Thoughts for Young Men by J.C. Ryle*

 J.C. Ryle was a pastor of the Church of England during the nineteenth century. He cared enough for young men to create a book of advice for this special group.  Even though the book was published over a 130 years ago, it still is apt and relevant. Both of my sons will be reading this booklet this school year on their "soul reading" days. My fourteen-year-old is currently reading it. I thought maybe he would find the tone would be a bit harsh and strict, but he has enjoyed reading it and thinks the urgency is necessary.

*Highly recommend.

-I own two copies of this book.

Boy Mom by Monica Swanson*

 What Your Son Needs Most from You

Mrs. Swanson is a mother of four boys, ranging in age from early twenties (I think) to ten/eleven years old.  When this book was published in 2019 her oldest son was nineteen and her youngest was eight years old.  She maintains a blog and also publishes podcasts https://monicaswanson.com/about/. 

Her writing style is friendly and organized.  She discusses the importance of establishing a good relationship with your son and then narrows in on specifics that are necessary to raising a boy to a "man who will make the world a better place".  She does emphasis the importance of faith and the need for God and for a personal relationship with Christ as the sure foundation to parenting and in the son's life.  She covers the whole person-from faith to physical health to mental health to learning/passions to technology to character to influences to dating to work ethic.  I especially appreciated her helpful lists at the end of most chapters (her questions to ask your son about dating are thought-provoking!).  

Initially, I felt like she was bragging about her older sons, but as I continued to read, she shared some their/her struggles.  I realized that was not her intention.  

I read this book over several days, but it would be more effective if I had discussed it with another mom (there are action questions at the end of each chapter) . 

Although she wrote this book for moms of all boys, even a mom with one boy and numerous girls would glean a lot from it.  

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Raising Real Men by Hal and Melanie Young*

I heard this couple speak on Heidi St. John's podcast about their new book, No Long Little: Parenting Tweens with Grace and Hope. Our library system does not own this book yet, but they had this title by them.
I really enjoyed reading their Biblical insight how to handle various situations.  Their love for God and their sons, and their long range, Biblical planning were clearly displayed in all of the chapters. 
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Guyku A Year of Haiku for Boys by Bob Raczka illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds*

This little book captures the fun boys have outside in all seasons.  Humor and fun boyish activities make the reading delightful.  Even though the illustrations are simple, they add humor and enhance the poems.
Highly recommend this collection.