‘About our boys’ & ‘Bringing the best out in boys’
Details
About our boys: a practical guide to bringing out the best in boys
£14 (approx) ISBN 978-1847535764
&
Bringing the best out in boys: Communication strategies for teachers
£14 (approx) ISBN 978-1903458297
Both books by Lucinda Neall
We hear loads about boys not succeeding these days, I also hear many youth leaders in my area asking how to engage more effectively with boys; questions about discipline and their lack of focus. Lucinda Neall has written two books that offer ways forward in bringing the best out in boys. One book for teachers and another as a practical guide for youth workers - or anyone with an interest or concern for boys. Both books follow a style of laying down principles, punctuated by practical examples and invitations to think through your engagement with boys.
The underlying thrust of the book encourages us to engag with boys, affirm them in their interests, and recognise the positive when it all looks negative. Neall explores what makes boys tick, what motivates (and de-motivates) them, and importantly how to help them navigate the journey to manhood.
I recognised many of the situations she describes in the books, with particular resonance when considering how boys hear what is said, and how much they hear as criticism. Thankfully these books are practical, they offer opportunities to think about the boys you know and how you can change your approach to them; she also cites examples of how taking a different approach has gained a positive response from boys she has worked with.
Neall does not provide a ‘Christian approach' to working with boys, but demonstrates a real understanding of how to get the best out of boys and young men, and just as importantly how to communicate effective strategies to parents and carers. She challenges us to our whole thinking as to how we can tackle the issues in a positive way, without reducing opportunities for girls. I found the books relevant and energising in their approach, they can be read from cover to cover with ease and are structured in such a way that you can dip into them when needs arise.
I would strongly recommend these books to people who are parents of sons or work with boys. They really allow the reader to get into the mindset of a boy and to appreciate some of the challenges that boys face. Lucinda Neall gives a warm and caring approach to dealing with boys in a positive manner.
Reviewed by Dave Green, Youth Officer for St Albans Diocese and parent of two adult sons.
Resource Website
http://www.aboutourboys.co.uk/
Short links
http://www.albandys.org.uk/go/boys_book_review
http://www.albandys.org.uk/go/340