What Stories Does my son need?: A Guide to Books and Movies that Build Character in Boys (Paperback)

by Michael Gurian (Author) "Children adore the wonderful world of Babe, a pig who refuses to believe that she can't do the job of a ranch dog..." (more)
Key Phrases: discussion starters, primal stories, moral dialogue, World War, John Steinbeck, Civil War (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Psychotherapist and father Gurian is the author of several previous books on parenting sons (A Fine Young Man and The Wonder of Boys). Here, he focuses on the role stories and movies play in shaping boys' character and in teaching moral lessons. After an introductory chapter about the need for stories and movies, Gurian identifies and summarizes 100 movies and 100 books and suggests questions for parents to ask when discussing these books and movies with their sons. The listings are arranged according to the age at which Gurian believes they are appropriate: preschool, lower elementary, upper elementary, middle school, and high school. The list, of course, is not inclusive, and most of the selections would also suit daughters. Parents and others who work with children can use this as a selection tool and as a model for choosing other titles not included. Recommended for public and college libraries.
Kay Brodie, Chesapeake Coll., Wye Mills, MD
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
The author shows parents and teachers how to harness the media's influence to teach boys the lessons they need in today's confusing moral environment. The author gives particular ethical lessons for many great movies and books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Tarcher; annotated edition edition (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585420409
• ISBN-13: 978-1585420407
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #54,510 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, and fun to share with your kids, October 2, 2000

By A Customer

This book is a small-but-potent guide to finding positive entertainment amid all the negativity and violence that's in the movies and television today. I'll take Gurian's suggestions over Doom or the WWF anytime. It outlines 100 movies and 100 books for all age ranges, and my family has benefited from it.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple & straight to the heart, March 9, 2004

By A Customer

A wonderful list. Yes, as other reviewers point out, there is 'nothing new here'. But parents today are bombarded with books and videos for kids and don't often have time to sift through them all as thoughtfully as the authors have done here. They've done a wonderful job of reviewing stories we know and love from a boy's perspective. My 6 year old gets way too much pressure to act like a girl, I'm grateful for movie & book reviews that acknowledge not just that it's ok to be a boy, but actually quite wonderful. The discussion questions may not be the ones you want to ask, but they get you thinking along the right lines.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars useful, October 11, 2005

By	Chris (NY (but missing CA)) - See all my reviews

I find this book useful in choosing movies for my son and in pulling out character building topics to discuss with him. This book acknowledges that boys connect with media and gives specific ideas how parents can USE that power rather than simply be subject to it. I do have to agree with the other reviewers, I'd like to see more; a little more depth and an updated version to include more recent books and movies.