The Heart of a Boy: Celebrating the Strength and Spirit of Boyhood

by Kate T. Parker

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER.

It’s time to celebrate boys. 
 
Against the backdrop of a growing national conversation about how to raise sons to become good people, Kate T. Parker is leading the way by turning her lens on boys. Author of the bestselling book about girls,  Strong Is the New Pretty, she now shows the true heart of a boy in 200 compelling photographs.
 
Boys can be wild. But they can also be gentle. Bursting with confidence, but not afraid to be vulnerable. Ready to run fearlessly downfield—or reach out to a friend in need. In this empowering, deeply felt celebration of boys being—and believing in—themselves, see the unguarded joy of a little brother hugging his big brother. The inquisitive look of a young scientist examining a bug. The fearless self-expression in a ballet dancer’s poise. There are guitarists, fencers, wrestlers, stargazers, a pilot. Boys who aspire to be president, and boys whose lives are full of overwhelming challenges, yet who bravely face each day as it comes.
With inspiring and joyful quotes from the boys themselves, this book spreads a heartfelt, uplifting message of openness, self-confidence, and warmth.
 
“Kate T. Parker’s incredible Strong Is the New Pretty helped us reimagine girlhood as silly, messy, spirited, and fun. Now she turns her perceptive lens on the other sex to expand our definition of what it means to be a boy . . . and presents something desperately needed in our well-meaning cultural conversation about boys—she shows us their enormous, wonderful hearts.”—Michael Ian Black, actor and writer
 
“Silly, serious, nerdy, athletic, creative, bold—the adjectives describing boys could go on for pages. But if boys are to grow up to be admirable men, the one thing they must be is kind. Kate T. Parker’s book helps clear the way for a time when everyone understands that.” — R. J. Palacio, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wonder
 
“Every parent who picks up this book will be grateful for the impact it will have on their family.” —Gary Vaynerchuk, author of Crushing It!
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Photography, Parenting, Adult, Childrens, Art, Art and Photography

256 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2019

About the author

KATE T. PARKER is a mother, wife, Ironman, and professional photographer who shoots both personal projects and commercial work for her clients. Her STRONG IS THE NEW PRETTY photo series led to collaborations with brands such as Disney, Athleta, Kellogg’s, and NBC. It has also inspired Kate to launch a philanthropic arm of SITNP, partnering with organizations such as Girls on the Run, Girl Up, The Arthur Blank Family Foundation, Disney, Glam4Good, and The Bully Project by investing in childrens’ health and education. Strong is the New Pretty was also adapted for a book with Workman Publishing and became a national bestseller as well as selling overseas. Strong is the New Pretty: The Guided Journal was published in October 18 and The Heart of a Boy will be in April 19.



In 2017, her work was featured in Huffington Post, O Magazine, A Mighty Girl, Vogue, Redbook, NY Magazine, People, Good Morning America, Shape Magazine, Buzzfeed, Self Magazine, DailyWorth, CNN, Vanity Fair Italy, Today Show, PDN, Atlanta Journal Constitution, and ESPN W.



Strong is the New Pretty was included in The Best Books of 2017 (Amazon), Books of the Year and Pick of the Day, 2017 (A Mighty Girl), Feminist Kids Books for Dismantling the Patriarchy (NY Mag), “Heather’s Picks” Chapters/Indigo (Canada),



A list of her clients include Disney, REI, NBC, Girl Scouts of the USA, Athleta, American Express, Merck, Girls on the Run, AT&T, Kroger, IHG Group, Spanx, Nexcare, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Lululemon, Walgreens, GlaxoSmithKline, Biogen, Kelloggs’, Verizon, NFL, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Oxygen, Holiday Inn, Cigna, and Progressive Insurance.

Reviews

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful....
The photos are soooo darn precious!!!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a little partial to this book, seeing that my sweet boy is in it :)

I love that the book celebrates boys for who they are. And Kate shows us how big each and every one of their hearts are.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

A year ago, I wrote a three-star review of the photographic collection Strong is the New Pretty, complaining that it reinforces its own set of gender stereotypes by focusing on athletic girls to the exclusion of those with more artistic or traditionally feminine interests. Because that reading experience was so irritating, it thrilled me to see how much better this book is. Firstly, I appreciate the fact that it exists at all, because as the author confesses in her introduction, she always believed that only girls needed their voices amplified, until people begged her to do a similar book for boys and showed her how destructive social stereotypes about masculinity can be. People tend to squelch boys' "non-masculine" interests and natural feelings, making it difficult for young men to become healthy, wholehearted adults, but the world is a much better place when boys are allowed to be both strong and vulnerable.

Because The Heart of a Boy explores the range of interests and feelings that boys experience, instead of focusing on the single, restrictive theme of being a "strong" girl, it is far superior to the original book. The photographer selected children from a variety of different racial backgrounds for both books, but this one features even more boys with physical limitations and health issues, and it represents a wide range of personal interests. It tells you a lot about the preponderance of athletic photos in the girl book that there were fewer here! Boys who are musicians, writers, painters, comic book artists, dancers, aspiring scientists, and animal-lovers also get their due, and she shares boys' quotes about their experiences with compassion and vulnerability. This book celebrates the diversity of what it means to be a boy and what it means to be human, and it's a really beautiful thing.

