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Boyhood and Beyond
Boys who are on the road to becoming men of honor, courage, and faith will greatly benefit from the heartfelt encouragement and sound advice offered in Boyhood and Beyond. Wisdom and common sense are gleaned from short chapters covering topics such as authority, inventiveness, and honesty as well as learning to overcome things like fear, laziness, and temptation. Boyhood and Beyond motivates boys to build their lives on a foundation of strong moral principles. Most importantly, these chapters will encourage boys to become the men God wants them to be as they develop a relationship with Him. This is a "life" book designed to be read and lived out in a boy's life, thus becoming one of his building blocks to godly character and, ultimately, manhood. Boyhood and Beyond can be read alone, used with a journal, or read aloud in a group. There are discussion questions at the end of each chapter. Ages 10-18.
219 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 18, 2021
Best book for dads to read with their boys. Every chapter a vital life lesson. I'm not sure who got more out of reading this book, my son or myself.
I could not recommend this book more - it's a gem.
I could not recommend this book more - it's a gem.
July 2, 2021
Own. Recommended by Kendra and the Evans.
In short chapters with memorable stories and analogies, Schultz explains the importance of integrity and walking with God. Though written to boys, encouraging them to grow to be men and practice taking responsibility and grow in maturity rather than succumb to laziness and folly, Schultz’s metaphors, analogies, and stories are applicable to all. It’s similar to a grandfather illustrating the Proverbs to his grandchildren with stories from his own life. The themes are very Proverbs-esque, yet the writing is not moralistic. It is centered on paying attention to what God has said and to God’s providential leading and believing it with your life and not just your mind.
I think we’ll read this aloud next year during Circle Time.
In short chapters with memorable stories and analogies, Schultz explains the importance of integrity and walking with God. Though written to boys, encouraging them to grow to be men and practice taking responsibility and grow in maturity rather than succumb to laziness and folly, Schultz’s metaphors, analogies, and stories are applicable to all. It’s similar to a grandfather illustrating the Proverbs to his grandchildren with stories from his own life. The themes are very Proverbs-esque, yet the writing is not moralistic. It is centered on paying attention to what God has said and to God’s providential leading and believing it with your life and not just your mind.
I think we’ll read this aloud next year during Circle Time.
May 29, 2020
I have been slowing reading through this with my 11 year old son and I can’t recommend it highly enough. There is an epidemic of manboys running around unable to “adult” and are completely devoid of character, consideration and a work ethic. Reading and implementing the wisdom shared in the book will definitely produce a real man out of the boy in your house.
July 5, 2024
I read this years ago as a homeschooled boy in a little red brick house. Some of it I remember and see how much it impacted my life. But this time around, I think I got even more out of it.
It is truly a handbook of timeless truth that I wish could be in the hands and hearts of every boy today. Bob Schultz had a way of hitting the nail on the head for the way boys think and what kind of challenges motivate them. I am still challenged and inspired by his words.
It is truly a handbook of timeless truth that I wish could be in the hands and hearts of every boy today. Bob Schultz had a way of hitting the nail on the head for the way boys think and what kind of challenges motivate them. I am still challenged and inspired by his words.
August 15, 2015
An absolutely outstanding book for sons to go through with their mom or dad (ideally dad). Sample topics include how to be a leader, taking initiative, spending time alone with God and developing a desire and ability to work hard. Bob was a master craftsman, so many of his examples and life lessons come from his trade. He extols the praises of learning from older men, who have gone before as Christian examples. The book is geared for 10-16 year old boys. We read this with our 12 year old and it was perfect. The earlier you start reading Bob's books with your sons the better. His vision for seeing boys become men was a treasure.
November 30, 2021
I've had this book for a long time, having kept it around for "someday". It was a delight to go through slowly with my younger three boys (ages 8, 10, and 12). With an average length of 2-3 pages, the chapters are just the right size to read aloud and then discuss together afterward. The chapters are written in a non-coddling way that also isn't shaming or overly moralistic. It made me smile when we started the book and the boys soon responded with, "Wait a minute, what? He is reading our minds!"
June 10, 2021
A great guide on how to live life for God; would totally recommend for any guys.
February 9, 2015
5 strong stars for this one! This is the second Bob Schultz 'devotional' book that we've read and we are a fan. It is SO hard to find a devotional for boys that doesn't try to be cool or witty and in the process talk-down to boys... This author really treats his young audience as men and with respect. He has timeless and VERY practical advice for boys. My son ADORES the two books that we've read so far and we are saddened to learn that the author only wrote 3 books for young men. I'll purchase the 3rd book for his Easter basket!
