The 19th November is International Men’s Day. This International Men’s Day we’ll be exploring male stereotype threat, the challenges of having to conform to society’s idea of what a man should be and the importance of male allies in the battle for better gender balance.

 

See below for our recommended reads for this International Men’s Day…

 

 

How Not To Be A Boy by Robert Webb.

‘Don’t cry. Love sport. Play rough. Drink beer. Don’t talk about feelings. But Robert Webb has been wondering for some time now: are those rules actually any use? To anyone?’

“With enormous poignancy and insight . . . Webb’s early portrait of himself as a hapless underdog navigating the boulder-strewn path of masculinity is vividly drawn and very funny . . . Echoes of Adrian Mole” (Guardian)
“A brilliant telling of a sad story, it is also a manifesto for a change in attitudes . . . I laughed innumerable times and cried twice . . . You should give a copy to any young male you care about *****” (S Magazine, Sunday Express)

 

Testosterone Rex: Unmaking the Myths of our Gendered Mind by Cordelia Fine

Cordelia Fine is a Professor of the History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Melbourne. In 2018 she was awarded the Edinburgh Medal for her work on challenging gender perceptions in science and her contributions to society’s understanding of gender stereotypes. 

‘If you’ve ever thought that men are from Mars and women are from Venus, or that men don’t listen and women can’t read maps, this book is for you. The expression “essential reading for everyone” is usually untrue as well as a cliché, but if there were a book deserving of that description this might just be it.’
Author: Antonia Macaro, Financial Times

 

Boys Don’t Try? Rethinking Masculinity in Schools by Matt Pinkett and Mark Roberts

“This book examines the research around key topics such as anxiety and achievement, behaviour and bullying, schoolwork and self-esteem. It encourages the reader to reflect on how they define masculinity and consider what we want for boys in our schools.”

“The problems identified within this book will be applicable for many schools, and the solutions offered are a fantastic starting point to address many challenging issues to ensure that the opportunities and experiences of all those attending education remain as positive and possible, no matter what your race, gender, religion or cultural background is.”
Colin Hill, UKEdChat

 

The Descent of Man by Grayson Perry

‘What does it mean to be male in the 21st Century? Award-winning artist Grayson Perry explores what masculinity is: from sex to power, from fashion to career prospects, and what it could become–with illustrations throughout.

In this witty and necessary new book, artist Grayson Perry trains his keen eye on the world of men to ask, what sort of man would make the world a better place? What would happen if we rethought the macho, outdated version of manhood, and embraced a different ideal? In the current atmosphere of bullying, intolerance and misogyny, demonstrated in the recent Trump versus Clinton presidential campaign, The Descent of Man is a timely and essential addition to current conversations around gender.’

With its non-macho slender girth and personal, engaging approach, [The Descent of Man] is a breeze of a read, and one that makes you see our male-manufactured world a little differently.
Matt Haig, The Guardian

 

Bedtime stories for little ones…

 

Tough Guys Have Feelings Too

‘Did you know Wrestlers have feelings? And Knights. Even superheroes feel sad sometimes. In fact everyone has feelings even Dads who love their children! Children will love to recognize the feelings in Keith Negley’s bold illustrations which accompany a fun-to-read aloud narrative. Parents can enjoy and engage with children in a light-hearted discussion about emotions and how they affect us all.’

 

 

Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different by Ben Brooks

‘A beautiful and transporting book packed with stories of adventure and wonderment, it will appeal to those who need the courage to reject peer pressure and go against the grain. It is the must-have book for all those boys who worry about stuff and all those parents who worry about their boys who worry about stuff. It will educate and entertain, while also encourage and inspire.’

 

 

Pink is for boys

‘Pink is for boys . . . and girls . . . and everyone! This timely and beautiful picture book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids-and their grown-ups-to express themselves in every color of the rainbow. Featuring a diverse group of relatable characters, Pink Is for Boys invites and encourages girls and boys to enjoy what they love to do, whether it’s racing cars and playing baseball, or loving unicorns and dressing up. Vibrant illustrations help children learn and identify the myriad colors that surround them every day, from the orange of a popsicle, to the green of a grassy field, all the way up to the wonder of a multicolored rainbow.

Parents and kids will delight in Robb Pearlman’s sweet, simple script, as well as its powerful message: life is not color-coded.’