[Scottsdale Public Library]

There is more to a boy than his strengths or athleticism. This book is beautiful at highlighting boys being joyful, vulnerable, creative, resilient, curious, kind and more. A quick fast read that would make an excellent coffee table book for families with boys. The photographs are stunning, and the quotes from the boys as well as the short chapter leads are inspiring and full of gems. Definitely a great companion to her first book, Strong is the New Pretty. - Megan G.

[DarkBetweenPages · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 stars

Gold right here! Kate T. Parker has created an absolute treasure!

A heart felt, stunning, memorable read for anyone’s book collection. Especially if you are a boy Mom!

Boys are strong. Boys are fearless. Boys are adventurous. Boys are courageous, Boys are sensitive. Boys are smart… All boys are unique.

Emotions are powerful! What better way to hear about what boys of all ages, from all around the world are feeling, then to read quotes from them directly.

The Heart of a Boy lets their voices be heard.

A brilliant read for any parent. An even better read for the youngsters themselves. Give them a chance to see what others may be going through. To see that they are not the only ones, to receive the inspiration they deserve or may need at times… showing them just how truly important and special they are.

The Heart of a Boy has inspired me and will keep inspiring me. It will stay close to my heart, while keeping it full.

And on that note. I think I need to end this review and go give my 2 most amazing boys the biggest, most embarrassing sloppy kiss, from me!…. There Mom!

Published by Workman Publishing Company on April 2, 2019

…The day my youngest son turned 2!

Thanks to Thomas Allen & Son for sending this perfect boy Mom read my way.

And of course thank you all for reading.

Your Fellow Goofy Mom

-Nichole

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another moving, heartwarming book from Kate T. Parker. I loved “Smart Is the New Pretty” and, as a mother of boys, was absolutely thrilled when I came across this book at my local Barnes & Noble! Two quotes in this book really speak especially to what I think these photographs represent. The first, from Fred Rogers, “Strength...is something we tend to respect in others, desire for ourselves, and wish for our children. Sometimes, though, I wonder if we confuse strength with other words - like ‘aggression’ and even ‘violence’. Real strength is neither male nor female; but it is, quite simply, one of the finest characteristics that a human being can possess.” The second, from Jason Reynolds (author extraordinaire), “You can’t run away from who you are, but what you can do is run toward who you want to be.” Boys and girls need to be celebrated for who they are. These beautiful photographs perfectly capture the spirit of boyhood.

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs bring to life the lives of boys who are all the same but each unique. The pages are filled with boys thoughts and dreams and hearts that are filled with joy, creativity, resilience, kindness and independence. A great way to share and open up conversation with the children and men in our lives.

[Magy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heart of a Boy highlights the fact that boys are multifaceted. Like all humans and all groups, boys are more than their stereotypes. Any boy could pick this book up and find multiple examples of himself – curious, kind, vulnerable, creative, joyful, resilient…

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 good, but I wanted more depth in the quotes from kids. The pictures were super powerful though, and definitely the strongest part of this book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming. Humbling. Inspiring. Every mom of a boy, no matter what age, needs a this book.

[Dara Leitner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book! The photographs and the quotes! I was grinning from beginning to end!

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for boys.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The one pagers before each section didn’t seem needed to me. They were a bit redundant and written in the same format. We could have had just an introduction and let her beautiful photos and the quotes speak for themselves.

[Patience · Rating 5 out of 5]

So inspiring!! Love!!

[Diana Wells · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find it disturbing that Parker's book about girls is titled Strong is the New Pretty (never mind that every girl in the book is conventionally quite pretty - not a pimple or crooked nose among them), but the companion book about boys includes the giant, full page text: "The idea that we always must be strong really presses us down, keeps us from growing." If strength is good enough for girls, why not boys? These books play to new conventions about masculinity and femininity, but they are just as stereotypical and oppressive as the old ones. Why are Parker's books for boys and girls featuring such very different traits? It would be really refreshing to see some actual, gender-neutral role models all kids could aspire to, be they girls or boys.

[Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received via Netgalley in exchance for a fair and unbiased review.

When I read Strong is the New Pretty in 2017, I immediately wanted to buy it for all the little girls in my life. It was a love song to them, celebrating their strength, their spirit, their individuality. It was telling little girls they could be anything they wanted to be, and it was okay to strive for more. It made me cry, and it made me smile and feel warm inside.

Kate Parker has done it to me again, and I may never forgive her for giving me too many feelings wrapped in another simple, sweet, powerful book.

The young men featured here range in ages, from 4 to 19. They are seen in every scenario, from sports to family time to just quiet moments alone with a pet. There are boys of different races, different abilities, different religions. There's smiles from wheelchairs and strength behind walkers. There's pride in sports victories, love for friends and siblings. There's tears and joy and everything about being a boy that should be celebrated.

