What Stories Does My Son Need?: A Guide to Books and Movies That Build Character in Boys

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Summary: Simple & straight to the heart
Review: A wonderful list. Yes, as other reviewers point out, there is 'nothing new here'. But parents today are bombarded with books and videos for kids and don't often have time to sift through them all as thoughtfully as the authors have done here. They've done a wonderful job of reviewing stories we know and love from a boy's perspective. My 6 year old gets way too much pressure to act like a girl, I'm grateful for movie & book reviews that acknowledge not just that it's ok to be a boy, but actually quite wonderful. The discussion questions may not be the ones you want to ask, but they get you thinking along the right lines.

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Summary: boys are worth it
Review: Boys are worth it. They do deserve just as much fuss and time as our girls. The interest has peaked on this topic and the author's aren't living up to their potential. Slow down authors. We will wait for sincere and more weighted guidelines for our sons. For parents who want to raise thinking, creative and caring children (especially boys) consider other worthy words from two other great books: "Loneliness in Childhood and Adolescence," and ''MOMMY-CEO,'' (not at all what you're thinking but great in sharing the little but important stuff) and both are easy friendly reading.

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Summary: A Vital Guide to Healthy Media for Boys
Review: From the ground-breaking author of The Wonder of Boys and The Good Son, here is a unique guide to two hundred movies and books that help parents build character in boys and young men. Boys have a special relationship with stories. They are unusually influenced by what they see, hear, and read -- for good or ill. In What Stories Does My Son Need? the author of the national bestseller The Wonder of Boys ("the impetus for a growing 'boys movement' " -- USA Today) shows parents and teachers how to harness the media's influence to teach boys the lessons they need in today's confusing moral environment. In an annotated list including from movies such as High Noon and Glory, and books such as The Giving Tree and To Kill A Mockingbird, therapist and educator Gurian highlights the particular ethical lessons two hundred great stories can impart to boys and young men. Discussion points coach parents and teachers on how to make the viewing or reading of these essential stories into a valuable character-shaping experience. The book also features an introductory chapter that instructs readers on the perils and promise of boys' media intake; on boys' unique emotional relationship to the media; and how to use their viewing experiences as opportunities for moral growth. Gurian's selections of books and movies have already been praised and reprinted in newspapers across the country, ranging from USA Today to The Christian Science Monitor. Now, with What Stories Does My Son Need? he fills a popular need and provides parents with a new resource for raising boys into responsible and caring men.

Rating:
Summary: Not much here
Review: I was disappointed at this slim volume that includes a lot of well-known titles. It feels like it was quickly thrown together to take advantage of the current interest in boys. I'd expect more from Gurian.

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Summary: Practical, and fun to share with your kids
Review: This book is a small-but-potent guide to finding positive entertainment amid all the negativity and violence that's in the movies and television today. I'll take Gurian's suggestions over Doom or the WWF anytime. It outlines 100 movies and 100 books for all age ranges, and my family has benefited from it.

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Summary: Excellent Idea, But Left Out The Best One
Review: This book is an excellent idea. However, the authors left out what I have found to be the best one for our sons AND OUR DAUGHTERS. Add the book, "West Point" by Norman Thomas Remick to your list (in fact, this should be first as it gives the basics). It's a veritable education in character and leadership.