Raising Boys has undergone some major challenges lately, and many parents are at a loss.
In our postmodern culture, we have become addicted to ease and entertainment. This has really stripped boys of a lot of the manly character-building they used to go through on their way to becoming men. It has fostered generations of educated, yet often unproductive and weak-willed men.
Resources for Raising Boys Headed to Manhood
Bob Schultz’s books should be at the top of the list for raising boys. Our sons both respected Mr. Schultz and gained significant insights from his books. They recommend them, and I want to as well.
These three books aren’t like many of the best-selling books in the “manhood” genre. The author’s insights are much more down-to-earth, moral and useful. This is Real Stuff for regular guys who are just trying to do their best every day. Not only for young men, but for grown men who maybe did not have a ‘mentor’ to explain the practical side of growing up and making wise choices along the way.
Boyhood and Beyond. This is a classic ‘life book’ for raising boys, and it’s timeless! While using stories about such things as dirty diapers, turkey hunting, camping across the country, Robby’s rocket, and the invention of hook and loop tape, Mr. Schultz gives practical wisdom for becoming a man. It covers topics such as authority, forgiveness, and honesty as well as learning to overcome things like fear, laziness, and temptation. It motivates boys to build their lives on a foundation of strong moral principles.
In Created For Work, Mr. Schultz uses homespun, highly engaging stories from real life to teach young men (and boys) what it means to be good workers, and most of all, makes it something they desire for themselves. All young men should be on the road to developing a healthy attitude toward work. God is looking for young men who are not afraid to work hard, to get their hands dirty, who can follow instructions, deal honestly, think critically, respect authority, and cheerfully get a project done well in a reasonable time. That is the backbone of strong families.
Practical Happiness offers tremendous counsel to young men who, behind their brave and independent exteriors, are searching for answers. Short, captivating stories are crafted in such a way as to lead young men toward a life of contentment that can only be found by seeking the heart of God. It will not be found in what they have, what they do for excitement, or where they go, but in their attitude and response to life, especially when it is not going their way.
I go so far as to recommend them to inexperienced mothers and fathers who are questioning what raising boys entails.
On June 13th, 2008, Bob Schultz died unexpectedly of heart failure. Our family was terribly sad, for we felt we knew this wonderful man. In his final book, Bob Schultz delves into God’s purpose for battles and conflicts in our lives.
Everyday Battles offers perspective on how to find God in the heart of daily decisions. Again, written for young men, this book will help anyone who desires to experience a vibrant, moment-by-moment walk with God.
These books can be read aloud or read in a group. There are discussion questions at the end of every chapter.
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Recommended ages?
Boyhood and Beyond – 10 and up.
Created for Work – 12 and up.
Practical Happiness (read on their own) – 12 thru 15. Read aloud to younger boys – 9 thru 11.
Are you ready and willing to do the hard work of raising young contenders for the faith, men of valor and virtue, men who have vision and embrace manhood? We have a loving Lord who will help us to do just that when we ask for wisdom to accomplish it!
In case you missed Part 1, be sure to check out the books over there!
Jessica
Justin just started Boyhood and Beyond. Before that, I had him read J C Ryle’s Thoughts for Young Men.
Jacqueline
Jessica,
I can’t wait to sit down with you and hear what other books you have found helpful. See you Sunday, God-willing 🙂
Jedidja
No, these books aren’t translated 🙁 But they seem to me very well! Great you show these books. I like it.
Jacqueline
I wish they were in Dutch…and Spanish and Russian…they are just that good. Jedidja, are you glad to be back home after your time away??
Julie Grasso
Hi Jacqueline
How wonderful to have you join us on the Kid Lit Blog Hop. Your blog is lovely, so a big congratulations on creating such a wonderful, heart felt resource.
I think that raising boys is definitely different to raising girls, so thank you for some great book recommendations. We look forward to hearing from you again, cheers Julie Grasso (Hostess)
Cool Mom (Christine M.)
Stopping by on the Kid Lit Blog Hop. I only have a daughter but will keep the post on-hand for friends with boys. Have a great day and thanks for sharing on the blog hop!
~Cool Mom/Christine M.
Techie for Stanley & Katrina
Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews
Oh, your list for boys too! I visited the girls’ one first! Thanks for sharing this list too in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. 🙂
Melissa
Thanks for this! I have one son and when we first found out we were having a boy, it threw me for a total loop – I didn’t know anything about raising boys! But by God’s grace, He will help me and excellent resources like these will certainly help me too!
Mary
Oh, how I lament the disappearance of men of character. As a single woman its been hard to find a man who understands that masculine doesn’t mean macho or arrogant or aggressive; that it means being of strong character, working hard, treating others fairly, and being respectful to the women in his life. Its encouraging to know that there are still mothers out there who are making an effort to teach their sons these important traits. Thanks.
Jacqueline
Mary, I pray every day that the Lord is raising up a remnant of these young men. I believe He is doing just that. Stand strong.
Tina at Mommynificent
I hadn’t heard of these books yet. Thanks for sharing them at Booknificent Thursday! Happy New Year!
Tina
Mary Hill
Thanks for linking up this important list of great books for young men at Literacy Musing Mondays. I enjoyed reading your summaries and discussions. 🙂
Sabrina
I just read what you wrote about the ALA book lists & had just recently began to figure that out. The curriculum we’ve been using has had us read some of the books that you listed, but largely it has been books that I’ve had to heavily censor or simply eliminate. Others my son was required to read on his own, thankfully he would bring to me to show me the problem. Your blog was refreshing to say the least & I’m very thankful for the time you took to produce a list for us who are wondering what is out there that we can trust.
Jacqueline
Thank you for your kind words, Sabrina. I am praying for all you active parents. Stand firm and do not fear, dear one <3
Rachel
Do you have a list for highschool boys?
Jacqueline
Hi, Rachel, I have several book lists, but none of that are specifically character building like this list. Here is one other that has books for older boys, but they are just good, wholesome reading.
It contains a Grade 8, Grade 9, and Grades 10-adult booklist! https://deeprootsathome.com/devalued-misunderstood-in-our-culture-dear-lord-i-bring-to-you-my-son/
I hope that helps!
Keep up the good work, Mom – what you are doing is so much more important than what we are being told by this culture!
~Jacqueline
PS, this may also be helpful on a spiritual level: https://deeprootsathome.com/missing-secret-success/
Christi
I have 2 out 3 of these but will get the third one as well. Also some other great books for boys are from https://www.doorposts.com/category.aspx?id=5. We are currently going through Plants Grown Up. We go through it every year and do different activities each time. When he gets older he will go through “Prepare Thy Work.” We have also gone through “Because you are Strong.” Excellent books. Bible based. They teach boys how to be leaders in their home, how study the Bible, conflict resolution, and so much more!!! Everything a man in the making needs!
Jacqueline
Christi, thank you so much for sharing those excellent resources with me (and us) here! I will check into them.
God bless you!
Jacque