Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different: True Tales of Amazing Boys Who Changed the World Without Killing Dragons
The Dare to Be Different Series
What’s inside...
Boys can be anything they want to be! This timely book joins and expands the gender-role conversation and gives middle-grade boys a welcome alternative message: that masculinity can mean many things. You won't find any stories of slaying dragons or saving princesses here. In Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different, author Ben Brooks—with the help of Quinton Wintor's striking full-color illustrations—offers a welcome alternative narrative: one that celebrates introverts and innovators, sensitivity and resilience, individuality and expression. It's an accessible compilation of 75 famous and not-so-famous men from the past to the present day, every single one of them a rule-breaker and stereotype-smasher in his own way. Entries include Frank Ocean, Salvador Dali, Beethoven, Barack Obama, Ai Weiwei, Jesse Owens, and so many more—heroes from all walks of life and from all over the world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which story inspired you the most, and why do you think it stood out to you?
How do you think these boys showed courage in their lives? Can you think of a time when you were brave?
What qualities do these boys share that helped them make a difference in the world?
If you could meet any of the boys from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
What is one thing you would change in the world after reading these stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting each story, ask your child what they know about the boy or the context of his achievements to gauge their prior knowledge and stimulate curiosity.
After reading a story, encourage your child to express their feelings about the boy’s journey and relate it to their own experiences or aspirations.
Use the stories as an opportunity to discuss broader themes like kindness, resilience, and innovation. Ask your child how they can apply these themes in their daily life.
Create a ‘dare to be different’ challenge together based on the book. Set goals with your child inspired by the stories you’ve read to encourage them to take their unique path.
After finishing the book, have your child draw or write about which boy they found most inspiring and why, helping them to consolidate their thoughts and feelings about the stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The book showcases stories of boys who have embraced their unique traits and interests, breaking free from traditional gender roles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their own uniqueness and feel confident in pursuing passions that might not fit traditional expectations.
Example Lesson: Persistence in Adversity
Explanation: Various stories detail how boys faced challenges and obstacles but persevered to achieve great things.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of determination and resilience in overcoming difficulties in life or school.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The book highlights boys who show deep empathy towards others, which contributed to their impactful actions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment with their peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of Creativity
Explanation: Many boys in the book use creative solutions to solve problems or make a difference in society.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their creativity to think outside the box and apply innovative thinking in daily tasks or problem-solving scenarios.
Example Lesson: Social Responsibility
Explanation: The narratives include boys who took actions for the betterment of society, showing awareness and responsibility towards social issues.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to be aware of societal issues and understand how they can contribute positively, from recycling to helping others in their community.