Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different

Synopsis

WINNER OF THE CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARDS 2018 & THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER 1 BESTSELLER (April 2018)
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'This book can save lives. This book can change lives. This book can help to bring forth another generation of boys who dare to be different.' Benjamin Zephaniah

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Daniel Radcliffe, Galileo Galilei, Nelson Mandela, Louis Armstrong, Grayson Perry, Louis Braille, Lionel Messi, King George VI, Jamie Oliver... all dared to be different.

Prince charming, dragon slayer, mischievous prankster... More often than not, these are the role-models boys encounter in the books they read at home and at school. As a boy, there is an assumption that you will conform to a stereotypical idea of masculinity.

But what if you're the introvert kind? What if you prefer to pick up a book rather than a sword? What if you want to cry when you're feeling sad or angry? What if you like the idea of wearing a dress?

There is an ongoing crisis with regards to young men and mental health, with unhelpful gender stereotypes contributing to this malaise. Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different offers a welcome alternative narrative. It is an extraordinary compilation of 100 stories of famous and not-so-famous men from the past to the present day, every single one of them a rule-breaker and innovator in his own way, and all going on to achieve amazing things. Entries include Frank Ocean, Salvador Dalì, Rimbaud, Beethoven, Barack Obama, Stormzy, Ai Weiwei and Jesse Owens - different sorts of heroes from all walks of life and from all over the world.

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.

*For tales of even more brilliant men who have dared to be different, STORIES FOR BOYS WHO DARE TO BE DIFFERENT 2 is out now!*

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Summary

Chapter 1: The Boy Who Stood Up to the Bully

Summary: This chapter introduces the protagonist, a young boy named Billy. Billy is bullied by a larger and older boy named Hank. One day, Billy stands up to Hank and refuses to be bullied anymore. Hank is surprised by Billy's courage and backs down.

Real-life example: A young boy named Michael was constantly bullied by a classmate named Ryan. Michael was smaller and weaker than Ryan, but he was determined to stand up for himself. One day, Ryan tried to take Michael's lunch money, but Michael refused. Ryan was furious and threatened to beat Michael up. Michael stood his ground and said, "You can't scare me. I'm not afraid of you." Ryan was surprised by Michael's courage and backed down.

Chapter 2: The Boy Who Followed His Dreams

Summary: This chapter follows a boy named Alex who has a dream of becoming an artist. Despite disapproval from his parents, Alex pursues his passion for painting. He eventually becomes a successful artist and has his work displayed in galleries around the world.

Real-life example: A young girl named Maya had a dream of becoming a writer. Her parents wanted her to become a doctor or a lawyer, but Maya refused to give up on her dream. She wrote stories and poems in her spare time, and eventually published her first novel when she was just 16 years old.

Chapter 3: The Boy Who Overcame Poverty

Summary: This chapter introduces a boy named Jamal who is born into a poor family. Jamal is determined to escape poverty and make a better life for himself. He studies hard and gets a good education. Eventually, Jamal becomes a successful businessman and helps others in his community to overcome poverty.

Real-life example: A young man named Carlos was born into a poor family in Mexico. He immigrated to the United States as a teenager and worked hard to learn English and get a good education. Carlos eventually became a successful entrepreneur and now owns his own business. He is also active in his community, helping other immigrants to succeed.

Chapter 4: The Boy Who Stood Up for What He Believed In

Summary: This chapter follows a boy named John who fights for what he believes in. John is a pacifist and refuses to participate in war. He is arrested for his beliefs, but he remains steadfast in his opposition to violence.

Real-life example: A young man named Mohandas Gandhi fought for India's independence from British rule. Gandhi believed in nonviolent resistance, and he led a peaceful campaign for independence. Gandhi eventually helped India to achieve independence in 1947.

Chapter 5: The Boy Who Changed the World

Summary: This chapter introduces a boy named Albert who is brilliant and curious about the world. Albert's scientific discoveries change the way we understand the universe.

Real-life example: A young boy named Albert Einstein was fascinated by science and mathematics. Einstein developed the theory of relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of space and time. Einstein's discoveries have had a profound impact on the world, and he is considered one of the greatest scientists of all time.