I love these two books far too much, and need both of them to hand out to every child I know.

[MeganRuth - Alohamora Open a Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You can't run away from who you are, but what you can do is run toward who you want to be." Jason Reynolds

There is more to a boy than his strengths or athleticism. This book is beautiful at highlighting boys. A quick fast read that would make an excellent coffee table book for families with boys. The photographs are stunning, and the quotes from the boys as well as the short chapter leads are inspiring and full of gems. Definitely a great companion to her first book, Strong is the New Pretty.

Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: Adults/parents of boys
# of Pages: 250
Clean Read: Yes.
Worth a Check Out: Yes. If you are a parent of a boy you must read it. It's an incredibly fast read, but so inspiring and uplifting.
Buy It or Not: Yes, it's a great book to gift as well.

Other fav quotes:
"The thing about being creative is that it is like a muscle. The more you use it, the bigger and better it gets." pg 95

"Don't waste your energy trying to change opinions. Do your thing and don't care if they like it." Tina Fey pg166

"The one thing you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can." Neil Gaiman pg136

"Failing is quitting. Success is built on your failures." pg117

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate T. Parker, best-selling author of Stong is the New Pretty book for girls, now turns her attention to boys and gives them their due.

With beautiful pictures and meaningful quotes from the boys themselves, as well as famous people, Parker encourages readers to leave old stereotypes of gender behavior behind and rather celebrate all facets of the combinations of personality, emotions, weaknesses and strengths that make each of us the unique human being that we are.

The Heart of a Boy is a joy to read, a visual gift, and a book with an important message, "we all want love and acceptance for who we are". A conversation starter, a coffee table book to be enjoyed time and again, this book would be a good gift to yourself or others.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

The book will be available to the public on April 2, 2019.

[Courtney K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read an arc of this as an ebook. It still needs some quotes and names and some of the ages seem incorrect. I think it will be a wonderful book when it comes out. I like how boys are depicted in so many ways. There is a wide array of representation. My favorite photo and quote are of a boy looking up with wonder at a suit of armor, "Is there anybody in there?"

[Jesica DeHart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself reading this book on the same day my 12 year old son inquired, “what do masculine and feminine mean anymore and are these words still relevant?”. While I don’t have the perfect answer, this book along side its companion Strong is the New Pretty are tools to have these conversations, banish stereotypes and evolve in our understanding of gender and individuality.

[Emily Myhren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was anticipating this book for a long time. I absolutely adore Strong is the New Pretty and am always gifting and recommending it. I’m so happy now that I will have a boy equivalent to do the same with. Her photography can be enjoyed at any age and I love the interviews of the boys that go along with it.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is as sweet little book about the power and strength of boys. It was lovely, thought provoking book that celebrates boys. However, I really don't think boys will pick it up and read it. I think it is more of a book to read together as a family. I don't think boys will be drawn to it in an of itself. For my purposes it needs to appeal to children.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great shots and quotes from so many inspiring boys. The intros to each chapter were weirdly preachy and instructional, which I don't remember from the companion book, Strong Is the New Pretty. However, still valuable and a sure hit.

[Marisa Gettas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the follow-up book to THE STRENGTH OF A GIRL by the same author. I enjoyed them both, very much. If you have kids in your life, I think these books would be a great gateway for talking about their emotions, if that is something you feel they need.

[KK · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need this book today--a book of gentle, loving, kind boys who totally express themselves! A wonderful resource for families, and especially young boys. Thank you to all the kids who were a part of this great project!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Strong is the New Pretty, so it was no surprise I'd love this approach for boys.
I basically read it in 2 sittings.

[Marta Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! Inspiring.

[Arlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing new, but it was fun to look at great portrait photography. I'll have to check out her book about girls.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten positive attributes of boys are explored in this book. The chapter titles reflect these themes - The Heart is: Vulnerable, Joyful, Dedicated, Playful, Creative, Resilient, Expressive, Independent, Curious, and Kind. Each chapter is introduced with a quote. On the facing page, is a more detailed dive into the topics. These are very heartwarming gems of encouragement.

Of course, the main “heart” of the book is all the enchanting photos of the boys. They courageously share their struggles while maintaining very positive outlooks. Each one is dedicated to both be themselves and to win over any obstacles. Though some of their situations were or are serious, they have remained optimistic. I couldn’t stop smiling throughout the book, but I cried too – it was both very touching and uplifting.

This book gives me tremendous hope. The potential for a very positive future for more boys to experience this is so palpable; I could really see and feel it.

Being introduced to so many boys who have been allowed to: feel 'safe' and not be pushed 'before they are ready', not given rigid expectations of uniformity, not expected to repress their feelings, nor stifle participation in the hobby or career that genuinely excites them, and seeing them reach out to others with open-hearted empathy– that is very beautiful. Imagine if all boys grew up with these attitudes. The world would be transformed. Everyone benefits from treating boys in this manner. In reality, it is something that everyone could use in their lives. Freedom to be our best selves.

Truly, this book is amazing.