Boys will be human A get-real gut-check guide to becoming the strongest, kindest, bravest person you can be

Gr 5 Up--Baldoni, well-followed actor, social media figure, and man-club buster, has adjusted his straight talk about redefining masculinity to boyhood level. For the most part, it works. This book tackles emotional, social, physical, and psychological aspects of how boys can approach growing into men. He wants to eliminate the "boys will be boys" excuse of bad behavior. Baldoni begins by discussing what it means to belong to the stereotypical "boys' club"--doing things because of peer pressure and fear of rejection. This can mean how to think about and treat girls, being a fake person because of outside expectations, becoming sexually active prematurely, and other issues. He wants his readers to think about why this peer pressure exists and who actually makes the rules of this "boys' club." By asking questions, he encourages boys to stop, think, and feel about how they may be reacting to peer pressures. Baldoni is incredibly honest, telling several intimate personal stories about how he reacted to certain events as a boy and teenager. He is up front about being a heterosexual, cisgender man strongly influenced by his Baha'i faith. However, he is not condescending or dismissive of other viewpoints or experiences; he just cannot write from what he does not know. VERDICT The book is a worthy addition to help boys become beautiful humans. The main detractor is the book's length; at almost 300 pages, it seems overly long.--Lisa Crandall

What does it mean to be a man? In actor and filmmaker Baldoni's energetic introduction, he positions himself as a flawed but funny and earnest student of the nature of masculinity. He has written an adult nonfiction title about it, Man Enough (2021), and hosts The Man Enough Podcast. The eight chapters include quotes, relevant research, personal anecdotes, and advice--all presented in an accessible, conversational tone. Each chapter ends with a breakdown of key points that can guide further action. Occasional text boxes labeled "Gut Check" offer prompts that can lead to greater self-knowledge. The opening chapter, "Boys Will Be Brave," ties bravery to the concept of doing what's right, uncouples it from a pervasive ideal of brash masculinity, and traces one's sense of justice and bravery to family dynamics and upbringing. Being brave isn't easy; readers are encouraged to be true to themselves and ask for help when they need it. "Boys Will Be Bigger" tackles body image and its pitfalls; Baldoni assures readers that there is no such thing as the perfect male body and that we are not defined by our bodies. Puberty is different for everyone and can be complicated. "Boys Will Be Knights" focuses a realistic lens on love and romance. The book thoughtfully explores consent, sexual assault, homophobia, race and White privilege, and other themes that are inextricably entwined with notions of masculinity. Helpful advice and humorous myth-busting; will draw readers in and encourage reflection. (sources, further reading) (Nonfiction. 11-16) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.