Boys: A User's Guide
What’s inside...
Boys: A User's Guide by Morag Prunty is a humorous and insightful book that offers practical advice for understanding and navigating the world of boys. It covers topics such as communication, relationships, and gender differences, providing personal anecdotes and expert advice. It is an essential guide for anyone wanting to better understand the boys in their lives. El tímido, el serio, el feo-pero-simpático, el canchero, and more are explored in this manual, which provides tips on how to approach or distance oneself from boys without emotional harm. With 112 pages, it is suitable for readers aged 10 and up.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think are the most important qualities in a friend? How does the book portray friendships among boys?
How do the characters in the book handle their emotions? Can you relate to any of their experiences?
What did you learn about the different ways boys can express themselves? Which part of the book stood out to you the most?
How does the book challenge common stereotypes about boys? What can we learn from these challenges?
What would you do differently if you were in the same situations as the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their own experiences and feelings as they relate to the stories in the book.
Use examples from the book to discuss broader social issues and personal development.
Highlight the diversity of characters and situations in the book to underscore the variety of ways boys can express themselves.
Prompt your child to consider alternative outcomes in the stories by asking what they would do differently in the character’s shoes.
Reinforce the idea that it's okay for boys to show vulnerability and discuss emotions openly and honestly.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Respecting Differences
Explanation: The book showcases various characters with diverse backgrounds and personalities, illustrating the importance of accepting others as they are.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diversity and practice inclusivity with peers from different cultures or with different interests.
Example Lesson: Developing Emotional Intelligence
Explanation: Through the interactions and conflicts between characters, children see examples of recognizing, understanding, and appropriately expressing emotions.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children manage their emotions and empathize with others, enhancing their social interactions and emotional wellness.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book often team up to solve problems, teaching that collaboration can yield better results than working alone.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to cooperate in group settings such as school projects, sports, and family activities, learning that teamwork can be both effective and fulfilling.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Consequences
Explanation: The book depicts scenarios where characters face consequences for their actions, which reinforces the concept of personal responsibility.
Real-World Application: This educates children on the importance of considering the outcomes of their actions and being responsible in their decision-making.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Characters are often faced with difficult tasks or situations, yet they continue to strive and eventually overcome these challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist despite difficulties, fostering resilience and a can-do attitude in real-life challenges.