The Heart of a Boy, by Kate T. Parker

In this age of condemning "toxic masculinity" and gender wars, Kate T. Parker's celebration of boyhood, The Heart of a Boy: Celebrating the Strength and Spirit of Boyhood is a breath of fresh air.  She writes that after publishing her earlier book, Strong is the New Pretty, she wanted to "show the richness and diversity of boyhood."  For this book, she travelled the country, attempting "to capture boyhood in all its forms."

Parker's subjects range from preschool to late teens, and she captures them in action, in contemplation, smiling and brooding, hamming it up and candid.  She clearly sought to photograph a wide spectrum of ages and races.  She includes a number of boys with disabilities or who are recovering from illnesses or surgeries.  The result is that any boy will be able to see himself and his friends in these pictures.  Is your boy joyful, vulnerable, dedicated, playful, creative, resilient, expressive, independent, curious, and kind?  He would fit right in with these boys.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!