This will be a hard act to beat, but does anyone have any recommendations for additional devotional type books that are geared towards boys 8yo and up?
This will be a hard act to beat, but does anyone have any recommendations for additional devotional type books that are geared towards boys 8yo and up?
May 17, 2012
Great devotional for boys.
January 11, 2017
My husband read this to our sons when they were young, and I finally read it because my 8 year old
read it on his own and told me I would like it. I did.
read it on his own and told me I would like it. I did.
October 9, 2022
As a family of middle school boys, our family devotion times look a little different these days than the picture-Bible story sessions of the younger years. We are constantly looking for solid and challenging material to read together as a family. We had been totally devouring the series of deep question books by Chris Morphew (“What Happens When We Die?” “How Do We Know That Christianity Is Really True?”), and we were about to start the next one when… epic pause… I couldn’t find where I had put it.
Casting about for another option, I grabbed “Boyhood & Beyond” off a bookshelf in the attic. I honestly don’t know how it got there. Maybe a thrift store buy? Or a hand-me-down from someone? But it ended up being PERFECT for our boys in their ages and stages.
Each chapter prompted us to think about and discuss a topic of biblical wisdom and godly living that Mike and I long to impart to our kids, but had not yet thought to specifically bring up:
* Owning up when you’ve done something you’d rather hide
* What it means to become a man
* Why education is important
* How failure can be useful
* A godly response to being falsely accused
* Industry vs. sloth
* Experiencing fear or pain as a man
* Thinking about potential future marriage/fatherhood
I’m so glad we’ve had the catalyst of this book to jumpstart these discussions. Not to say, “Phew, glad we can check that off our list,” but more like, “Thank God we’ve finally started these conversations, and we’ll be able to pick up and continue building on them over the coming years.”
This is not a new release, but it has maintained a stunning 4.5-star rating over the years. Here’s why. “Boyhood & Beyond” was written in the early 2000’s, and there’s no reference to social media and mobile devices, but so much of the material here is uber-foundational. It’s like a substratum of vital conversations to have even before we address the more surface level issues like “Can I use my cellphone at the dinner table?”
So glad this book turned up in our attic!
~Jen
Casting about for another option, I grabbed “Boyhood & Beyond” off a bookshelf in the attic. I honestly don’t know how it got there. Maybe a thrift store buy? Or a hand-me-down from someone? But it ended up being PERFECT for our boys in their ages and stages.
Each chapter prompted us to think about and discuss a topic of biblical wisdom and godly living that Mike and I long to impart to our kids, but had not yet thought to specifically bring up:
* Owning up when you’ve done something you’d rather hide
* What it means to become a man
* Why education is important
* How failure can be useful
* A godly response to being falsely accused
* Industry vs. sloth
* Experiencing fear or pain as a man
* Thinking about potential future marriage/fatherhood
I’m so glad we’ve had the catalyst of this book to jumpstart these discussions. Not to say, “Phew, glad we can check that off our list,” but more like, “Thank God we’ve finally started these conversations, and we’ll be able to pick up and continue building on them over the coming years.”
This is not a new release, but it has maintained a stunning 4.5-star rating over the years. Here’s why. “Boyhood & Beyond” was written in the early 2000’s, and there’s no reference to social media and mobile devices, but so much of the material here is uber-foundational. It’s like a substratum of vital conversations to have even before we address the more surface level issues like “Can I use my cellphone at the dinner table?”
So glad this book turned up in our attic!
~Jen
May 22, 2020
To be honest, I read this book because my Mom wanted me (made me) to read it during the Corona virus. I was not excited at first, but I ended up really liking the book. It was like reading words from your older brother giving you advice on how to make good choices and live a life to be proud of.
Bob Schultz discusses many life topics such as failures, being afraid, living with integrity, making time for God, and the value of working hard. The author uses stories of his experience and life to discuss each topic. One of the things which first drew me into this book was in the beginning when Bob talks about seeing nature as God's playground and gift. The way he talked about being outside in nature exploring and climbing and having fun reminded me of my summers at Camp Ridgecrest in North Carolina. I knew that the author understood boys right when I read those words.
I would recommend this book to boys, best at ages 11 -13, but for any boys. The subjects are real life subjects which a boy might not talk about, but will experience in his life. I also recommend reading this book with a friend or parent or someone to talk to about the topics, kind of like a bible study.
Bob Schultz discusses many life topics such as failures, being afraid, living with integrity, making time for God, and the value of working hard. The author uses stories of his experience and life to discuss each topic. One of the things which first drew me into this book was in the beginning when Bob talks about seeing nature as God's playground and gift. The way he talked about being outside in nature exploring and climbing and having fun reminded me of my summers at Camp Ridgecrest in North Carolina. I knew that the author understood boys right when I read those words.
