Parents' Guide to

The Best Man

By Mary Cosola, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Witty, sweet story of boy figuring out school, family, love.

Book Richard Peck Coming of Age 2016
The Best Man Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 6 parent reviews

johns1j
johns1j Adult
February 8, 2019
age 12+

Best Man

I fell in love with the main character and all of his amazing role models that guide him through adolescence. The book may touch on the fact that his uncle is gay but is not a main focus in the book so I completely disagree with the other reviewers point of view. What is important is that the main character is accepting and loves others for who they are, regardless of sexual orientation. It's not a book that preaches and some kids may not even pick up on that at all. It's a wonderfully written, carefree, great read.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
Apreuss
Apreuss Parent of 8-year-old
June 12, 2019
age 12+

Very liberal, shocking bullying

I’ve read a lot of Richard Peck over the years, and this book was the first to disappoint. First of all, unless you’re very liberal leaning about gay marriage, you won’t like this book. It may just be a side part of the story, but if you are adamant that marriage should follow God’s plan of one man and one woman you won’t want your kid to read this. It definitely feels like a LGBTQ aimed book to indoctrinate kids that gay marriage is fine because it’s all about “love”. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll probably like it. More disturbing was the portrayal of school bullying. Is that really what schools are like now?? With kids getting tied up in the bathroom??? Oh dear. The adults at the school were incompetent, which is usual in a kids’ book to make it seem like a “kid’s world,” but given the shocking (to me) abuse of the bullies, I was really disturbed. Not for me. Not for my kids. I advise prereading.

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 6 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Archer Magill's narration of his grade school life in THE BEST MAN starts and ends with weddings, the first being a hilarious story of his ill-fated turn as a ring bearer, the second a poignant family wedding in which he understands so much more about life and love. Over the course of the book, Archer inches toward puberty, enduring the sometimes confusing and exasperating world of his schoolmates and teachers. And as confusing as childhood and approaching puberty are for Archer, adulthood is totally baffling. Why can't adults just say what they mean? Fortunately he has his dad, grandpa, and uncle Paul around to help him figure things out. All three are completely different from one another, but each has a sweet and special relationship with Archer. When Mr. McLeod -- the first male teacher at his elementary school -- comes into his life, he gains another role model and starts to look at the world from a slightly more grown-up point of view. He also comes to understand marriage, including same-sex marriage for a gay relative. This book is a sweet and funny look into the brain of a maturing boy who's trying to figure out the world around him.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (6 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Archer Magill is a funny, sweet narrator who hilariously conveys how confusing life can be for kids. The Best Man deftly deals with important topics such as loss of a loved one, bullying, and same-sex marriage without being heavy-handed. This humorous, light touch will resonate with kids for this reason, and it will appeal to parents who can discuss these topics with their kids. Some of the situations that crop up in the book are over the top, and some of the side characters fall into clichés -- for example, the thuggish bully, the prissy know-it-all, and the bumbling teacher. Fortunately, all the main characters are well-developed, interesting, and engaging.

Archer's journey from first grade through sixth and the situations he encounters are fun to follow. He goes from not understanding what's going on around him to eventually keying in on conversations and social nuances. It is nice to see a book show this aspect of maturing into a young adult. Much of the book centers on Archer's relationships with his male role models. They all bring something different to his life and help him grow into a good young man. The story is funny, poignant, and heartwarming. It'll give younger readers a lot to think about while also entertaining them.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the friendship between a boy and girl in The Best Man. How are boy-girl friendships usually portrayed in books and movies? Do you think it's a big deal for boys and girls to be friends in grade school? Why, or why not?

  • In The Best Man, Archer often doesn't pick up on things that happen around him and needs situations spelled out for him. Do you think this is typical of kids between are 5 and 12? Have you ever had one of those moments when you finally understand things that grown-ups around you are talking about?

  • Do you have any role models in your life? What about these people makes you admire and want to be like them?

Book Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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