A Boy Like You

2020 "Rise: A Feminist Book Project Top Ten" winner (ALA) & Winner of the 2019 Eureka! Gold Awards There's more to being a boy than sports, feats of daring, and keeping a stiff upper lip. A Boy Like You encourages every boy to embrace all the things that make him unique, to be brave and ask for help, to tell his own story and listen to the stories of those around him. In an age when boys are expected to fit into a particular mold, this book celebrates all the wonderful ways to be a boy.Review""The world needs a boy like you," Murphy writes assuredly as a boy is shown standing out from a variably diverse crowd. Encouraging readers to contribute positively to the world around them, Harren's images show the boy sitting "with the new kid," recycling a bottle, telling a passerby he's dropped his wallet, and expressing himself in healthy ways (looking into adulthood, the boy imagines himself in different professions, including construction worker, artist, and teacher). Being brave means sometimes being afraid, Murphy asserts, and asking for help and not being afraid to cry are also signs of strength. The story is directed squarely at boys, but Harren's illustrations show representations of all kinds of kids and families. Being a boy can mean many things, Murphy suggests, but being "a smart boy, a brave boy, a kind boy" are the first important steps toward manhood." - Publisher's Weekly"The title answers a question: What does the world need?In simple, aphorism-laced language, Murphy offers a positive vision of masculinity that focuses on what he dubs " 'inside' strength"--the sort that privileges kindness, respect for self and for others, knowing when to ask for help, and daring to dream big. He begins with guidelines for right behavior on the playing field ("Say 'Nice goal!' and 'Good try!' / Don't say 'You throw like a girl.'