Books about Boys:

I don't think I read enough books for boys, or about boys, so I'm trying to rectify that. Here are a couple that I've just had a look at.

Keith Gray's newest title is already a strong contender for various book awards. Ostrich Boys is the story of four friends, Blake, Sim, Kenny and Ross. They're best friends. Or at least, only three of them are still best friends because Ross is dead. After Ross's accident, the others decide to kidnap him (well, the urn with his ashes in) and set off for the village of Ross in Scotland. The story is both road-trip adventure, and humourously emotional as the boys gradually realise that what happened to Ross may not have been an accident, and that they may have been at least partly responsible for his death. It's an entertaining book, but thought provoking at the same time, which I think can be lacking in books with all male characters. Definitely suitable for teenagers, but nothing that would offend / disturb younger readers either.

I'm now reading Hurricane Wills by Sally Grindley, which is another 'all-boy' story, this time about brothers rather than friends. Chris's big brother Wills has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and as Chris tries to cope the mayhem Will creates, their relationship becomes more and more difficult. I haven't finished it yet, but so far I would say it's a read suitable for age 11+ (or even a couple of years younger). If the subject matter is of interest there is also a fabulously funny series of books published a few years ago, also about a boy with ADHD. Take a look at the Joey Pigza books by Jack Gantos.