Book Review
A short overview of this book
What is Masculinity? Why Does it Matter? And Other Big Questions by Jeffrey Boakye and Darren Chetty is a great book for kids who are trying to understand what it means to be male. It provides a number of different perspectives and invites the reader to come up with their own definition of what masculinity means to them.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 8 to 14 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of What is Masculinity? Why Does it Matter? And Other Big Questions by Jeffrey Boakye and Darren Chetty from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak, and welcome to Sex Ed Rescue. This awesome website is all about showing parents a better way to talk to their kids about sex. And guess what? It’s also a YouTube channel where I review a ton of books. Today, I want to tell you about a book I stumbled upon at our local library. It’s called What Is Masculinity? Why does it Matter? And other big questions by Jeffrey Boakye and Darren Chetty. This book is perfect for tweens and teens, and I’ll explain why.
First off, let me tell you, it’s not just a picture book. It’s packed with loads of interesting information about masculinity. It even has an index at the back, so you can easily find what you’re looking for. The book covers a wide range of topics and includes insights from various guest speakers. They discuss everything from the importance of masculinity to the impact of stereotypes and gender diversity.
You’ll find answers to questions like: Is masculinity influenced by testosterone? Are there differences between male and female brains? The book also explores the perspectives of feminists on masculinity and delves into the relationship between violence and masculinity. They even talk about how masculinity affects the world of work and the inequalities that exist not just between genders, but also among different races.
I was thrilled to see that the book includes the voices of women too. It explores where ideas about masculinity come from and even touches on the historical aspect. It also examines how these ideas impact relationships, self-esteem, and sexual health. It’s a well-rounded book that covers a lot of ground!
Personally, I think this book is fantastic for tweens. I have a son, and I would love for him to read it. In fact, I’d sit down and read it with him myself. And you know what? It’s not just for boys. I believe my daughter would benefit from reading it too. It’s one of those books that really gets them thinking about what it means to be male or a boy. It presents different viewpoints without telling them what to feel. Instead, it provides them with facts so they can figure out what masculinity means to them.
So, if you’re looking for a book that encourages self-reflection and helps young people navigate the complexities of masculinity, this is definitely worth checking out. I hope this review helps you make an informed decision. Cheers!
