Book Review
A short overview of this book
How to be a Real Man by Scott Stuart is a lovely children’s book for breaking stereotypes about what it means to be a man (or boy). Books on gender stereotypes for boys is common, so it is nice to finally have a book for parents to read to their kids. And yes, this is a book that should be read to children of all genders (not just boys) because girls too, need to understand that stereotypes are often harmful. So this is an essential book for young children that tackles gender identity, self-acceptance, equality, and diversity in a fun and engaging way.
This author has more books on similar themes.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 3 to 7 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of How to be a Real Man by Scott Stuart from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hakanson, and welcome to Sex Ed Rescue. This is the place where I help parents have better conversations with their kids about all sorts of things. Today, I want to talk about a fantastic book called How To Be A Real Man by Scott Stuart. I wish this book had been around when my own kids were little!
I have to admit, I only recently discovered this gem. My kids are a bit older now, twelve and sixteen, so I don’t get to read these kinds of books anymore. But I do have a couple of nephews, and let me tell you, they’re getting this book for Christmas! It’s just so great because it aligns with my values as a parent – the belief that everyone is equal.
You know those old rhymes we used to hear as kids? Boys, girls are nice, like sugar and spice. Boys are puppy dogs and rats tails. It’s amazing how many stereotypes we have about kids. We see them in movies too. Just the other day, my daughter and I were watching an old Doris Day movie where she wanted to be a doctor’s wife and gave up her job for it. My daughter was shocked and we had some great conversations about it. That’s why books like this are so important. They help dispel those stereotypes and myths about boys.
Remember those silly rhymes about boys being strong and girls being weak? I remember my brothers reciting them when we were kids. It’s crazy how these things get passed down through generations. But this book tackles those stereotypes head-on. It talks about Vikings and pirates, and challenges the idea that they were the epitome of manliness. It even mentions the Spartans and questions whether being strong means being the best.
If I were reading this book with my son, I’d ask him what he thinks. I’d read that page again and we’d discuss it, sharing stories and experiences. The book encourages boys to find new ways to be a man, to live their lives and do their best. It gives examples of using strength to fight for people’s rights instead of physical fights. It talks about not hiding your feelings and being brave enough to show them. It encourages kids to question the stereotypes and myths that are ingrained in our society, even in the toys we play with.
The book ends by reminding boys that they have a choice. They don’t have to follow harmful stereotypes. They can choose what they want to do with their lives. These are such important messages. As a parent, I’ve read plenty of feminist books with my daughter, but there hasn’t been as much for boys. That’s why I’m thrilled to see books like this coming out. Boys are often forgotten, and I want my son to grow up knowing he’s equal, not superior. I want him to be free from the pressure of fitting into harmful stereotypes.
I have to admit, I’m a bit embarrassed that I didn’t find this book sooner. But hey, now that I know about it, I can’t wait to share it with others. It’s a real game-changer. Alright, that’s all for now. Cheers!
