The Trouble with Boys: A Surprising Report Card on Our Sons, Their Problems at School, and What Parents and Educators Must Do

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The Trouble with Boys: A Surprising Report Card on Our Sons, Their Problems at School, and What Parents and Educators Must Do

3.85 of 5 stars 3.85 · rating details · 400 ratings · 126 reviews

From the moment they step into the classroom, boys begin to struggle. They get expelled from preschool nearly five times more often than girls; in elementary school, they’re diagnosed with learning disorders four times as often. By eighth grade huge numbers are reading below basic level. And by high school, they’re heavily outnumbered in AP classes and, save for the realm...more From the moment they step into the classroom, boys begin to struggle. They get expelled from preschool nearly five times more often than girls; in elementary school, they’re diagnosed with learning disorders four times as often. By eighth grade huge numbers are reading below basic level. And by high school, they’re heavily outnumbered in AP classes and, save for the realm of athletics, show indifference to most extracurricular activities. Perhaps most alarmingly, boys now account for less than 43 percent of those enrolled in college, and the gap widens every semester!

The imbalance in higher education isn’t just a “boy problem,” though. Boys’ decreasing college attendance is bad news for girls, too, because admissions officers seeking balanced student bodies pass over girls in favor of boys. The growing gender imbalance in education portends massive shifts for the next generation: how much they make and whom they marry.

Interviewing hundreds of parents, kids, teachers, and experts, award-winning journalist Peg Tyre drills below the eye-catching statistics to examine how the educational system is failing our sons. She explores the convergence of culprits, from the emphasis on high-stress academics in preschool and kindergarten, when most boys just can’t tolerate sitting still, to the outright banning of recess, from the demands of No Child Left Behind, with its rigid emphasis on test-taking, to the boy-unfriendly modern curriculum with its focus on writing about “feelings” and its purging of “high-action” reading material, from the rise of video gaming and schools’ unease with technology to the lack of male teachers as role models.

But this passionate, clearheaded book isn’t an exercise in finger-pointing. Tyre, the mother of two sons, offers notes from the front lines—the testimony of teachers and other school officials who are trying new techniques to motivate boys to learn again, one classroom at a time. The Trouble with Boys gives parents, educators, and anyone concerned about the state of education a manifesto for change—one we must undertake right away lest school be-come, for millions of boys, unalterably a “girl thing.”

From the Hardcover edition.(less)

Hardcover, 320 pages

Published September 9th 2008 by Crown

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Best books of September, 2008

26th out of 28 books — 24 voters

Stop Beating the Dead Horse by Julie L. Casey

The Evolution of Wealth by Jerry D. Ward

Best Books on Education Reform

4th out of 14 books — 3 voters

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Oct 21, 2008 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

For all you that have boys out there, this is a must read. The book showcases the problems that boys are having in our school system and how we can help them succeed. I was amazed by statistics such as boys get diagnosed with ADHD over 5 times the amount of girls, boys are declining in subjects such as Math and Science, and the gender gap on college campuses between girls and boys are increasing. Very interesting. I will be more aware of how to make sure the schools are good for my boys.

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Dec 29, 2008 Meredith rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Meredith by: Chris

It was interesting to read this book as an elementary female teacher. As I read, I realized that many of my techniques in the classroom fit for boys- and not girls. Boys need to move and think differently than girls. You can either take this book completely to heart or pick and choose ideas.

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Mar 11, 2009 David rated it 4 of 5 stars

Interesting summary and analysis of the research showing that boys and men lag well behind girls and women in school achievement. A lot of it is familiar ground (possible overdiagnosing and overmedicating of boys for ADHD, 57% of college undergraduates are women, boys would rather play video games than do homework.........) if you either work in education or know a lot of boys, but the author does a nice job of laying it out and of providing some historical context.

