 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Guys Write for Guys Read
- By Jon Scieszka
- Genre: Short Stories
Common Sense Media says
Short stories by male authors. Some good, some iffy stuff.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the male authors and illustrators of this uneven short story collection are exploring masculinity. There is some stereotyping -- and some graphic stuff (including hazing that involves nudity, hanging bolts from and tying a rope around a male appendage, anal application of Tabasco). But the theme of this collection, and the entries themselves, may make it appeal to male teens, perhaps especially reluctant readers. Profits go to support the Guys Read Web site.
What's the story?
A collection of nearly 100 very short stories, anecdotes, drawings, essays, comics, and memories from favorite authors from the Guys Read website, as well as from literacy experts and editors. Authors like M.T. Anderson and Walter Dean Meyers have entries. Selections include numerous memories about fathers, pranks, and bullies, thoughts about what it means to be a guy, and anecdotes about the paths that led to becoming writers and illustrators. Each is followed by a few facts about the author and a few titles of his books.
Is it any good?
Guys read, but judging from this collection, they don't care much about quality. With a few exceptions, the writing here is flat and reads like a homework assignment done at the last minute. And some of the guys who write have ideas about guy-ness so stereotypical that even a 10-year-old would sneer -- real guys apparently burp, fart, and play sports. Alert the media.
This was a good idea -- getting boys to read, and keeping them reading,
is a worthy goal, and the profits go to support the Guys Read Web
site. And there are some gems among much dross, and a few that defy the stereotypes. Perhaps it will appeal to reluctant readers -- and get teen boys interested in the work of some of the authors here.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the intent here. What is the point of this book? Why do you think the authors were interested in contributing? Do any of the portrayals resonate with you? Did anything feel stereotypical?
Money from this book goes to support Guys Read, an organization with a mission to "help boys become self-motivated, lifelong readers." Do boys need special help in this area? Are there specific books or genres that you think are more appealing to boys?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
you have go to be kiding me this book was awesome
I would like a long hard talk with the kid that didnt like this book. is there one? i deffenitly dont think so. cause come on this book isn't anything new to these kids... its realistic! its not sopposed to be goody goody little girl fairy tale when no one even gets the slightest bit wounded
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Best book ever!
This book I recomend for people of all ages. some stories are funny some scary and some a shoker from all kids that are fun authers. I give this book a GO
and 5 stars
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Author: | Jon Scieszka |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Short Stories |
| Publisher: | Penguin Group |
| Publication date: | May 10, 2005 |
| Number of pages: | 272 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 17 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
