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The Warrior Challenge: 8 Quests for Boys to Grow Up with Kindness, Courage, and Grit
A revolutionary and must-have book for boys! This action-packed, illustrated guide teaches boys to develop much-needed skills around empathy and vulnerability as they grow into self-aware, wonderful men. Share with fans of The Manual to Manhood, Boying Up, and The Dangerous Book for Boys .
How do we raise "good sons" during this difficult time? Traits we've always considered masculine--like being tough and not showing emotion--are no longer what we want for our boys. Especially when society most needs unity, empathy, and the understanding that all humans are created equal.
As we try to raise caring, thoughtful, respectful young men, this book will lead the pack, teaching them, in a language they will understand, that emotional honesty is the epitome of bravery and that the toughest of the tough are those who raise their voices to uplift and support those most in need.
Unlike any book out there, The Warrior Challenge will capture readers with its epic and engrossing stories about courageous men across history, real-life examples of modern manhood, and straight-talking messages about compassion and authenticity.
Author, mountain climber, and professional speaker John Beede disproves the "boys will be boys" mentality and encourages boys to be, above all, good humans.
How do we raise "good sons" during this difficult time? Traits we've always considered masculine--like being tough and not showing emotion--are no longer what we want for our boys. Especially when society most needs unity, empathy, and the understanding that all humans are created equal.
As we try to raise caring, thoughtful, respectful young men, this book will lead the pack, teaching them, in a language they will understand, that emotional honesty is the epitome of bravery and that the toughest of the tough are those who raise their voices to uplift and support those most in need.
Unlike any book out there, The Warrior Challenge will capture readers with its epic and engrossing stories about courageous men across history, real-life examples of modern manhood, and straight-talking messages about compassion and authenticity.
Author, mountain climber, and professional speaker John Beede disproves the "boys will be boys" mentality and encourages boys to be, above all, good humans.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2020
2 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 28, 2020
“My first thought was, Is this a Choose Your Own Adventure book?” My eleven-year-old son was instantly hooked by the riveting opening to The Warrior Challenge. He told me, “The first chapter made me want to know more about the Warrior Challenge, and it made me want to step up to the challenge.”
For me as a mom and publishing professional, this book checks all the right boxes: it’s fast-paced, hilarious, heartfelt, and relevant. The adventure stories are thrilling, but even more engaging is Beede’s energetic honesty and relentless encouragement for young men navigating the journey toward adulthood. There are no shortcuts to becoming a man, but there are plenty of rabbit trails and pitfalls. As one who has admittedly been down many of them, Beede is a trusty guide to help young men stay on course and enter manhood with confidence. His perfect blend of zany humor and straight talk draw readers in, help them get real, and motivate them to succeed.
Each of the eight chapters starts out with a real-life adventure story, followed by real talk on eight essential topics or Challenges. Mid-action, comic-book-style illustrations propel the text along and add to the ambiance. Chapters end with a short Training Grounds section: straightforward, doable action steps for completing each chapter’s Challenge, perfect for both individuals and groups.
As the book deals with the subject of becoming a man, some of the content is most appropriate for older boys, particularly the chapter on sex; adults wanting to buy the book for preteens or younger may want to vet the subject matter first. The book is also written from a heteronormative point of view, which Beede himself acknowledges up front, identifying himself as a “straight white dude.” However, this admission is also a reassurance that he knows his audience intimately and can speak to them truthfully. Rather than being limited, the perspective of this book is enormously freeing for the thousands of young men growing up in a society that tells them exactly what a “real man” ought to think and feel. Parents and mentors can be assured that readers are in good hands with this book, when they accept the challenge to become True Warriors and good human beings.
For me as a mom and publishing professional, this book checks all the right boxes: it’s fast-paced, hilarious, heartfelt, and relevant. The adventure stories are thrilling, but even more engaging is Beede’s energetic honesty and relentless encouragement for young men navigating the journey toward adulthood. There are no shortcuts to becoming a man, but there are plenty of rabbit trails and pitfalls. As one who has admittedly been down many of them, Beede is a trusty guide to help young men stay on course and enter manhood with confidence. His perfect blend of zany humor and straight talk draw readers in, help them get real, and motivate them to succeed.
Each of the eight chapters starts out with a real-life adventure story, followed by real talk on eight essential topics or Challenges. Mid-action, comic-book-style illustrations propel the text along and add to the ambiance. Chapters end with a short Training Grounds section: straightforward, doable action steps for completing each chapter’s Challenge, perfect for both individuals and groups.
