Review - A Boy Like You

A Boy Like You
by Frank Murphy
illustrated by Kayla Harren
Date: 2019
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

There's more to being a boy than sports, feats of daring, and keeping a stiff upper lip. A Boy Like You encourages every boy to embrace all the things that make him unique, to be brave and ask for help, to tell his own story and listen to the stories of those around him. In an age when boys are expected to fit into a particular mold, this book celebrates all the wonderful ways to be a boy.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

There seems to be a new crop of books lately focusing on boys. This is the second one I've read in the last week. While ABC What Can He Be? focuses on careers, A Boy Like You focuses on character and positive masculinity. The book covers everything from kindness to sportsmanship (including never uttering the phrase "throw like a girl"), and from emotions to aspirations. It teaches boys that they can be vulnerable (and even cry), and that there's more to being a male than sports and physical strength.

The illustrations are absolutely precious. The main character is shown throughout the book interacting with his family and friends (and the most adorable little white dog). The diversity is quite appealing. (And, despite the title and focus, there are girls and women depicted in the illustrations, as the importance of positive interactions with all kinds of people is emphasized.)

If every boy were raised with the sort of values that this book espouses, the world would be a very different place. It would be a better place, full of kindness and compassion. A Boy Like You shows boys what they have the potential to be, and offers an alternative to some of the toxic messages that our society continually throws at them. I highly recommend this one to little boys... and even to girls with brothers and male friends (because sometimes everyone needs a reminder of the unlimited potential that boys have when they're not constrained by stereotypical gender norms).

Quotable moment:

Premise: 5/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4.33 out of 5