh my Lord" five. In my home this is called "taking the name of the Lord in vain" and it's something your not suppoesed to do. It reduces the name of our Lord and Savior to a mere exclamation. I will still read this book with my child. When my daughter (now only 19 months)is old enough to understand, we will talk about how much we love Eloise but how it's not okay to take the name of the Lord in vain or terrorize one's tutor.

ELOISE IS THE BOMB!!!
Eloise is so funny,
she is a free spirt, and very accurate. She's here, She's there, She's everywhere. Recently, they made Eloise at the Plaza,(Rated 5 stars) And she's great.
Though I'm 10, and the age group is 6 and over, I LOVE IT. I have that and Eloise in Paris, and Eloise in Moscow (First Prinitng)

If you read this, you'll always be glad you did...

The absolutely essential book!
I have always loved children's books and at seventeen, I am still quite a child myself. One of my dearest friends, whose name is Eloise and I swap children's books and so she leant me the Absolutely Essential Eloise. I do not care what others say about her being a 'brat' or whatnot, I love this book and the others! Eloise is exactly how anyone would want to live, having everything and doing anything. I would highgly recommend it to any adult who wants to capture their 'inner child' again. :D I love Weenie too because I love pug dogs.
My mother knows Coco Chanel. ... Read more

Book Description

Everything a boy ever wanted to know about his body and how to take care of it.Advice from Focus on the Family’s own Dr. Walt Larimore. ... Read more

Amazon.com

According to one little boy, his dad is just about the coolest thingsince sliced bread. Equally at ease jumping over the moon and banishing the BigBad Wolf, this fearless father, in his hideous brown plaid bathrobe andblue-striped pajamas, seems capable of anything. The awe and admiration in hisson's tone are gratifying; his hyperboles are droll. "He's as strong as agorilla, and as happy as a hippopotamus. He's all right, my dad." Dad appears(always in a robe and PJs) as a weightlifting, goofy gorilla and a frolickinghippo. At other times he's a brown plaid fish ("He can swim like afish"), a placid-faced wrestler ("He can wrestle with giants"), and a tightropewalker (the tightrope looks remarkably like a clothesline, with Dadcircumnavigating rainbow-colored socks).

Anthony Browne, award-winning author and illustrator of Willy's Pictures and many otherwitty picture books, pays bright and loving homage to that most remarkable ofbeings, the dad. Every illustration depicts the world as seen from the lowheight of the little boy narrator and through his starry-eyed gaze, as well.Sure, we might look at this man and see a slightly overweight fellow with fiveo'clock shadow and poor taste in nightwear, but to his son, this is Man. He iseverything. And until that fateful day when the boy begins to roll his eyes athis dad's hopelessly embarrassing ways, Dad should just revel in the divine,unadulterated love of his child. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Just buy it
Some things in life are best kept simple. This book does it. For any son that loves his father (uh...provided they are under the age of 10)

Good Humored Happy Tribute to Dad
This is a fantastic book, especially to give dad on Father's Day or his birthday. It is a charming tribute to the daddy who is the funniest, nicest, strongest, bravest and just plain best in the eyes of his little girl or boy. It is good humored and happy, written in a style children find very appealing.

fantastic book
My grandson lives a long ways from me. He spent a couple weeks w/me while his parents went on vacation. We read this book every night and he loved it so that he could finish all the sentences on the pages. When he went back home, he could talk w/me on the phone and I'd start the sentence and he would finish it. It made a great bond for us and somehow made the miles seem shorter. He's only 1 1/2 years old and I miss so much. Maybe thru this book he won't forget me!

can do anything!
From the inside covers to Dad's robe to toast popping out of the toaster to showing the Big Bad Wolf the door & walking a tightrope to wrestling giants; to eating like a horse & swimming like a fish; to being as big as a house & as soft of a teddy bear, to singing brilliantly & being as wise as an owl - everything matches Dad's plaid robe, blue striped pjs & red comfy slippers.

With a smile on every page - this is a book forever - about respecting & loving, admiring & encouraging the Dads of this world to unite & win over their children's hearts.

Lovely, lovely book & oh, so true! A charming keeper!

the librarian knows best
I don't own this book. I do, however, have a 2-year old child. Recently, my daughter, along with a room filled with other 2-4 year olds, sat enthralled as this book was read to them by our local librarian. (It makes a great Father's day book!) The kids were all seated on the floor, heads all leaning in toward the librarian, pointing and giggling along with this little boy and his amazing dad. None of the children squirmed around or wandered off or turned around to annoy their little brother. Amazing! For me, that's a sign that this must be a pretty interesting book to kids. Read the other reviews for the story line but, if you're looking for a book that does a great job giving fathers everywhere their due, buy this book now. ... Read more

Book Description

In his own words...

As a boy, Walter Dean Myers was quick-tempered and physically strong, always ready for a fight. He also read voraciously-he would check out books from the library and carry them home, hidden in brown paper bags in order to avoid other boys' teasing. He aspired to be a writer. But growing up in a poor family in Harlem, his hope for a successful future diminished as he came to realize fully the class and racial struggles that surrounded him. He began to doubt himself and the values that he had always relied on, attending high school less and less, turning to the streets and his books for comfort.

In a memoir that is gripping, funny, and ultimately unforgettable, Walter Dean Myers travels back to his roots in the magical world of Harlem during the 1940s and 1950s. Here is the story of one of the strongest voices in young people's literature today.

Reviews (11)

The Rode Not Taken By The Bad Boy
Bad Boys by Walter Dean Myers would receive 4 stars for reality, suspense, flare, and an on the edge of your seat story line.Bad Boys is about a young boy named Walter whose life really only revolves around his family, school, friends, and his secret love of literature. Walter has a big problem with getting into mischief. He is always sitting in the corner or having his mother?s request to come in. But, his biggest problem is that when he gets home his mother is never happy with him, and her being an abusive alcoholic sometimes she would get rough with Walter. Walter is an exceptionally bright student but with one problem, he has a speaking impairment. This impairment cannot be detected by Walter, but to everyone else it is a large distraction. Despite his speaking, Walter gets excepted to a higher grade and excepts the request. Through his new grade Walter learns the difference between being white and being black. Although Walter is black, he never knew that, that was looked at as a bad thing to most whites. Besides Walter being taunted about being black, he would also be taunted if everyone knew he loved literature and poetry.
At Walter?s new school, he begins to slowly grow up. He begins to skip school sporadically and begins to hang around a new friend. He slowly is persuaded by his family to change his ways.

N8Dawgs Review on Bad Boy
Walter Myers is a troubled African american growing up in Harlem in the 1960's, where mos tof his life is fighting with other boys, the other half is spent reading books and writing poetry. Through he's teenage years and through school being 12 years old and entering high school he notices that he's speech is not up to standards and gets picked on for it. He runs into a litte touble for awhile with his new friend delivers a certain package. Through books and poetry Walter Myers finds out how to be a man, what he wants to be when he gets older, and how blacks play a role in harlem society in the 1960's.

The style of the book BAD BOY by Walter Dean Myers is a very slow paced book for the first couple of chapters, so for people who like to get into a novel and get to know all of the charactors and know what goes on in thier lives you can figure it out very easy. Than it dramaticlly gets very exciting with all of the fighting happens and the characters make mistakes and pay for them. It exploits the mind of the main character and gets into what he really thinks is right and wrong in society today and in the 1960's. You must have to get into these parts to further understand the novel Bad Boy. The beginning of this book is not very exciting nore moving, the book somewhat ends in a mystery which is very clever and unique, it ends and it makes you think about what could have happend to the character and where he/she is now.

I believe in my own mind that this book is very unique in the way that it doesn't give you to much information about the characters but just enough to always keep you on your guard and guessing what happens next. THe book does have some uninteresting parts that slow your reading down and bore you a little bit, but quickly something happens to a character that gets you write back into the book so you cant put it down. The plot was very good and so was the setting of the book, I like how it takes place in a rural area like Harlem. I would deffinitly recommend this novel to any one who think there are tough or anyone who likes poetry and dramatics, and you will get a roud awakinning and not be able to put the book down.

Nicholas Richview Middle
The story was about a boy born in a crowd of people. The boys mom died when he was 8 . years old. The boy was adopted and lived in a little town called Harlem. The boys name was Walter Dean. He was always in a fight at school in Mr. Conroys class. This caused the boy to miss so m up to write this book school that they were going to put him in a juvinele faciliy. The boy learned to stop fighting and that is how the story ends.
I liked the book because I was like the boy in a way,I was always getting in trouble. I would get my friends to rend this book because the boy had a hard life and was adopted and poor and grew up to write this book

Bad Boy, but good book
Walter Dean Myers, award winning writer of fiction, non-fiction and poetry, describes his life by saying, 'All in all it has been a great journey and not at all shabby for a bad boy'. Myers uses matter of fact descriptions, in a partisan tone, to allow the reader to 'see from the inside' his 1950's journey to becoming a popular and recognized writer for young adults. Chronologically, he tells his story of life in Harlem, where he struggles with his alcoholic mother, and depressed, illiterate father. Young Myers secretly has a great passion for reading and writing, and ashamedly uses this to escape his difficulties at home and school. Ultimately his struggles overwhelm him and he quits school and writing. At age 17 he joins the army, barely avoiding arrest by the police and abuse by gang members. After many desertions of his love of literature, he returns to it, following his English teachers advice, 'Whatever happens, never stop writing' and continues writing today. Myers innovative style is represented in this book, as he presents his life as a journey with literature, rather than a bland account of his childhood. The medium typeface and plenty of white space, make this book appropriate for readers in grades 6-12. Although Myers' literary references within the text may present some confusion for young readers, it also provides the encouragement that Myers considers his readers intelligent. This book is an excellent choice for minorities, young boys, as well as a true inspiration to all young writers.

A good book for teens.
The book Bad Boy by Walter Dean Myers is a memoir of the author's life. Set mostly in Harlem, the book follows Myers' troublesome childhood and the challenges he faced with his family life, his adoption, and his behavior. Though a bright child, he had a quick temper and a speech problem. This got him into many bad situations and unfortunately partly led to his "downfall" in school.
In Bad Boy, I loved how the setting of the book is in Harlem, where I have visited many times. I am familiar with many of the places he "relaxed" in and feel connected to him somehow. The book is wonderfully written and shows that in the end, even a "troubled" boy can succeed. The author was adopted by Herbert and Florence Myers and many times talks about his and biological and natural families in the book. He gets the Dean in his name from his biological father and the Myers in his name from his adoptive father. The book shows the world of poverty, something that I am not acquainted with at all. It showed me that everyone does not have the things that us "middle class" kids have. All in all, he was raised in a bad situation, but turned out good in the end. In a teenager's view, parents are wrong. Period. In reality, they are only wrong sometimes, not all the time, or, just don't understand. In the end of the book on page 205, his father says, "You wrote stories when you were a boy. You're a man, now." This shows that his father didn't understand his passion for writing, and thought that writing was not "man's work".
I believe there were many small themes in the book. Bad Boy highlighted racism, teenage hood, and poverty just to name a few. As an African American teenager, I have experienced some, but not all of the things he has. I think that the main theme of the book is misunderstanding. When he spent all his time reading and writing his mother didn't understand him. When he skipped school, no one really understood him and he was sent to a social worker. Racism is product of misunderstanding. Even now, I don't understand why he skipped school, but then again, I haven't been adopted, or live in Harlem, or have a passion for reading. I have not walked in his shoes. That is one of the reasons I read this book, so that I could see what his life was like. So that I could enter an unfortunate teenager's life and realize that I am truly blessed.
All in all, this book is one of the best books I have read. I would recommend it too anyone in the hallway at school, or passers by on the sidewalk. His writings are geared toward children and teenagers, so it is a more appealing book to that group than to adults, but adults should read this too. Maybe they can venture into the life of a teenager, or a child in poverty. Maybe they can remember their childhood and how the world was so different then.
A lot can be learned from this book, but I think that the most important thing is the acceptance of ideas and others. ... Read more

Book Description

Like every other kid in his class, Joe Stoscack has to write a report on an African American who's made an important contribution to society. Unlike every other kid in his class, Joe has a special talent: with the help of old baseball cards, he can travel through time. So for his report, Joe decides to go back to meet one of the greatest baseball players ever, Jackie Robinson, to find out what it was like to be the man who broke baseball's color barrier. Joe plans on writing a prize-winning report. But he doesn't plan on a trip that will for a short time change the color of his skin -- and forever change his view of history and his definition of

01-02 Golden Sower Award Masterlist (YA Cat.) and 00 Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading Book Award (Intermed. Cat.)

Reviews (16)

Jackie & Me
For my book report I chose to read a book about Jackie Robinson. This book was entitled Jackie & Me, written by Dan Gutman.

In this book's introduction, Joe Stoshack explains that he has a very special talent. When Joe holds a baseball card in his hands he can travel back in time. Later in the book, this talent becomes very useful when Joe has to write a history report on an African-American who made the world a better place. For his report, Joe decides to go back in time to meet Jackie Robinson. He wanted to meet Jackie because he loved sports and knew a great deal about baseball. Joe also wanted to understand what it felt like to be the first black man in professional baseball.

Joe leaves Louisville, Kentucky, and is transported back into Jackie's time. He soon arrives in front of Macy's in New York, on April 14th, 1947 and finds he has become black. Joe was soon introduced to Jackie. Joe was invited to sleep on Jackie's couch because Joe helped a good friend of Jackie's after he had been attacked with a broken bottle. Eventually, Joe is accidentally made a batboy for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie Robinson's team. At first, Joe was nervous and scared that he was a black kid. He was treated badly by the white boys. He soon learned how difficult it was to be a black person, and how badly it feels to be made fun of for being black.

Joe soon understands the pain and frustration Jackie felt being a black man among all white team-mates. Jackie was sent threatening letters, called bad names, and treated very rudely and unkindly. Jackie Robinson was brave and strong, he refused to fight back and he refused to quit. The other players didn't want to be Jackie's friend, and they often ignored him altogether. One day, Pee Wee Reese started joking with Jackie. During the baseball game, Reese put his arm around Jackie and the crowd gasped in shock because it was the first time a white player had shown affection for a black player.

[...]Joe wrote a very informative and sensitive report about Jackie Robinson. He explained all the discrimination and segregation that Jackie had to endure. Joe learned that Jackie was a talented, dignified, and an honorable ball player, who eventually became well liked, admired, and respected.

Great combination of baseball fantasy and history
With Jackie and Me, Dan Gutman has improved upon the idea he started with Honus and Me. Joe Stoshack is still travelling through time via baseball cards, but for this book he experiences one of the great events of the 20th Century: Jackie Robinson breaking the baseball color barrier. Gutman also presents Robinson as a great role model for Joe and real kids like him who have trouble understanding that real strength is often shown through the ability to ignore ignorance, or by confronting it with talent and truth instead of fists.

Jackie and Me
Tim Young
Jackie and Me
A Baseball Bananza Dan Gutman 2000

The book is adout a kid named Joe who is sent back to the 1947 and meets Jackie
Robinson. He travles with Jackie by beighing the Dodgers bat boy. this book is great and you wont want to put it down.
When Joe is going through time he wakes up as an african american and in the 1940s they are not beighing treated fairley. This book also points out that even though Jackie is a pro ball player,people still look down on him. this book has a biography and a kids book in one. I give this book an 8 out of 10.

Jackie and Me
I am 10 years old and I like to read sports books.One of the best sports books ever that I have ever read is is Jackie and Me.This book is about a kid who goes back to 1947 to see Jackie Robinson. When Joe went back to 1947 to see Jackie Robinson it was the year that he broke the color barrier.Read this book to see if Joe and Jackie becomes friends.I liked this book because it is a sports book and I like Jackie Robinson.I could never put the book down because it was so awesome.

DAN GUTMAN, YOU ROCK!!
Jackie & Me is a great book, combining sports with going back in time. I like how the pictures look like photographs. Like I said, DAN GUTMAN, YOU ROCK!! ... Read more

Book Description

It was in November, a Thursday after swim practice. The thing with Mr. Tracy, Darren's English teacher.
The thing was how Darren would think of it, afterward.
The thing that was vague and not-named.
The thing that hadn’t happened, anyway.

Darren Flynn has the perfect life -- until that day in November.

After that day, after what happened (did it happen?), life is different. Darren is different. Nothing is as it was –– before. His friends, his family, even the people who are supposed to be in charge are no longer who Darren thought they were. Who can he trust, now?

This compelling, masterfully written novel by acclaimed author Joyce Carol Oates explores one teenager's search for identity in a complex, deceiving world, and the answers he finds in the most unexpected places. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

dissapointed
I really didn't enjoy this book. I can't really say why because it will spoil it for some people. I was just very dissapointed and felt the story could have been great.

Excellent Book
I really enjoyed Sexy. Coming from a teacher point of view and former librarian, I would not have titled it "Sexy". I think the book is so much more than it's title but, that is what the parents are going to see and it might inhibit some students from picking up a great book.
The book explores so may aspects of teen turmoil. I loved the ending!!

Wonderful and thought provoking YA effort by Ms. Oates!
I decided to give this book a whirl because I have heard wonderful things about Joyce Carol Oates's Young Adult offerings.Sexy is quite a compelling and thought-provoking novella.When an English teacher is accused of committing a sexual crime, it is up to young Darren to speak in his favor.But Darren is overwhelmed with confusions regarding his sexuality.Darren is quite a popular sixteen-year-old who is part of the swimming team that one of the boys, out of spite for having been flunked, accuses Mr. Tracy of being a pedophile. Darren struggles with his identity and the reader wonders whether or not he is indeed gay.There are various twists throughout the novel.

The novella may seem disjointed at times -- especially toward the end -- but that is because Oates wants you to read between the lines and understand the sort of confusion Darren is going through.The language is remarkable; you feel as though you are having a conversation with the narrator.The language is also quite stark and ambiguous at times, which leaves a lot of room for interpretation.That is the reason why the writing may seem disjointed at times, but this is done on purpose.I was able to feel Darren's loneliness and confusions as though it were my own.His inability to share his insecurities with others spoke volumes.That is what makes Sexy an incredible book that all adolescents, male or female, should read.The novella is thought provoking in more ways than one.Once again, Joyce Carol Oates has wowed me with this effort.This isn't her best book -- her short-story collections are much more literary -- but it is one of the best YA books I have read in a long time.I cannot recommend Sexy enough.

Is Oates the young adult novel's new Cormier?
I love Oates. This time around, I felt like she had picked up where Robert Cormier left off. She's our new Cormier! She explores complex ideas, which is always a reason to put your hands together. In swift, smart strokes, she creates breathing characters. Our hero Darren is no exception. But I'm not convinced she's mastered the art of the short novel (teenage or otherwise). This book is crowded with so much drama that demands further exploration, and you see this in some of the more minor characters. Stereotypical jock friends. Give-themselves-over-too-easily girlfriends. Vacuous parents. School administrators who are like chess pieces in Oates' game of plotting. And a sneaky little subplot about Darren's sexuality that is barely mined, almost as if some editor told Oates she couldn't dig deeper in a young adult novel.

Swimming at the Shallow End of Teen Sexuality Issues
I chose to read this book based on a memory of Ms. Oates powerful short story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" since the description on the book jacket seemed to indicate that this would cover similar ground...only with a young male protagonist.

That older short story was an unsettling, haunting look into the world of emerging teen sexuality that produces an effect that only a great writer could.That was Oates at the top of her game and she was able to connect with readers of all ages, creating a powerful impact.

This book however is a "different story" all together.

While the writing is capable and the structure makes for a quick read, there is ultimately little of consequence here.We are confronted with issues that should be taken seriously rather than touched upon lightly.And it would have been very nice to have a little more depth to most of the characters.

Oates relies heavily on our understanding common types of people and situations -- presenting attributes and behaviors of these types rather than giving us fully developed characters.This borders on stereotyping.

In this book, we are presented with tragedy.But the conclusion is sadly weak and soulless.Great writing should be more than dumping a collection of "hot" issues on the reader -- even if you can do so in a seamlessly artistic manner.It needs to call to something in our hearts and minds, and raise us up to consider our lives more fully.

To be confronted with superficiality in a