Book Review
A short overview of this book
Boying Up by Mayim Bialik is a book for teen boys that talks about the science and pressures of growing up male in today’s world.
This book is more about growing up than puberty. It talks about puberty, but also about other things like how our bodies work; how we love; how we spend our time; how we cope; and how we matter.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 13 to 16 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Boying Up by Mayim Bialik from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak from Sex Ed Rescue, and today I want to talk about a puberty book that’s a little different from the rest. It’s called Mayim Bialik’s Book about Growing Up for Boys. Now, Mayim Bialik is not only an actress and a mom, but she’s also got a PhD in something fancy like physics or neuroscience. Impressive, right?
So, let’s dive into the book. First off, I have to say, it’s quite wordy. It’s definitely geared towards older kids who enjoy reading and want more than just the basics. If your child loves devouring books and wants a deeper understanding of puberty, this could be a great choice. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Mayim Bialik’s book focuses on opposite-sex relationships and doesn’t touch on same-sex attractions or the possibility of not falling in love with anyone. So, if you want to have open conversations with your kids about different types of relationships, you might need to supplement this book with additional resources.
Another thing to note is that the book briefly mentions screen time and sexting, but it doesn’t go into detail about pornography or the risks associated with it. So, if you’re looking for a book that covers those topics, you might need to explore other options.
Now, let’s talk about the content. The book covers the basics of puberty, including how bodies change, hormones, and brain development. It also has a really interesting section on attraction and how relationships evolve during this time. Plus, it touches on mental health and dealing with things like locker room talk and fitting in.
Towards the end, there’s a unique section on why boys matter, discussing their role in society and their potential as future fathers. It’s a nice touch that sets this book apart.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this as a first book on puberty, especially for younger kids. It’s quite detailed and might be overwhelming for them. But if you have an older child who’s curious and wants a deeper understanding, this book could be a great fit.
Just keep in mind that it doesn’t cover all the nitty-gritty details of sex, infections, or contraception. It takes a more educational approach, providing lots of good information without going too deep into the subject.
So, if you have a child who’s going through puberty and has lots of questions, this book could be a valuable resource. It’s not as tame as the American Girl books, but it’s also not as detailed as books written by sex educators. Mayim Bialik’s unique perspective shines through in her writing.
I hope this review helps you make an informed decision. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out. Cheers!
