Boying Up by Mayim Bialik

Short Summary

Boying Up: How to Be Brave, Bold and Brilliant by Mayim Bialik is a wordy, science-leaning guide to growing up for boys. Written by an actor, parent, and neuroscientist, this book focuses on puberty, brain development, emotions, attraction, and identity, with a strong educational tone rather than a traditional sex-ed approach.

Age Group

Suitable for children aged 13 to 16 years.

Topics Discussed

Growing Up

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What this book is about

  • Boying Up explains puberty through a science-based lens, covering body changes, hormones, and brain development.
  • It explores attraction and relationships, focusing on opposite-sex relationships and traditional dating pathways.
  • Mental health and emotional wellbeing are discussed, including stress, fitting in, and navigating locker-room culture.
  • The book addresses social pressures on boys and expectations around masculinity.
  • There is a brief mention of screen time and sexting, but no meaningful discussion of pornography or online risks.
  • Sexual health topics such as STIs, contraception, masturbation, and sexual diversity are not covered in depth.
  • A distinctive section towards the end focuses on why boys matter, their role in society, and the potential to become caring partners and fathers.
  • The tone is informative and reflective, leaning more toward personal development than practical sex education.
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I hope you find this book review helpful!

Happy talking!
❤️ Cath

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Cath Hakanson is a qualified family sex educator, sexual health nurse and author with 30+ years of clinical and education experience. As an AuDHD parent of two neurodivergent children, she creates clear, practical sex ed resources that help parents talk about bodies, puberty, consent, porn, relationships and sex without shame or judgement.