A Boy Like You

by Frank Murphy, Kayla Harren (Illustrator)

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.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Gender, Fiction, 1st Grade, Inspirational, Cultural

26 pages, Hardcover

First published July 15, 2019

Reviews

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

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:

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

An elementary school teacher and boys' sports coach for almost thirty years, author Frank Murphy presents this inspirational picture-book examination of boyhood, emphasizing the qualities of good character and citizenship that he feels a boy should have. From kindness to sportsmanship, expressing emotions freely to trying to be helpful to others, the narrative here promotes the many wonderful characteristics of positive masculinity, while the gorgeous artwork from illustrator Kayla Harren depicts a diverse range of activities and people...

I greatly appreciated Murphy's afterword in A Boy Like You, in which he discusses his experiences as a teacher and coach, and the confusion he has observed in young boys, as a result of the mixed messages they have received from society, about the qualities which are to be valued in boys and men. That experience shines through the narrative here, and I finished the book with a great appreciation for the vision of respectful, caring masculinity he is promoting. That said, what really elevated this one from a three to four-star title for me was the absolutely beautiful artwork from Harren. The faces of her characters are so expressive, and her use of color so adept. Recommended to anyone looking for inspirational picture-books for boys - something in far too short supply right now!

[Peacegal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book, with a wonderful message. Being a boy isn't just about sports, physical strength, or shutting down emotions. Rather, truly strong boys are kind and compassionate toward others, are thoughtful, and work toward being their best. Great illustrations, too! This would make a wonderful gift for a child or a family raising boys.

[Dax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful art and a beautiful message. This book is an inspiring non-toxic example of masculinity.

[Effie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I loved this book! The message is a good message for anyone but especially for boys who are often taught a very narrow view of what is acceptable for males. This book has so much heart and the illustrations are just so gorgeous and lovingly done. I feel like I know this boy and that he's going to turn into a great person, whatever he chooses.

[Mary Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, Yes, YES! Let's do everything we can to raise boys who will be the men we want in this world! Read this book to every boy in your life! (And all the girls, too!)

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frank Murphy writes a lovely poem of a message to boys of all ages and sizes, sharing with them the secrets of being a wonderful boy. He encourages fair play in sports, asking questions, dreaming, listening to the stories of others, smiling at people and saying hello.

Here are a couple of my favorites:

“Leave every place you visit...better than you found it. And leave every person better than you found them.”

“Ask people to tell you their stories. Then listen. Listen hard. Stories connect all of us. They’re part of what makes us who we are. Don’t forget to tell your own story, too.”

“Do the right thing, even when no one is looking.”

Lovely thoughts and charming illustrations make this a great book to share with others.

[Melanie Mccausland · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Boy Like You" written by Frank Murphy and illustrated by Kayla Harren is a book about being your own unique self. The book is full of simple, yet meaningful actions that demonstrate bravery, intelligence, acceptance of others, and overall just being unique. This is something I feel is important for children to grasp at a young age because being your own person and being accepting of others are some of the most meaningful things in life, in my opinion. They are concepts that a lot of people in society, today, lack knowledge in. The carefully illustrated book, depicts children asking their own questions, helping others, and performing activities on their own, such as riding a back. The life lessons shared that are depicted by the vivid and colorful images can be easily appealing to the eye. I also really enjoyed the simplistic and direct diction used throughout the book that make it easy to follow. I really enjoyed this read and would recommend this book be read in classrooms all around.

[Mavis Ros · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love letter to the guys.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming, beautifully illustrated, and thoughtful. I would definitely read this to my future son or give it to any of my younger male cousins! This has such valuable lessons. My favorite part is the author’s note on strength at the end. What a wonderful message this book teaches.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the massage in this book that boys can grow up to be any type of man that they want to be. It's ok to have emotions and value who you are.

[Carson Tuscany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a perfect job of expressing boyhood to its readers, and pushes home the idea of being the best you, and not letting people judge you and dictate who you are and what you think of yourself as a person. Murphy is saying that the best thing to do while young is try a bit of everything, as that is the only way to find your one true passion. It's a very clear idea in this text that being a model human being and making others happy is the way to find your own happiness and meaning in this world. The way that the book is also formatted is very well done, as for each new topic that it talks about, a new picture is included to supplement that text and really let the readers get a visualization of the actions that are being talked about in the text. The way that Murphy is able to make this book be complex and have a deep meaning, while also keeping it somewhat basic and easy to read/understand is truly remarkable and a masterful work.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each living breathing person has an opportunity to be uniquely wonderful. It's not easy to discover your gifts. Those things which set you apart from others come from listening to the voice of your heart. There's a lot of noise in the world. If you seek those who guide you and not define you, you will hear the truest of words. These words will help your soul to write its own melody.

