I know, I know, I'm not a guy, but this is a really great essay collection! ( )

Directed toward boys, this selection of short pieces by notable kids and young adult authors and illustrators is a mixed bag. Some of the writing retells funny stories about growing up from the writers' lives, some are about learning to love reading or drawing, and some are about what it means to be a guy. Young readers could read a page or two here or there and with the brief bibliography from each contributor could get to lots and lots of good stuff.
This quote struck me from Michael W. Smith's piece, "The point is simply this: If somebody tells you that reading is something you do by yourself, tell them they're wrong." (233) ( )

The are many fictional and nonfiction short stories in this book. It reminded me of the book Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul. However, the stories are written by male authors and aimed for boys. There are a variety of stories that focus of a variety of subjects to teach boys life long lessons. The story are humorous, sad, exciting, and filled with suspense. Some of the stories are as short as one page. If you know of a boy who is not a bookworm I suggest you check this book out. However, there is something for everyone in this book.

Written by guys for guys, about being guys, this book might pull in boys who need a jump start in reading good books. However, my guess is that boys will read a few entries from guy authors they have read and enjoyed, because while the entries are short, the book is rather lengthy. I received this book as a gift from a publisher and read some funny entries from Tedd Arnold, engrossed in James Bond and Avi holding a comic book drive for wounded soldiers. I will use this to introduce author studies in the library.

This collection of essays, short stories, biographical sketches, and illustrations is written for male readers by male writers. While the forms vary, all selections attempt to address the central theme of what it means to be a boy. The authors featured were selected by readers through Jon Scieska's website, www.guysread.com, and the royalties from the book will go to support the website.

Authors and illustrators featured in the anthology run the gamut from hilarious (David Bauer's "My Entire Football Career") to sentimental (Marc Aronson's "Stone = Throw") to hopeful (Dav Pilkey's untitled entry) and disgusting (Stephen King's excerpt from "On Writing"). The book includes poetry, prose, and illustrations in all media (though all in black and white). In addition to the authors' and illustrators' selections, brief biographical information (including a fun random fact) and a selected bibliography is included at the end of each piece.

This book is a great introduction to writers for boys. Highly recommended for all school libraries. ( )