UMD book club choice March 2020

Sax seems to present this in an even, non-extremist way. Thus, it is far easier to respect his ideas and consider them credible. However, to avoid being called sexist, one must also apply this to girls of today. Our problem might not be video games, but I'm pretty sure that we do have one. ( )

Adult Nonfiction. A thought-provoking book for parents and educators (and anyone else who knows an unmotivated male--and most likely you do); talks about the problem of unmotivated boys/men and explores possible causes/solutions, including the results of dozens of scientific studies that suggest the negative impact of these causes. Summary: ( 1.) we should reconsider the accelerated format of kindergarten--push that reading and writing stuff back into first grade; reconsider different learning environments: more hands-on learning, healthy in-class academic competition (as a motivational tool), and even, in some cases, segregating the boys in their own classrooms. ( 2.) Limit the use of video games (esp. games that reward immoral behavior) to an hour or less a day, and make sure kids understand that family, school, and friends come first. ( 3.) Think twice before prescribing ADHD medication (duh). ( 4.) Try to limit use of PET plastic bottles (the ones we use for bottled water, soda, and baby bottles), esp. when such a bottle has been heated (extra leaching), but in any case when a young child or infant is concerned (male or female, but especially if male). Use glass containers instead. (5.) More responsible male role models.

Even if you don't fully believe all the reasons (though many of the arguments are too strong to really ignore), it's still worth reading all the things that people have written in response to the author's work. ( )

First...I am not sure you would call me an objective reviewer. I found that many of my views and practices already aligned with Dr. Sax. I have 5 boys. I am still more worried for my girl growing up in this world but through my experience I have noticed many of the things that Dr. Sax talks about that affect boys today. I feel like everything was well cited and the research was well documented. It offers good perspective for parents of boys...and Joshua Chamberlain is one of my heroes :) ( )

excellent book, how society is failing boys, how boys are failing ( )