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Guys Write for Guys Read (by Jon Scieszka)

common sense media says

Short stories by male authors. Some good, some iffy stuff.

parents & educators say
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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. 

Educational value: Because it features nearly 100 very short stories, anecdotes, drawings, essays, comics, and memories, it may appeal to reluctant male readers. The profits go to support the Guys Read Web site. May inspire readers to seek out other books by these authors.
Positive messages: The writers explore what it means to be a guy -- coming to various conclusions.
Positive role models: The male authors here share their varied experiences, and readers are certain to find someone they can relate to or root for.
Violence: A school head who hits students with a slipper, a graphic description of a body after six weeks in the ocean. Hazing that involves nudity, hanging bolts from and tying a rope around a male appendage, anal application of Tabasco.
Sex: A kiss, touching a girl's chest, sexual daydreams.
Language: One four-letter word, various words for the male organ.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: A dad who drinks too much beer, another who drinks whiskey while driving, pot smoking.
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More on Guys Write for Guys Read

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • 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?

What's the story?

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?

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. 

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Jon Scieszka
Publisher: Penguin Group
Publication date: May 10, 2005
Number of pages: 272
Hardcover price: $16.99
This review was written by Matt Berman
 
 

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teen, 17 years old
 
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
greydawg150
teen, 16 years old
 
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
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winfall
adult
 
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joeyrosa64
teen, 15 years old
 
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
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