The Big Book of Boy Stuff

by Bart King

Book Overview

Updated EditionAfter Bart King interviewed hundreds of the wisest guys and smartest alecks for The Big Book of Boy Stuff, something awesome happened: the book became a classic Hailed by critics and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1586853333
• ISBN13: 9781586853334
• Release Date: July 2004
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith Publishers
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 1.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.9" x 9.8"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

I couldn't get my son to put this one down

Okay, first things first. I know this book is sure to offend some people. It contains borderline or even overtly rude tricks, gags and activities. But hey...ever listen to the average boy when he really lets loose with his friends, especially when they head towards adolesence? It is often "no holds barred" as they figure out the rules of life. You gotta cross over the line sometimes before you figure out where the line should be. I found this book is a pretty tame outlet for energies that could express themselves in far more destructive ways. Plus, the author does balance the "gross out" factor with solid safety info, such as the section on fireworks where he cautions kids against going up to a firework after its been lit, even if it seems like a dud, suggests they have adults around, stay away from buildings or anything that could catch fire, etc. Now for my kid's take on this book. He really enjoyed learning how to make all sorts of weird sounds, got some amazed raves when he did the magic tricks and..yes...he even grossed out his friends with the "poopy diaper" trick (peanut butter in a diaper). The latter gag was thoroughly disgusting, which pleased my son immensely. This is definitely a great book to have around for rainy days or when boredom strikes on vacations or summer breaks.

hilarious and en-"grossing" for boys AND girls

I purchased this for my 9 year old nephew and 8 year old neighbor. both were immediately engrossed (and grossed out!) as was my 8 year old daughter. No one could stop laughing. some of it is clever. some of it is kid-type of gross. all of it is just plain fun.

Listen to the boys, not the Library Reviewer!

Leave it to a Library Association reviewer to throw cold water on this type of fun book your kid will actually CHOOSE to pick up and read, and carry with him on vacation, and read in bed. Only a stuffy academic would denigrate this funny, quirky book as "insulting to children" and "uneven." My 9-year-old son didn't have any such complaints. He was too busy learning how to make louder noises with his armpits to care that the Libary Association found it "insulting" to him! The reading lists from school are usually filled with Zzzzz-inducing "classic" titles we have to force our kids to read - that is why they are on the required reading list! You won't have to force your son to pick up this book. Promise.

A Must Have!

For the "boy" in all of us, this book is a must have! In addition to providing the reader with fabulous games (eg. water balloon jousting), experiments (eg. how to build a backyard rocket), activities (eg. how to get a sun tattoo)Bart entertains us with important information on topics such as girls, bullies, insults, jokes, gadgets, and my personal favorite: gross stuff (belching, B.O., barfing...you know the rest!) Fun facts are incorporated into every section--an excerpt: "On your mark! Get set! Ouch! In the ancient Greek Olympics, anybody caught in a false start during a race was handed over to the Olympic cops (called alytes) for a public whipping." This book is fun, fun, fun, from the first page to the last!

It's impossible to over-rate this book...

I'm the proud mother of four boys, and though they are all quite different, when it comes to THE BIG BOOK OF BOY STUFF, it doesn't matter... they ALL want to read it at once! Talk about encouraging literacy! I've had to get multiple copies of this one. They really seem to love the "Gross Stuff" and "Magic" chapters. My third-oldest was so taken with the "Emergencies!" chapter (fun and practical information on boy emergencies), he now wants to be a fireman! I don't want to oversell this book, but I can safely say it is the overall favorite book my boys have ever agreed upon. It would be a great gift for any boy 8-15, although I can say that my husband chuckles over it as well.