I also appreciated her empiric...more

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Jan 26, 2013 Liz B rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: library, nonfiction, professional

I heard Peg Tyre speak at the Conference on English Leadership in Las Vegas this past November, and she spoke passionately and articulately about the ways that our education system can fail boys and young men, particularly those who are already at a disadvantage. The book was equally interesting--especially the sections on preschool and early elementary. I wanted the same sort of depth in the discussion of middle and high school, but it's just not there. There's a brief look at a few of the prob...more I heard Peg Tyre speak at the Conference on English Leadership in Las Vegas this past November, and she spoke passionately and articulately about the ways that our education system can fail boys and young men, particularly those who are already at a disadvantage. The book was equally interesting--especially the sections on preschool and early elementary. I wanted the same sort of depth in the discussion of middle and high school, but it's just not there. There's a brief look at a few of the problems boys encounter (having to be neat & organized; having to sit still for too long), and a fairly vague indictment of asking boys to write about feelings, and then she moves on to discuss higher education.

In many ways, the book re-affirmed my own practice. I like middle school kids. Boys require a different kind of management, and classes that are boy-heavy are often more tiring to teach--but boys like to talk about gross stuff and zombies and I like that stuff too. :) Also, I do better than fine in making sure that I offer (and know well enough to recommend) books that boys like, both in the classroom library and in book club selections.

The book did make me decide to reconsider avoiding co-ed groups when possible. I generally handle the fact that boys often don't mind letting girls do all the work (and girls don't trust boys to do anything) by watching like a hawk and assigning/ rotating jobs when necessary. Time to give the boys a chance to get things done on their own.

It also reaffirmed a decision I made at NCTE/ CEL this year: to explicitly start the year with informational writing. We have a lot of genre choice (since we follow Nancie Atwell's workshop model), and I introduce/ review book review, memoir, and free verse poetry right away. The rationale is a good one: these are genres the students have written before, and it's easier to write from your own experience. True! But it's not always easier to find meaning in your own experience, which is what is required in FVP and memoir. However, they are all experts on something, and writing advice pieces ("How to Be a Great Football Player") is right up many boys' alley. If we segue from that right into research & other expository writing, then argumentation, then analysis, we'll have built the level of trust & background to tackle the personal essays.

And finally, this book joins others I've read as the reason I should probably apologize in advance to my son's teachers. I'm perfectly happy with his daycare/ preschool experience, but I am worried about kindergarten...my son is such a boy. I want to make sure he has a kindergarten teacher who likes and appreciates little boys--just the way I like and appreciate middle school boys. (less)

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Jun 14, 2012 Mary rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: conversation-makers, public-education

I saw the documentary based on Raising Cain just before I lived with dorms full of thousands and thousands of boys. It was enormously helpful. This similar book has been likewise thought-provoking and applicable. Now let's be clear: I don't have sons, I don't even teach this semester, but knowing how schools are failing to accommodate what we know about boys has impacted how I interact with them.

Tutoring a guy at the writing center who, honestly, was not the brightest member of our campus com...more

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Dec 06, 2011 Jill rated it 3 of 5 stars

I found this book thought provoking, but ultimately lacking. The book relies on an essentialist understanding of gender--you could structure a drinking game around the frequency of mention of how much boys love trucks, for example--that limits its claims. Every page, I asked WHY: why are boys less verbal entering school? why do boys require more physical activity to succeed in school? why do boys need "gross-out" humor to find discussion accessible?

In this orientation, Tyre misses a critical an...more

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Dec 28, 2010 Jean rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: parenting, education, non-fiction

If you are concerned about how well your son is doing in school, or if you are wondering about your daughter's prospects for college admission, this book is a wonderful read. Tyre has filled this volume with facts and personal stories and breaks down the latest studies and scientific data in a well organized book that allows you to pick and choose which chapters to read, although you may find yourself devouring the entire book. I found that it challenged my feminist ideas about girls in the clas...more

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Jun 10, 2010 Mary rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: teachers, parents of boys having difficulties in school

Shelves: teaching-books

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The author argues that while boys have traditionally excelled in school, the feminist movement of the 1970s pushed teachers/ lawmakers/ society members to concentrate on girls' progress in school. Now the "new gender gap" has boys lagging further and further behind girls. In fact, boys start futher behind in reading and writing and never catch up.