There will be times (regardless of your age) when you will be told you can't be true to yourself. A BOY like YOU (Sleeping Bear Press, July 15, 2019) written by Frank Murphy with illustrations by Kayla Harren is a book which will challenge those who would prevent you from shining your brightest light in the world. This book will inspire boys (and girls) so they are complete in every way.


My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will provide a sense of what it takes for a boy to grow into manhood, by encouraging the reader to dream big, to be brave, to ask questions, to help others, and all the different experiences a boy will and should encounter on his way to celebrating just who he is, and what he will become.

[Mikaili Gore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a very powerful message. The author Frank Murphy really tries to draw in every little boy with activities and dreams hat would be on their minds. The pictures in this book are great but I think what stands out to me the most is the message. Everybody is unique and different in their own way. Every child needs to know that and I think for little boys that was conveyed in this book. The message is that you are original and don’t let anyone tell you that you are not needed.

[Elizabeth]

I LOVE this book.

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feel-good book celebrating boyhood veering away from toxic and outdated ideas and instead encouraging a strong sense of self and treating others with kindness.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murphy captures everything involved in being an individual. Boys are unique and each has their own strengths and weaknesses. The illustrations support the text of this nurturing story.

[Erin *BookDragon_Library* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a MUST READ if you have a boy in your life. Or a girl. This is an EVERYBODY book! The text is perfect. The illustrations are gorgeous. 💯 my top 2019 picture book. I was lucky enough to hear the author Frank Murphy speak at a SLJ workshop this fall and he was amazing (plus I got a signed book personalized for my 9-year-old!). Before that day I hadn't heard of this book or read anything by Frank. As the mom of a boy who is growing up so fast, hearing the passion in his voice as he spoke about the importance of his message and combating the current cultural creeds of masculinity that we drive in to all kids really affected me as a parent and someone who works with young children who are forming their identity daily. I will now be snapping up everything Frank writes and sharing it with everyone I know. This book is THAT special! •
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Boys are expected to "tough it out" and not to cry. They should solve problems and fix things on their own. They are raised in a society that still thinks liking dance or the color pink makes them "girly" and chips away at their masculinity. We ALL need to stop sending boys these harmful messages.•
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One of my favorite parts of this books is the way Murphy talks about bravery. "Here's a secret that not many people know. Fear and bravery are partners. You can't be brave without first being afraid. If you're not ready to be brave--ask for help. This shows you're smart." Let's show our boys it is OK to ask for help. It is ok to be vulnerable. It is ok to be scared. It is ok to cry. Boys and girls, men and women can all benefit from this message. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up today and keep your eyes open for A Girl Like You from the same duo!

[Carol Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frank Murphy, the author of A Boy like You (Sleeping Bear Press, 2019), has a message he wants to share with boys (both young and old):

"The world needs a boy--a strong and brave and kind boy--now more than ever."

This sentiment pervades every page of this picture book that will be a great curriculum resource for the preschool-second grade crowd.

The opening spread shows boys enthusiastically playing a variety of sports but ends with the admonition that a strong boy will, "Play hard, but play fair. Be a great teammate. Say 'Nice goal!' and 'Good try!' Don't say 'You throw like a girl.' Ever. And, remember, there's so much more than sports..."

The pages which follow show a Black boy (with a White father and Black mother) working in the garden, baking, reading, and playing music which are all wonderful activities in addition to sports. This character is encouraged to discover other people's stories from a diverse cast which are skillfully and artistically portrayed by illustrator Kayla Harren.

My favorite pages are when Murphy uses a play on words and instructs the reader to, "Oh boy, be curious." And, "Oh boy, be thoughtful." I also really enjoyed the page of the little boy being scared to jump off the diving board. The text reads, "Here's a secret that not many people know. Fear and bravery are partners. You can't be brave without first being afraid."

Although the text may seem a tad didactic to adult readers, boys and girls will get the message loud and clear:

"You are original. And that's a wonderful thing."

