Bilz provides an important tool for teachers, librarians, parents, and anyone working with male teens who wish to offer this population books that speak to their needs and interests. Not only is the discussion of the various protagonist types informative, the annotated bibliography included supplies exactly the information needed for those who seek to match readers to books successfully.
VOYA
Bilz focuses on books that can help boys mature into resourceful, well-adjusted young men. She begins with an overview of classic tales of heroism in which strong male protagonists like Robin Hood, King Arthur, and Robinson Crusoe not only exhibit their steely strengths, but share, too, their fears and doubts along the way. Her lists of contemporary treatments and read-alikes of each of these tales will be particularly helpful to educators seeking thematic bridges between old and new....there's no doubt that the author is passionate about the value that relevant books can have in the lives of boys. It's an important message. This is a useful bibliography for anyone who wants to place books in the paths of boys as beacons toward meaningful manhood.
School Library Journal
...describes contemporary young adult literature with male protagonists and shows how these characters can help teenage boys on their journey to adulthood. Novels are dealt with thematically, based on issues such as coming-of-age, sexuality, and decision making. Various genres, such as realistic fiction and fantasy, [are] explored in the context of themes. Annotated book lists conclude each chapter.
Reference and Research Book News
The discussion of each title is thorough and interesting and provides insight for librarians to share the book with students through booktalks and individual book recommendations...I understand the titles more deeply after reading the entries, and I have a better understanding of the reasons why boys buy books...will be useful for young adult librarians.
Sarah Applegate, NBCT Teacher Librarian