I would recommend this book to boys, best at ages 11 -13, but for any boys. The subjects are real life subjects which a boy might not talk about, but will experience in his life. I also recommend reading this book with a friend or parent or someone to talk to about the topics, kind of like a bible study.
August 31, 2019
A rare gem of humble, strong, solid manhood in an age that has truly lost it. As I read these pages they fill me with joy, hope, and (I trust) wisdom, but also with sadness as I ask: "Where has this been all my life?" Dads reading this with their sons will both greatly be blessed. Probably when a boy reaches 8 or so, he will be ready to work through this with you. I hope to read it with my three sons, and look to God for blessing as I do. Thank you, Bob, for writing!
April 25, 2020
We read all 4 of Bob Schultz's devotional books for boys. Boyhood and Beyond, is the first of the four. We found them relatable without being cheesy or trying too hard. Bob pulls from his many years as a carpenter/craftsman and is an excellent role model for boys. I highly recommend these books for devotionals for boys starting around the age of 9 or 10. The books kind of grow along with them through the middle years to teen.
May 16, 2023
My son and I loved reading this together. I cried more than once. Schultz just writes with such love and earnestness. You can tell he really wants his reader to love God and honor Him through life. This read has so much wisdom it will be worth coming back to over and over again. Excited to read this with my second son.
March 28, 2022
I cannot say enough good things about this book! I'm reading it with my 11 year old and every chapter has been full of sound advice. Every parent of boys should have a copy of this to read with them. I'm looking forward to reading it to each of my sons.
December 12, 2022
Awesome, biblical book for young teen boys (and their dads). Great for a father-son conversation starter. There are enough chapters so that you can read a small chapter a week and then discuss it together. It teaches basic biblical manliness in an easy language.
December 9, 2023
I went through this book with my son discussing one chapter per week. There are a couple examples I would tweak a little, but on the whole it was a great book and a great resource for starting discussion on a number of issues boy's need to think about with their fathers.
May 2, 2019
I bought this because I read "Created for work" and loved it so much. I was not disappointed with this decision. We were all inspired.
July 18, 2019
I read this nightly with my 10 year old. We loved it!
January 15, 2021
My family loved Bob's short stories. We read them after supper. I will read them to my grandchildren, Lord willing.
January 2, 2022
Such a fantastic book! Short devotional-type chapters with memorable stories and valuable lessons. Passing it on to my hubby to read with our son.
October 28, 2022
So many good things in here that I want my boys to learn! I’ll be saving this one for them to read, but I’ve already read some of it out loud to them.
March 16, 2023
It's the next best thing to finding a mentor for my son. Fantastic.
April 7, 2023
I like this book. It gives me gentle ideas to ponder about what kind of person I want to be and can be.
November 9, 2023
I loved this book-practical insight to boyhood and becoming a young man and growing into adulthood. Cannot wait to go through it with my sons.
July 2, 2025
Very good!
February 18, 2021
Reading with Jacob and sometimes dad off and on when we have free time in the mornings. I love all of Bob Schultz books and this one is a gem also...krb 1/13/21
Ellie has also heard many of the stories in this book. Finally bought his last book and looking forward to getting into that during morning time next term...krb 2/18/21
Ellie has also heard many of the stories in this book. Finally bought his last book and looking forward to getting into that during morning time next term...krb 2/18/21
June 14, 2014
This is a book of essays organized into short chapters. Each chapter teaches a simple lesson and invites the reader to reflect on the essay by answering a few questions at the end of the chapter. A bible verse is included at the end of each chapter that reflects the theme of the chapter. The essays and questions aren't particularly overtly Christian based, but they reflect a Christian world view. My eleven year old son is reading the book now. His "assignment" is to read one chapter a day, answer the questions and write a reflection.
I think that the book is great. I found the essays engaging and the lessons very practical. My son did not like the first essay at all, but he has come to enjoy the book. When I asked him what rating to give the book, he said to give it 4 stars.
I think that the book is great. I found the essays engaging and the lessons very practical. My son did not like the first essay at all, but he has come to enjoy the book. When I asked him what rating to give the book, he said to give it 4 stars.
April 8, 2015
While the book is not the greatest piece of literature, it was wonderful at accomplishing its objective. My son and I would each read a chapter a week and then discuss it afterward. The chapters are very short and most of the topics were very relevant to the development and maturation of a young man, and if not there was usually a good topic of conversation not too far removed. If you don't have another plan to dialogue with your son (age 12-15), then this book would be a GREAT resource to start with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews