Boys Will Be

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

``This is a book about boy stuff, written for boys to read, by a former boy who is now raising two boys of his own.'' So begins the latest from Newbery Honor winner Brooks ( What Hearts ; The Moves Make the Man ). In his first collection of essays, he speaks directly to boys (and to the men they will become). Brooks knows what boys like and what they worry about, and with an unclouded memory, he navigates a maze of parents, sports, friendships and self-discovery. Whether discoursing on the momentous decision of choosing the correct hat (``The Cap'') or writing an ode to the primal beauty of sweat (``Stink''), Brooks's voice is strong and confident, filled with humor and understanding. He is at his best when he wrestles with life's tougher lessons, as in the insightful ``Risky Pals'' and particularly in ``Victory,'' which uses the 1993 NCAA basketball championships to examine the true meaning of winning. Brooks is right, boys do read (``Real Boys Read Books''), and they will find much to enjoy in his latest gift. Ages 11-up. (Oct.)

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-This talented author's latest effort is a series of eight insightful and witty essays that look into particular characteristics that tend to be inherent to males in general and boys in specific. While Brooks presents his observations and theories in a convincing and entertaining manner, the book will have trouble finding an audience. He foreshadows this fact in his first chapter addressed To Boys: ``You will notice that some of these essays are written directly to you, while others seem to be addressing adults...'' A number of the perils of adolescence are succinctly described and analyzed, including bullies, verbal taunting, and even body odor. Seemingly minor issues that are important to young males, such as wearing caps and the need to win at all cost no matter how small the engagement are addressed. Of particular interest to librarians and other educators is an essay entitled ``Real Boys Read Books,'' in which some interesting thoughts on the reading habits of young males are put forth. A rather long discourse on why hockey is a better sport than football allows Brooks to make an effective argument but seems out of place. The book is definitely worthy of purchase for those who live and work with adolescent males, but will boys read it? No way, man.-Tom S. Hurlburt, La Crosse Public Library, WI