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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Buy a copy of Boying Up by Mayim Bialik from Amazon.

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.
I hope you find this book review helpful!
Happy talking!
❤️ Cath