Giveaway on my blog ends August 1.

[Ben Truong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Boy Like You is a children's picture book written by Frank Murphy and illustrated by Kayla Harren. It is a book about the diversity of being a boy and how important each boy is to the world.

Murphy's text is rather simplistic and straightforward. Murphy writes assuredly as a boy is shown standing out from a variably diverse crowd. Harren's illustrations are done rather well. It shows representations of all kinds of kids and families.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Murphy offers a positive vision of masculinity that focuses on inner strength. He begins with guidelines for right behavior on the playing field with the heartily welcome reminder that there’s so much more than sports and then goes on to suggest that spending time in a garden, kitchen, or science lab, playing music, reading or writing stories can all be just as valid and satisfying.

All in all, A Boy Like You is a wonderful children's book that is visually buoyant and may well succeed at redirecting gender expectations – though not bending them.

[TheBookPrivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Society quite so often has plastered a false masculine image in the minds of every boy. Instead of teaching our boys to be polite, kind, confident, respectful, brave and smart, the pressure on these young minds are rather to be athletic and strong . There is absolutely nothing wrong in being athletic and strong , but that shouldn’t be the ONLY thing that defines a gender. A boy can be so many things if we could just stop defining them . .
I am a mom of 2 boys , and there are about zillion pearls of wisdom I would like to share with them, yet I can never get all of my thoughts in one place . Instead this book does that for us .
Whenever my son needed to hear positive affirmations , or whenever I wanted to tell him something but my words faltered , we have always found comfort in this book . .
This book is beyond perfect for the little boys . Each page is filled with meaningful affirmations and subtle ideas of how many things a boy can be . The book reaffirms the faith in being unique and being YOU. The encouraging words in this book, will strike a chord with every boy no matter what he is going through.
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My son’s favorite line in this book is : “Fear and bravery are partners , you can’t be brave without first being afraid “
My fav line is : “Whatever you become , become a good one” ! .

Author @Frank Murphy has penned an emotion in this book which resonates with every parent. Can’t thank you enough for creating this book. And the illustrations by @kaylaharren is not only a pure beauty to look at but also has made sure every boy is represented for. .
There are seldom books that come into your home and become an integral part of your routine. A boy like you published by @sleepingbearpress is definitely one such book for us.
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If you have a young boy in your life , you need to have this book in your shelf!!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have all heard the phrase "toxic masculinity" tossed around social media. It tends to get up the hackles of guys who think people are calling all masculinity toxic.

This is the anti-toxic masculinity book. It lets boys know that they can love sports, or not. That they can be strong in ways that are not physical. That they can cry and dream and love. It gives boys the important message that there is not one right way to be a boy. It is a the very definition of what masculinity is when it is NOT toxic.

The illustrations are also expressive and wonderful. Just all-around a great picture book.

[Katlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diversity Selection

I chose this book to serve as my diversity selection because of the message of empowerment that is expressed in the words of the story. This book teaches boys to embrace what makes them individuals in a world that sometimes demands conformity. With encouraging statements that say everyone is strong and smart in their own way, readers are encouraged to express themselves. The book goes on to encourage readers to express their emotions, to play fair, and to remain curious. While the book is called a boy like you, the message in the book can be applied to all readers regardless of gender because the advice in the story is universal.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has sweet illustrations and a much-needed message about how boys can have lots of different interests, be kind and compassionate, and freely express emotions. The tone seems slightly preachy at times, but everything that this book teaches is great, and it fills an important gap by focusing on boys' emotional needs. I hope to see many more books like this in the future.

[Alec Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great picture book that embraces all aspects of a little (or big) boy that are important. It's not just about appearing big, strong and emotionless; there's more to offer the world than that. It definitely tugs at the heart strings as a mother reading this to her little boy. It encourages them to dream big, work hard, and let your inner strengths conquer fears. It was a beautiful read.

[Stephanie A-M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely perfect love letter to little boys that encourages them to be kind, smart and brave. The message is clear and thoughtful, telling the reader that boys can be many things but the best thing they could ever be is their most authentic selves.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most powerful, beautiful read for any child but especially for boys. It celebrates what being a boy/man really means and what rare and beautiful gifts each person brings to this world that others need and yearn for. I am ordering this one for my sons.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring elementary and up book about all the things one boy can inspire to be and do.

[Jelka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A valuable book for young and old boys and everyone else, too!