The Big Book of Boy Stuff

by Bart King

After Bart King interviewed hundreds of the wisest guys and smartest alecks for The Big Book of Boy Stuff, something awesome the book became a classic! Hailed by critics and kids alike, it has sold hundreds of thousands of copies, and even won awards. In this updated and redesigned tenth anniversary edition, hijinks and hilarity are still front and center. Within these pages, boys can find a myriad of things to do, things to laugh at, and things they didn't know.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Humor

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2004

About the author

I write funny and educational books for kids and immature adults. In 2026, two of my projects will hit shelves: FATHER HUMOR is a new edition of a funny book I wrote.

I also have a new Choose Your Own Adventure title that is still untitled. But Jeff Kinney (DIARY OF A WIMPY KIDS) described my CYOA tales as being full of "mind-blowing adventure and heart-stopping thrills!", so I have that going for me.

Oh, and back in 2016, Disney-Hyperion published my funny science-fiction novel, THE DRAKE EQUATION. Reviews:
— “This novel has a lot going for it. There’s an immensely likable protagonist and his marvelous twin friends, a school life that feels true —particularly the petty weirdness of other kids— and a mystery that really engages the reader. King tosses a lot of balls in the air, keeping the twists fast and furious, but thankfully, while the protagonist is suitably overwhelmed, the reader isn’t.” San Francisco Review of Books
— "Librarians will find that young readers empathize with the young birdwatcher and his friends.... children will enjoy the school and friendship aspects of the story." Teacher Librarian Magazine
— "Noah is a strong enough character to snag interest and keep it... there's clever humor and a great central protagonist to carry readers along to the end." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
— "A clever sci-fi narrative with an enjoyable main character." Kirkus

I also wrote a Choose Your Own Adventure titled SPIES: MOE BERG, an espionage book titled THE POCKET GUIDE TO SPY STUFF, and THE BIG BOOK OF SUPERHEROES, a humorous guide to becoming a superhero, and then dealing with it.

What else? Oregon State University Press published AN ARCHITECTURAL GUIDEBOOK TO PORTLAND. (It's medium-sized!) Finally, I taught middle school for many years. This was a wonderful experience, and I hope to recover from it soon. (I kid; it was the best job I've ever had.)

Reviews

[Moe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This teaches you to make fires and all different kinds of things. Even magic tricks. I have been reading this for a LONG time........its full of fascinating stuff. It's great to read when you're bored, it's a nice day and you don't know what to do, or if you're in the car.

[Kristeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

My boys highly recommend this for anyone with boys. You can learn everything your Mother doesn't want you to know that is legal!

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

THE BIG BOOK OF BOY STUFF is, without a doubt, the book all parents of a boy between the ages of eight and eighty needs to buy their son. Why? Because, quite simply, if you're looking for a book that your son will read, this is it. Actually, once they start, you'll probably have a hard time prying it from their sticky, grimy, dirt-covered fingers.

The book is based, possibly loosely, and possibly even more loosely based on my own interpretation, of the three indispensable elements of a boy's world as quoted by Sir Robert Baden-Powell, a World War I veteran and founder of the Boy Scouts of America: "Fun, feeding, and fighting." As the mother of a nine-year son who also happens to be a Cub Scout (a division of the Boy Scouts up to the first half of fifth grade), I can attest that Sir Baden-Powell was totally, 100% accurate in his beliefs.

THE BIG BOOK OF BOY STUFF is divided into several "categories" which include: Activities; Dogs and Others; Emergencies; Experiments; Fireworks and Explosions; Flying Things; Fun in the Outdoors; Gadgets; Tools, and Toys; Indoor Games; Outdoor Games; Girls, Bullies, and Parties; Gross Stuff; Halloween: October 31st; Holidays; Insults; Jokes; Juggling and Yo-Yos; Magic; Making Faces! Making Sounds!; Man Food for Manhood; Practical Jokes; Rhetorical Questions; Riddles; Slang; Storytelling; Tongue Twisters Rule; Video Games; Weapons; Famous Last Worlds; and Recommended Reading. And before you pull out the parental advisory or adult supervision cards, please be assured that any and all activities that could be considered at all dangerous come complete with safety instructions, warnings, and, yes, rules for adult supervision and/or parental advisories.

This book is, in a word, fun. Fun for the boys (or girls!) that read it, and fun for the parents who watch their kids enjoy reading and experimenting. To see your child bury their nose in a book--out of desire instead of need--is a wonderful thing indeed. Although some parents will no doubt be grossed out by some of the things their children find hilarious, getting your kid to sit down and actually read a book that makes them think is well worth it.

Kudos to Mr. King for such a great book.

[Wildmaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the book's title is completely outdated, there is a treasure trove of activities in this book for every child, no matter the gender. Some, however, can be dangerous, and I didn't like the little bits after each activity that suggested even more dangerous ways to do the task. The bonus of the hardcover edition is that the dust jacket can be turned around, making the book look like a simple notebook.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book even though I’m a girl. There’s a lot of cool pranks and stuff you can make and jokes in it. There’s a bunch of vaguely toxic anti-girl humor, but that is perfectly fine, what you expect, and also hilarious. I didn’t feel excluded just because I was a girl reading this book. Bart King is hilarious.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little book that's full of enriching knowledge/activities for young boys.

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bear's review: Are you board? Well not anymore! The Big Book of Boy Stuff includes: Adult Introduction
Boy Introduction
Activities!
Dogs and Others!
Dumb Directions on Products!
Emergencies!
Experiments!
Fireworks and Explosions!
Flying Things!
Fun in the Outdoors!
Gadgets, Tools, and Toys!
Indoor Games!
Outdoor Games!
Girls, Bullies, and Parties!
Gross Stuff!
Halloween: Oct. 31st
Holidays!
Insults!
Jokes!
Juggling and Yo-Yos!
Magic!
Making Faces! Making Sounds!
Man Food for Manhood!
Practical Jokes!
Rhetorical Questions!
Riddles!
Slang!
Storytelling!
Tongue Twisters Rule!
Video Games!
Weapons!
Famous Last Words!
Recommended Reading!
Bibliography
[that was the table of contents]

[Karis Chediak]

It was good, I guess. I liked it because it had jokes, riddles, pranks, Loser Boy comics, gross information, insults, and weird stories. It was as good as The Big Book of Girl Stuff.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Giveaway - US only - Ends 10/24
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot....

Gibbs Smith Publishing sent me a copy of The Big Book of Boy Stuff by Bart King to review. My 8 year old son promptly claimed the book as his own. When I told him he couldn't have it because I needed to read and review it he was very upset. I told him I'd let him have the book if he would review it for me. Here is what he has to say:
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot....

[April Helms · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of science experiments, jokes, outdoors, gadgets, games and more. Educational without becoming dry, and fun balanced with common-sense tips. It acknowledges the need for boys needing to be boys, but offers safe outlets. The layout is very “kid-friendly,” with pull-outs and graphics. The writing style is conversational and casual; Bart sounds like a favorite uncle who kids can have fun with and approach with concerns.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazingly funny. It has taught me some hilarious facts that only boys will love. I really think that if you don't have this book you are not truly a boy.

This book has some awesome experiments that you can do cool concoctions like how to make candy sushi and how to ruin your friends video games!! All of these traits come in handy on time or another. My favorite section is of funny messages on packages like on a bag of peanuts it says may contain nuts! Hope you like it!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned that MOST boys are slobs, and only care about what they look like, sports, and dirt. (BUT IT IS SOOOOO NOT TRUE!!!! i have a lot of boy-friends and most of them are NOT LIKE THAT AT ALLL!!!)

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book for boys starting around 9 years old. We got it for my son a few years ago and he still goes back to it every once in a while. It is my go to gift for boys when I can't think of anything.

[Nickdastick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was probably one of the funniest books I've ever read. When I have sleepovers with my cousin, we make each other laugh so hard we start to cry but when I start reading this book, we laugh even harder. I definately reccomend this book.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most amusing handbook for boys around. My son carried it with him for years and still refers to it. Some topics may be considered a little vulgar for some parents (farting, for example).

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I like the look and retro feel of The Dangerous Book for Boys, this one is just lots more fun- according to me AND the eight year-old.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book to read! I read it from cover to cover, but just skipped around from here to there. It's fun to see what variety of topics they talk about. Would be a fun gift to give to anybody.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Neat facts, but a little more gross than I wanted. Maybe better for elementary aged boys. I don't want to share this with my 5 yr old...yet.

[Callum]

epicness (the insults in it were the best part!)

[Layal]

its awesome!!! and funny to hell xD

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this w/my sons. There was a lot of laughing.

[Darthvader15 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual rating: 8.3

[MadisonA · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun little projects that keeps you busy and is fun to read

[Sophie Grace Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son RJ liked this book. The younger one, Justin is not too keen on it since its complicated he said.

[Devan Lawhorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book many times before and it is a cool book. I also have this book at home that i got from a friend for a surprise gift.

[Danai Alford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for my son, as a add on for him with Boy Scouts. My son enjoyed and I would have to say it was very helpful for me to help him with all kinds of stuff.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

...[this book]is wonderful...a full 5 star rating!

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

my son loves this book.

[Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is filled with activities the best part is the camping and jokes section