Fink (The First-Time Mom's Guide to Raising Boys) believes the world often paints masculinity in a negative light. As a result, she wants society to help boys navigate evolving gender norms. Readers are guided through how to emphasize boys' emotional intelligence, help them find unique talents, challenge them with chores, teach them how to be compassionate and empathetic, and more. The book examines why more boys are diagnosed with both autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. In addition, there's mention of many stereotypes, including that girls are weaker in general and that boys are tougher emotionally. The book includes data and statistics that indicate that those who are taught to hide their feelings end up with a variety of struggles during the teen years and beyond. The book also addresses the specific challenges faced by teens who just want to be accepted, regardless of gender identity and expression. A title filled with ideas that are sure to be helpful for parents of sons.

Library Journal

Jennifer Fink is a tireless advocate for boys, with four boys of her own. In Building Boys she distills the research into 10 simple rules any parent can use to guide their sons' development. Not only do her guidelines and analysis fit the newest research on boys, they also fit common sense--which is something that parents today find immensely important. I highly recommend this book to anyone raising boys.

Michael Gurian, New York Times bestselling author of "The Wonder of Boys" and "The Minds of Girls"

It is routine to identify and discuss how gender norms can be harmful for girls. But we don't often elaborate on how gender norms can be harmful for boys, too. And we definitely don't often discuss how to counter those harmful gender norms to raise wonderful, decent, loving boys. This is why Building Boys is such an important book, where Fink outlines such important topics as alternative perceptions of masculinity and emotional intelligence - and here's the best part - with real, applicable ideas on how to integrate these into your son's life. Parents of boys - you won't be disappointed!

Kate Mangino, Author of Equal Partners: Improving Gender Equality at Home

Building Boys starts with a critical acknowledgement - that boys confront a world of stereotypes - and offers a roadmap for parents wanting to help them hold onto their true selves. At a time when masculinity itself is weaponized, it is refreshing to hear from a savvy mother who simply wants all our sons to flourish.

Michael Reichert, author, How to Raise a Boy

With humor and vulnerability, Jen shares real life in-the-trenches boy-mom stories while highlighting the latest research and how it applies to your family. Most importantly, she shares the practical advice you need to understand, love, and raise your son…to be a great guy!

Janet Allison, Founder of Boys Alive!, Co-Host of ON BOYS Parenting Podcast

I love this book! As a woman who grew up in a house full of females, I so often was (and still am!) unsure of how to raise a son. As Fink points out, us moms know we want to raise “good guys,” but we don't really know how. Building Boys provides so many answers. Evidence-based, entertaining, and easy to read, this book will help parents, educators, coaches, and others invested in the well-being of boys to not only raise good guys, but guys who are emotionally intelligent, capable of forming salubrious relationships, and mentally and physically healthy.

Dr. Charlotte Markey, Professor of Psychology at Rutgers University and Author of Being You: The Body Image Book for Boys