The Book of Dares

November 15, 2020
A call for boys to think outside the "Man Box." "Man up!" Every boy knows how it feels to live inside the "Man Box," a set of socialized norms policing male behavior. Within the "Man Box," men are always in control. They don't show weakness or ask for help. They don't emote or empathize. They are physically and psychologically invulnerable. As such, they are emotionally stunted, experience extreme anxiety and depression, and do untold violence to themselves and others. This interesting twist on challenge books proposes 100 dares, each rendered in single-page chunks, intended to cultivate social-emotional literacy. Some are intensely personal: keeping a journal, experimenting with appearance and attitude, exercising creativity. Some are strictly social: seeking out friends of various backgrounds, supporting LGBTQ+ folx, calling out boorish "Man Box" behavior. Some will feel lamentably rudimentary to some readers: allowing girls to speak in class, learning from others, asking for and respecting consent. Though readers are given permission not to read it cover to cover, inevitable redundancies and the lackluster design may discourage return trips. A glossary covers terms the authors name as critical, but its entries scarcely appear in the text. Moreover, terms like toxic masculinity, patriarchy, misogyny, racism, transphobia, and homophobia are bafflingly omitted. Important content but merely passable in execution. (glossary, letter to family and friends) (Nonfiction. 10-15)

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January 1, 2021

Gr 3-7-This title offers 100 dares for boys, including "dare to include girls in sports" and "dare to ask for consent." Boys are encouraged to challenge stereotypes and gender roles. The authors use the term "Man Box" to describe "the rules that our society expects boys to obey as they grow up." The text covers a wide range of topics, such as toxic masculinity, gender norms, allyship, emotions, and media consumption. Each dare is less than a page long. The text uses a casual tone, and each dare addresses the reader directly. The introductory note advises children to work through the dares slowly, as opposed to all in one sitting. Back matter includes a "Letter to Family and Friends" and a glossary. This collection will likely require some handselling for it to circulate with the intended audience. The book's format may not appeal to some middle grade readers, as it is a collection of tasks to complete rather than a fictional or factual narrative. Additionally, the lack of illustrations may deter some readers. VERDICT This work examines timely, important topics and is a worthy consideration for library collections.-Katharine Gatcomb, Portsmouth P.L., NH

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