All kids need physical activity, but boys especially are yelled at for their physical movements in the classroom. Recess time is either structured or t...more The author argues that while boys have traditionally excelled in school, the feminist movement of the 1970s pushed teachers/ lawmakers/ society members to concentrate on girls' progress in school. Now the "new gender gap" has boys lagging further and further behind girls. In fact, boys start futher behind in reading and writing and never catch up.

All kids need physical activity, but boys especially are yelled at for their physical movements in the classroom. Recess time is either structured or taken away completely. Movement is vital because it actually helps kids focus (106).

Some solutions include: give kids books they like (action, non-fiction, male protagonists, irreverent humor) give kids books they like, movement every 15-20 minutes, allowing a louder noise level in the classroom, find uber-male role models and have them read to elementary school students....

"Three decades of research is unequivocal: The better a child reads, the greater is the probability that the child will succeed in school" (138).

"Reading and writing are make-or-break skills in today's economy. Males who fail to earn a high school diploma are less likely to have a stead job, less likely to get married, and more likely to get divorced if they do marry. They are more likely to have contact with prison and the welfare system and to live in poverty. Not suprisingly, those negative experiences undermine a person's health and longevity. Men who aren't well educated and are single are far more prone to chronic aliments such as health disease and cancer. Men who are unmarried high school dropouts don't live as long as educated married men" (140).

Writing: boys want to write about what they want/create a different world, writing makes hands hurt.

"Girls write for the teacher, boys write for each other. Boys use kid language not classroom language. Their stories are goofy, fanciful, sarcastic, funny and designed for the amusement of their peers" (157). This shows me that I need to do more Story Starters and encourage sharing in the class because this assists the boys with their voice. The book also talks about "be prepared for [boys:] to tackle dangerous topics replete with violence, mayhem, and gore: 'We need to redefine our goals in teaching reading so that we can champion the great energy boys can bring to a project and their willingness to take risks" (158).

One group asks boys, "Well, how are you going to attract and hold on to a well-spoken, well-dressed, educated woman if you yourself are not well spoken and well dressed and you don't even make it through high school?" (227).

Issues boys have in school: organization, writing neatly, colloborating instead of competing, and writing about feelings.

Teachers should: pay attention to males' progress in reading and writing, vary book choices and writing topics, help students discover the joys of reading.(less)

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Dec 30, 2008 Tracey rated it 2 of 5 stars

Adult nonfiction; education/social issues. Peg Tyre builds on the work of Leonard Sax but fails to add much new apart from some perspective on why people have trouble acknowledging that boys are in fact at a disadvantage in today's educational institutions (it has a lot to do with not wanting to take attention or support away from the feminist movement). Her research is also somewhat spotty and not thoroughly convincing; however, teachers and parents of boys who struggle in school will be well a...more

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Oct 14, 2012 Rebecca added it

Shelves: education-pedagogy

Interesting food for thought on many topics touching on males and education. I quite enjoyed the beginning and middle, although my conclusion at the end is that she falls into the trap she criticizes other authors for falling into: chalking too much up to nature and innate biological differences.

For example, maybe fine-motor skills are something that boys struggle with more--but is it the parent and educator's duty to accept that as an unchangeable fact of life or is their duty to give them opp...more

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Oct 01, 2011 Sheryl rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the most important and revelatory books I have ever read. Our boys are failing to achieve at the same rate as our girls in record numbers. Lest you believe this is just a problem for boys, it has an impact on our daughters, too. The book alternately moved me to tears of recognition at some of the struggles my son has to face, while simultaneously making me angry on my daughter's behalf at how gender inequity (on either side) benefits no one. With objectivity and a heck of a lot of...more

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Sep 21, 2008 Giga rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very interesting as my son is currently working through issues that were originally diagnosed as ADD. Very disappointing to know that the last 4 years of constant conflict may not have been his fault after all, but it's offering more insight as to what I can try to offer his teachers when the conference discussion inevitably turns to his attention problems.

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Jun 08, 2012 Jason rated it 5 of 5 stars

Raising Boys, Molding Players, Producing Men: How Coach Roger Barta and the town of Smith Center creates champions.

Written by New York Times reporter Joe Drape, Our Boys chronicles the 2008 varsity football season of the Redmen, a perennial 2A football powerhouse forged from the strong backs and calloused hands of young men raised and fortified through the hard work and universal community support in Smith Center, Kansas, a small farming community gaining nationwide recognition through their foo...more

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Jul 24, 2010 Cynthia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: parenting

A very interesting and worrying look at the comparative success rates in school of boys & girls. Data shows that within any given racial or socio-economic group, girls outperform boys beginning in about 4th grade -- measured by grades, academic awards, and participation in extra-curricular activities aside from sports. College attendance & graduation rates are much higher for girls than for boys; colleges below the very top tier have a hard time maintaining a balance between men & wo...more

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Jun 02, 2009 Christina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: teaching

pretty compelling. stats, anecdotes, and common sense secure the argument that boys are performing more poorly in school than their female counterparts (at all levels of socio-economic ladder) and that some education system practices are biased against boys. good read for teachers to be aware of unseen biases in classroom and behavior and response to students.

found very informative the chapters summarizing the history of education system and the ones dealing with how research in the hands of med...more

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Jan 19, 2009 Kat rated it 3 of 5 stars

I thought this book was interesting, but it honestly made me paranoid with what my boys could be facing at school. Part of this could be because I'm trying to figure out what to do with Ben in the fall and it's kind of a sensitive subject.

I think the book has some great information, but I didn't feel like it was a balanced perspective on the subject as it claimed to be (similar to "The Case for Israel"). I appreciated some of the feedback for how to help boys in school, but I also felt like it...more

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May 11, 2013 Stacey rated it 1 of 5 stars

I picked this book up at the library with the hopes that it would give me some good advice for assisting my son during his educational endeavors. It was not helpful at all. Its a really long book where the author talks about millions of studies that are showing that boys are falling behind in school and because of the feminist movement we are ignoring it. She did talk about several school districts that are trying to change this (some successfully, others not so much), and she did briefly mentio...more

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Jul 12, 2011 Nate Jordon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you're a pre-K through high school teacher, this is a must-read. If you're considering becoming a pre-K through high school teacher, read this first. If you're an adjunct professor at the Community College of Denver, this will either convince you to become a crusader, or throw in the plunger and become a plumber. . . .

Someone once said, "There ain't gonna be any middle anymore." That's the attitude all teachers and professors need to take. As an instructor, there's much more at risk than atte...more

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Apr 09, 2012 Gina Denny rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: parenting-and-teaching, non-fiction

I almost put this book down at least six different times. Not because it's bad, but because it's a non-fiction book with almost no new information for me.

If you're unfamiliar with the boys-at-school problem, here it is in a nutshell: Boys develop more slowly than girls. Yet we send them to school at the same age, putting them at an automatic disadvantage. Once they are there, predominantly female teachers and female PTA crusaders create an environment in which boy-behavior is completely unaccep...more I almost put this book down at least six different times. Not because it's bad, but because it's a non-fiction book with almost no new information for me.

If you're unfamiliar with the boys-at-school problem, here it is in a nutshell: Boys develop more slowly than girls. Yet we send them to school at the same age, putting them at an automatic disadvantage. Once they are there, predominantly female teachers and female PTA crusaders create an environment in which boy-behavior is completely unacceptable.

Boys are three times as likely to be held back, thirty percent more likely to drop out (and this includes the fact that girls who get pregnant often drop out), five times as likely to be put into special education courses, and four to five times as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD or other learning disorders. Add that all together, and your son has something like a 12% chance of finishing high school on time and without remedial classes on his transcript.

Not good.

Especially when you consider that there is virtually no difference between males and females on IQ and aptitude tests.

So what is the problem? It's simple: we set them up to fail, early on, and then punish them for doing so. The lack of recess and physical movement, the abhorrence of male-based interests (pirates, space aliens, contact sports, cowboys, etc) and a fundamental "girl power" sense of camaraderie has shoved these boys to the back of the class, where they feel dumb.

Simple steps can help, and this book outlines many of the options out there. Some of her suggestions (all tested, with varying results, in schools): creating a male and female position for each student council position, creating a "Dad's Club" to mimic the PTA but handle all the "manly" duties around school, relaxing the rigid standards for reading material and curriculum to allow for male-centered interests, allowing for more kinesthetic play, same-sex classrooms and schools, providing male role-models and leaders, and allowing more flexibility in meeting core standards. Of course, not all of these will work for every situation, but the consensus is that if we wait until the boys are in their teens, it's too late.

If you're curious about this issue, or if your son is struggling and you don't know what to do, this book is for you. If your son truly is a behavior problem, this book won't help. If your son truly has a learning disorder, this book probably won't help. This is for the typical boy who is short-changed as a result of systemic discrimination.

PARENTAL ADVISORIES:
Sex 1/5: Discussions around being/becoming a baby-daddy in adolescence.

Violence 1/5: Vague references to light sabers, swords, guns, bombs, pirates, wrestling and other violent type of topics.

Language 2/5: Several PG- level swears from direct quotes.

Substance Abuses 0/5: Statistics regarding drug and alcohol abuse. (less)

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May 10, 2011 Melynna rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: educators and parents

Shelves: 2011, non-fiction, books-i-would-recommend-to-almost-a

If you are a parent, especially of a boy, then consider this book an invaluable read. I've been apprehensive about my son's crazy energy meshing well with school when the time comes and I'm glad I read this book now instead of in a few years. It's helped me make a plan to ensure that my son doesn't start out his educational career thinking he's not right for the classroom. This was a super interesting read -- easy to get through and lots of food for thought. From what I understand Tyre has built...more

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Jul 25, 2011 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: homeschooling

As the mother of a young boy who will be homeschooled when he hits school age, I found this book incredibly informative and well-written. It not only reaffirmed our decision to keep our son out of traditional schools, but it gave me a foundation upon which to build knowledge to properly educate my son. Even at the age of 1 he already exhibits "classic" male traits: high energy, hands on learning, loves building and playing cars, and he loves things that mimic sports.

I stumbled across this book a...more

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Aug 01, 2010 Brittney added it

The author seems to talk in circles. She shares a lot of conflicting research, many statistics, and few suggestions. She devotes a whole chapter to brain-based research only to conclude that “brain-based” learning is a fad and parents should “be wary” of it. Same-sex schools are touched on and Tyre advises parents to “proceed with caution.” This all being said after a whole chapter’s worth of research shows us that the only groups that benefit from this model of schooling are girls and poor Afri...more The author seems to talk in circles. She shares a lot of conflicting research, many statistics, and few suggestions. She devotes a whole chapter to brain-based research only to conclude that “brain-based” learning is a fad and parents should “be wary” of it. Same-sex schools are touched on and Tyre advises parents to “proceed with caution.” This all being said after a whole chapter’s worth of research shows us that the only groups that benefit from this model of schooling are girls and poor African American boys. Maybe she should advise parents to only enroll students in same sex schools if they are within these two categories? Tyre wraps up her book with some particular ideas about how to conquer the “trouble with boys.” She suggests people lobby Congress to pass bills that authorize money to be spent on improving boys’ academic performance. She also says we need to stop “acting as if girls are still an underserved population.” (p. 281) With the massively harmful budget cuts we are currently experiencing, it hardly seems fair to spend money on boys alone. Also, what happens to girls when we start ignoring them and focusing on boys? I take issue with ignoring ANY one group. Another suggestion she offers up is creating more science and math camps and social organizations like Girl Scouts. Last time I checked, there are plenty of science and math camps for boys and a very largely respected and well-known organization for boys called Boy Scouts. She also offers her opinions on the problems with boys that teachers are responsible for. In fact, many times throughout the book, she can be found pointing the finger in the direction of teachers, new teachers especially. While she is careful to try and sugarcoat these accusations, it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
As a journalist, I expected Tyre to be more objective and provide research to support her suggestions. Overall, am I convinced that there is a problem with boys? I am really not sure. I plan on reading more on the topic because Tyre’s style does not sit right with me. Tyre’s research has too many holes in my opinion and because of this, I am not convinced of most of what she says. If there is in deed trouble with boys, I hope to find more realistic ways to combat it in another book. Richard Whitmire’s, Why Boys Fail, may be a better fit for me.
(less)

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Nov 11, 2009 Karin rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book should be required reading for all parents...handed to them at Kindergarten registration. Based firmly in research, this author succeeds in being engaging and provocative without coming accross as preachy. She clearly maps the challenges boys face in modern society and in schools, and then suggests areas meriting closer examination. Her exclamation point is the importance of the "trouble with boys" to parents of girls (who are now being discriminated against, not because of being UNDER...more

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Sep 26, 2010 Dustie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: education-and-parenting

Feminists don't beware! Tyre does not have an anti-feminist agenda. She does, however, point out that while dollars, resources, and mindshare have brought female students up to par with their male counterparts since the 1970s ... boys are now in the hot seat. Her recommendations for success aren't a tidy little list of sure-things for educators or parents but I appreciate that she is raising the flag. I would say this is a must read for teachers and for parents are doing any sort of hand-wringin...more

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Feb 17, 2010 Ginger rated it 5 of 5 stars

I dog eared so many pages in this book, I need to buy the library a new one. I want to compile a list of the things I found interesting/useful, so this review is my own cliff notes.
Preschool Blues-the average boy moves around a little more than the typical girl, however the most active ones are MOST likely to be boys. The most profound difference in movement grows pronounced at age two and peaks when boys are seven or eight. The demand of an academic preschool classroom can outpace a boy's natur...more I dog eared so many pages in this book, I need to buy the library a new one. I want to compile a list of the things I found interesting/useful, so this review is my own cliff notes.
Preschool Blues-the average boy moves around a little more than the typical girl, however the most active ones are MOST likely to be boys. The most profound difference in movement grows pronounced at age two and peaks when boys are seven or eight. The demand of an academic preschool classroom can outpace a boy's natural development. A boy's natural inclination for violent play is more about courage, loyalty, and risking all to save friends in the face of a powerful foe. Little boys are playing at being the best, most compassionate, most heroic kind of men imaginable. Boys are 4.5 times more likely to be expelled from preschool.
Ch 5 Notes from the front- It is developmentally inappropriate to expect a four yr old boy to wait in line patiently. Boy friendly school activities at this age are a large area for blocks, balls, opportunities for building, lots of free play, use swimming noodles for sword fights, rough and tumble play, room to play with cars, sensory opportunities like mud, silly putty, clay. Have rituals to mark the transition to a new activity.
Kindergarten-with kindergartens being geared more towards academics, it may be useful to "redshirt" a boy, or keep him out of school until he is 6. Be open to alternative ways of developing skills: a boy might improve his fine motor skill by holding a paintbrush, a struggling to make sense of a narrative on a printed page may learn how to organize a story by learning to sing a simple ballad. Building with blocks teaches rudiments of fractions, geometry, physics, art, it is cognitive development.
Requiem for recess- recess should not be optional, given or taken away as reward or punishment
Pay attention- on ADHD one psychologist says about medicating active children "...produces MEDICALLY ENHANCED COMPLIANCE in those boys by providing them with attention-enhancing drugs". Other alternatives to drugging kids: let a child stand instead of sit while he wrote, if wiggly during circle time give him something to lean on, use a fat pencil instead of a thin one to help one with poor fine motor control, let them work outside instead of at a desk, send him out to run for a break in the work.
Goodbye Mr. Chips- male teachers are vanishing. Though its less about the teacher's gender, its more about if a boy feels engaged by his teacher, whether the teacher makes an effort to understand who he is as a boy.
Boys and Literacy- learning phonics, a few letters at a time, while providing magnetic letters so a child can create different words with the letters whose sound they have learned. For boys the letters are like legos, and they are BUILDING words. For encouraging reading boys like stories with lots of action,factual books, sports books, or comic books. They like funny books, esp irreverent books about bodily functions. Let boys read what interests them. They aren't as interested in romance or relationships. And no passing judgment if they choose to read these kinds of things instead of the "classics". Boys can be poor judges of their own abilities, choosing reading material either to hard or too easy. Reading needs to be seen as something we all do, not just women. Uncles, fathers, grandfathers, brothers need to engage boys in discussions about things that adults read.
When writing, many boys are disengaged. Let a boy use a keyboard if he has poor handwriting. Allow boys to plenty of choices when it comes to what they write. Allow students to use visual cues-arrows, drawings, signs- when making the transition from drawing to prose. Develop an appreciation of the way boys write. They may be writing wacky(or battle) stories, with less detail, but they do write for other boys, know who their audience is, and play to that audience.
Thinking with a boy brain- the male brain is not at full size until approx. age 30. Be patient with your son, his maturation may take longer than you expect.(less)

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Apr 25, 2011 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Rich in research, The Trouble with Boys, was compelling. After reading The Curse of the Good Girl, I wanted to balance my reading with a book about boys. I'm so glad this was the book I chose. I have to be honest, some parts are uncomfortable to read as a teacher and a parent of 2 boys and a girl. As a product of a women's college, I strongly believe in empowering girls in their own learning, but what has education done for boys while we were equalizing education for girls? The statistics regard...more

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Apr 01, 2009 Ashley rated it 3 of 5 stars

I liked the things I am learned about the differences between the ways boys and girls learn to read, learn in general in our public schools. I like how the author focuses two of the chapters on preschool and kindergarten (since this I feel is very relevant to me and my child right now). I liked learning ways that I can help my son enjoy learning and reading (by allowing him to read and enjoy some of the books that I may not have picked out for him). I am taking a lot of good things away from rea...more

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Mar 23, 2012 Anna rated it 3 of 5 stars

I liked this book, especially because the author addressed many different studies and books and had great documentation to follow up on ideas/theories that I liked.

It sounds funny, but I did not like the cover because Spencer saw it and thought something was wrong with him. We talked about it and and it helped us worth through some communication struggles we're having. He can be passive-aggressive when he does not like to do something and I am trying to get him to talk to me in a calm way befor...more

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Nov 15, 2012 Haruko rated it 4 of 5 stars

The book shows you how boys in the society are trailing behind girls. Badly. Especially since the girls got a lot of attention to catch up to boys and achieve their dreams. Boys are falling behind because they are measured on what girls are good at such as being neat and organized.

This book made me realize that I need to temper my expectations for my 4th grade boy and recognize his natural tendencies and respect that. I would be disappointed when my son picked up yet another copy of Captain Und...more

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Oct 09, 2009 Nikki rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: education

Interesting and thoughtful. Peg Tyre explores the modern day educational system from preschool to college and talks about the struggles boys have to keep up. Many will counter that schools are not female biased, but the fact that so many boys are struggling to make it through high school and college ought to tell us something. I am not sure if the roots of the problem are in the educational system or in society itself (lack of fathers in the home to support and be role models for men). Definitel...more

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title link	preview: The Trouble with Boys: A Surprising Report Card on Our Sons, Their Problems at School, and What Parents and Educators Must Do
avg rating	preview: The Trouble with Boys: A Surprising Report Card on Our Sons, Their Problems at School, and What Pare Goodreads rating: 3.85 (400 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3453773-the-trouble-with-boys?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320509078l/3453773.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3453773-the-trouble-with-boys?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Trouble with Boys: A Surprising Report Card on Our Sons, Their Problems at School, and What Parents and Educators Must Do by Peg Tyre[/url]

The Trouble with Boys: A Surprising Report Card on Our Sons, Their Problems at School, and What Parents and Educators Must Do

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The Trouble with Boys: A Surprising Report Card on Our Sons, Their Problems at School, and What Parents and Educators Must Do

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (3)

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Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Peg Tyre

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Trivia About The Trouble with ...

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Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (3)