As the book deals with the subject of becoming a man, some of the content is most appropriate for older boys, particularly the chapter on sex; adults wanting to buy the book for preteens or younger may want to vet the subject matter first. The book is also written from a heteronormative point of view, which Beede himself acknowledges up front, identifying himself as a “straight white dude.” However, this admission is also a reassurance that he knows his audience intimately and can speak to them truthfully. Rather than being limited, the perspective of this book is enormously freeing for the thousands of young men growing up in a society that tells them exactly what a “real man” ought to think and feel. Parents and mentors can be assured that readers are in good hands with this book, when they accept the challenge to become True Warriors and good human beings.
October 3, 2020
As a father to a 9 yr old, I am so glad I bought a copy of this book. It touches on crucial conversations that I have previously started to have with our son. The book provides stories and conversation starters that put a different spin on what can otherwise be viewed as lectures from a parent.
Having anecdotes from a book we are reading together gives us a shared experience (and this book’s stories are an experience!) that I can call back to in real life moments. I love that in real life challenging moments I can tell my son, well what would Danny Way do? And in just that little note he can know this is a moment that is his expectations of himself vs the easy road of just getting by. No long boring dad speech about what’s in front of him, just a quick note as a reminder of what is in front of him.
The stories transport the reader right into the middle of the action of some amazing stories. My son has been engaged and genuinely interested in the content of the book.
This is absolutely a book about building character, facing adolescent challenges, and in general being a good human being. I appreciate that there is content that is universally great info for any human being growing up in our society, but there are also items specifically for boys. For any parent that feels they could use a great starting point or reinforcement on discussing life challenges, morals, and decision making with their child I highly recommend this book. Thank you John Beede for some awesome content for quality time with my son.
Having anecdotes from a book we are reading together gives us a shared experience (and this book’s stories are an experience!) that I can call back to in real life moments. I love that in real life challenging moments I can tell my son, well what would Danny Way do? And in just that little note he can know this is a moment that is his expectations of himself vs the easy road of just getting by. No long boring dad speech about what’s in front of him, just a quick note as a reminder of what is in front of him.
The stories transport the reader right into the middle of the action of some amazing stories. My son has been engaged and genuinely interested in the content of the book.
This is absolutely a book about building character, facing adolescent challenges, and in general being a good human being. I appreciate that there is content that is universally great info for any human being growing up in our society, but there are also items specifically for boys. For any parent that feels they could use a great starting point or reinforcement on discussing life challenges, morals, and decision making with their child I highly recommend this book. Thank you John Beede for some awesome content for quality time with my son.
July 29, 2020
Reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy on Netgalley. John Beede is a motivational speaker that challenges boys to become best versions of themselves through 8 challenges. With a combination of real life stories and advice, Beede attempts to guide boys towards being a good men.
I think that this is more for a YA audience rather than younger boys. I think this will appeal to some boys but not to a wide audience.
I think that this is more for a YA audience rather than younger boys. I think this will appeal to some boys but not to a wide audience.
July 20, 2020
I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publishing through Netgalley.
Beede challenges middle and high school young men to become their best selves. He presents eight challenges that build on each other and ask readers to look seriously at themselves and what they value. His writing style flows smoothly and offers encouragement and support - especially during harder parts of the discussion. He matter of factly handles topics such as standing up for yourself, setting boundaries, and sex.
The men he uses as examples throughout the book are not paragons; they are real people who made it through their struggles. Readers will connect to them and see how their struggles made them better people.
This is a book that can be used for small groups or individual readers.
Beede challenges middle and high school young men to become their best selves. He presents eight challenges that build on each other and ask readers to look seriously at themselves and what they value. His writing style flows smoothly and offers encouragement and support - especially during harder parts of the discussion. He matter of factly handles topics such as standing up for yourself, setting boundaries, and sex.
The men he uses as examples throughout the book are not paragons; they are real people who made it through their struggles. Readers will connect to them and see how their struggles made them better people.
This is a book that can be used for small groups or individual readers.
August 17, 2020
The Warrior Challenge
8 Quests for Boys to Grow Up with Kindness, Courage, and Grit
by John Beede
Back of the Book: “A revolutionary and must-have book for boys who want to embrace who they are and find their best path to becoming good men! This no-holds-barred, action-packed, illustrated guide teaches boys to accept their own vulnerability and trust their heads, hearts, and souls. Share with fans of The Manual to Manhood, Boying Up, and The Dangerous Book for Boys.
How do we raise "good sons"? Traits we've always considered masculine--like, being a tough guy and not showing emotion--are no longer what we want for our boys.
As we try to raise caring, thoughtful, respectful young men, this book will lead the pack, teaching them to become humans of a higher standard who embrace their emotions and feelings.
Unlike any book out there, The Warrior Challenge will capture readers with its engrossing stories about courageous men across history, real-life examples of modern manhood, and messages about compassion and authenticity. Author, mountain climber, and youth speaker John Beede disproves the "boys will be boys" mentality and encourages boys to be, above all, good humans.”
Impressions: This was in your face intense! I am sure for the right age (12+ at least) that this book would be an intriguing book, for me and my 9-year-old this was scary with topics beyond him yet. I think that the idea of the book is ok but that it was not implemented well. Perhaps a toned-down version would be more impactful and easier to read as a youth or young adult.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.
8 Quests for Boys to Grow Up with Kindness, Courage, and Grit
by John Beede
Back of the Book: “A revolutionary and must-have book for boys who want to embrace who they are and find their best path to becoming good men! This no-holds-barred, action-packed, illustrated guide teaches boys to accept their own vulnerability and trust their heads, hearts, and souls. Share with fans of The Manual to Manhood, Boying Up, and The Dangerous Book for Boys.
How do we raise "good sons"? Traits we've always considered masculine--like, being a tough guy and not showing emotion--are no longer what we want for our boys.
As we try to raise caring, thoughtful, respectful young men, this book will lead the pack, teaching them to become humans of a higher standard who embrace their emotions and feelings.
Unlike any book out there, The Warrior Challenge will capture readers with its engrossing stories about courageous men across history, real-life examples of modern manhood, and messages about compassion and authenticity. Author, mountain climber, and youth speaker John Beede disproves the "boys will be boys" mentality and encourages boys to be, above all, good humans.”
Impressions: This was in your face intense! I am sure for the right age (12+ at least) that this book would be an intriguing book, for me and my 9-year-old this was scary with topics beyond him yet. I think that the idea of the book is ok but that it was not implemented well. Perhaps a toned-down version would be more impactful and easier to read as a youth or young adult.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.
September 13, 2020
I would recommend this to absolutely anyone who wants an action/adventure journey to self-discovery.
While Beede has marketed this specifically for 10-18 year old young men, he does mention that his book can be for anyone, any age, any gender, etc.
This book grips you from the beginning where a warrior is yelling at you to get up! If that doesn't grab you from the get go, then I don't know what would!
Each chapter is a journey to becoming a master warrior - ultimately leading people to healthy life goals and decisions. How do you show up for your tribe? How can you add to your armory and weaponry as you mature into adulthood? How do you determine what's best for your life and include those around you?
Beede takes on the challenge of being a mentor through authorship. He shares epic journeys of others. He make each challenge something manageable for the reader. He even covers some difficult topics with a perfect blend of seriousness and humor. I will never read about skydiving the same way again.
My challenge to you, other readers - is will you take on this warrior challenge? and how many cat references can you find in this epic journey? (There's more than one!!)
Fabulous work, the book all young men (and women!) need in this day and age.
While Beede has marketed this specifically for 10-18 year old young men, he does mention that his book can be for anyone, any age, any gender, etc.
This book grips you from the beginning where a warrior is yelling at you to get up! If that doesn't grab you from the get go, then I don't know what would!
Each chapter is a journey to becoming a master warrior - ultimately leading people to healthy life goals and decisions. How do you show up for your tribe? How can you add to your armory and weaponry as you mature into adulthood? How do you determine what's best for your life and include those around you?
Beede takes on the challenge of being a mentor through authorship. He shares epic journeys of others. He make each challenge something manageable for the reader. He even covers some difficult topics with a perfect blend of seriousness and humor. I will never read about skydiving the same way again.
My challenge to you, other readers - is will you take on this warrior challenge? and how many cat references can you find in this epic journey? (There's more than one!!)
Fabulous work, the book all young men (and women!) need in this day and age.
January 20, 2021
How do I review this as a nonbinary 20-something?
I guess, very carefully.
This book was written as a form of 'rite of passage' for boys to become men. In the text, the author mentions that it can be used for anyone--male, female, cis, trans--but it is DEFINITELY focused on the cis boy trying to grow up. In some parts, it attempts to skewer toxic masculinity and the culture around it, encouraging boys to embrace emotion, make right the wrongs they may have perpetuated, and more. But just as regularly, it falls into a very typical, and unfortunately problematic view of white masculinity.
That being said, this could be a great first step for the boys who have been raised in toxic masculinity, and allow them to grow as a result. Not everything in any book is going to be perfect, and there's enough quality content that I'm not going to dismiss it out of hand. I'd definitely pick the good, use it with proper attribution, and leave the rest.
Decent, and more forward thinking than the average 'be a man' book, but also leaves something to be desired.
I guess, very carefully.
This book was written as a form of 'rite of passage' for boys to become men. In the text, the author mentions that it can be used for anyone--male, female, cis, trans--but it is DEFINITELY focused on the cis boy trying to grow up. In some parts, it attempts to skewer toxic masculinity and the culture around it, encouraging boys to embrace emotion, make right the wrongs they may have perpetuated, and more. But just as regularly, it falls into a very typical, and unfortunately problematic view of white masculinity.
That being said, this could be a great first step for the boys who have been raised in toxic masculinity, and allow them to grow as a result. Not everything in any book is going to be perfect, and there's enough quality content that I'm not going to dismiss it out of hand. I'd definitely pick the good, use it with proper attribution, and leave the rest.
Decent, and more forward thinking than the average 'be a man' book, but also leaves something to be desired.
July 27, 2020
Author John Beede, a motivational speaker, writes as if he were delivering the message to a room full of boys at one of his corporate gigs. His voice and hype come through loud and clear. I'm not sure how this will be received by his tween/teen male audience. The eight basic tenets of becoming a good "man" are sound. That being said, there is too much of a "hoo-rah" attitude for translating this to being a good person.
I think for the average boy, the stories of real-life experiences will be polarizing, either drawing them in or turning them off completely. Although they are based on real experiences, they come across as fictional accounts. This may lead to not getting beyond the introduction.
This being said, I think the book may find it's niche with a few boys. Parents may want to find a more balanced approach/guide to raising their children.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy, all opinions are my own.
I think for the average boy, the stories of real-life experiences will be polarizing, either drawing them in or turning them off completely. Although they are based on real experiences, they come across as fictional accounts. This may lead to not getting beyond the introduction.
This being said, I think the book may find it's niche with a few boys. Parents may want to find a more balanced approach/guide to raising their children.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy, all opinions are my own.
August 31, 2020
The Warrior Challenge is a book that will help many young men to grow up to be men who live by their virtues. It teaches self-awareness, values, and equality in a way that no other book does. The stories are gripping and the lessons will be engaging while still teaching our boys to grow up with great values and principles. It's a must-read and should be in schools everywhere. - Richard from Tanzania
www.eyesonserengeti.com
www.eyesonserengeti.com
September 10, 2020
“This book is written in 2 worlds that are both of equal and extreme value to young men. One world is pure immersion and the other is fully actionable. I was glued to the vivid stories and grateful for the practical insights that will better the lives of young men...and myself. Beautiful book that will change the lives of young men.”
--Blake Fleischacker, father to be and youth motivational speaker
--Blake Fleischacker, father to be and youth motivational speaker
June 30, 2020
Read an ARC. Meh
December 14, 2020
I fell in love with this book after reading the very first chapter, and now I can't stop telling people about it! Every young boy should read this. As someone who works with youth year-round, I see how critical it is to provide boys with guidance on their development and key life issues. This book is an incredible resource to help boys develop healthy values and opinions, a strong sense of character, and tools to stay committed to these ideals.
From an experience standpoint, this book IS an experience! It's action-packed and super fun to read. Real life stories help demonstrate life lessons, while addressing serious issues in a really age-appropriate way. The author is an excellent storyteller, depicting dialogue and scenery to make you feel like you're right in the scene. Every chapter also has action steps / writing prompts which is a proven and tested self-awareness and self-development strategy, regardless of one's age. (The illustrations are incredible too, unlike anything I've ever seen).
Hands down, highly recommend! Buy a copy for you, then one for every boy you know.
From an experience standpoint, this book IS an experience! It's action-packed and super fun to read. Real life stories help demonstrate life lessons, while addressing serious issues in a really age-appropriate way. The author is an excellent storyteller, depicting dialogue and scenery to make you feel like you're right in the scene. Every chapter also has action steps / writing prompts which is a proven and tested self-awareness and self-development strategy, regardless of one's age. (The illustrations are incredible too, unlike anything I've ever seen).
Hands down, highly recommend! Buy a copy for you, then one for every boy you know.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews