Guys Write for Guys Read

This collection of short pieces about being a “guy” written by children’s and YA writers such as Scieszka himself, Mo Willems, Neil Gaiman, and about 784 others has some charm and some funny bits but somehow rings mostly false. The quintessential “guy” these men seem to be aiming for does not exist except in pop culture and even then in pop culture from at least 30 years ago. (Many of the writers are of older generations, but even the younger guys write as if they grew up in an era lost in the mists of time.) The gross-out stuff about flatulence and bowel difficulties and the stuff about guys wanting to try stupid physical stunts are particularly inapposite to the realities of today. Today’s guys (or at least the American show more ones) tend to be quite fastidious about their cloacal activities and if anything are quite squeamish about physical risk. They are much more interested in sex than anything else. Where did that stereotype go? show less

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)

In this collection of stories, essays, and other stuff, guys will find inspiration from some of their favorite writers/cartoonists/whatever. Chalk full of advice and humorous quips, it is no surprise that this collection will not just be enjoyed by guys. There is much in this book to love, even the essay about what guys do (burp, yell, scratch etc). The short entries make it easy to pick up and put down on a whim, and there is no reason to finish it all in one go, unless of course you just can't stop turning the pages.

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.

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

If you are younger than 6th grade, this book isn't for you. It might be nice to read it with a parent. It's a great resource to find authors that you might like to read. Lots of choices. An excerpt from various authors/illustrators. As a mom of 2 boys, I will use it as a resource for years to come.

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 show more 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. show less