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How Much Is a Little Boy Worth? by Jacob Denhollander, Marcin Piwowarski, Rachael Denhollander
msgabbythelibrarian's review
4.0
I need to get this book for friends and their boys. It reminds boys of their worth, that they are worth something.
panda_incognito's review
5.0
One of the first books I ever professionally reviewed was the picture book [b:How Much Is a Little Girl Worth?|44291423|How Much Is a Little Girl Worth?|Rachael Denhollander|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1551888841l/44291423._SX50_.jpg|68813016] I thought it was wonderful, but I also wished that there could be a version for boys. People in general society and in the church recognize girls' needs for empowerment and protection, but there are not a lot of books that encourage boys to see their own value, let alone resources that acknowledge male vulnerability to sexual abuse. I hoped that Rachael Denhollander would eventually write a companion book for boys, since she is such a passionate and dedicated defender of all victims, and I am so grateful that she did.
Rachael wrote How Much Is a Little Boy Worth? with her husband, Jacob. Their letter at the beginning about boys' self-esteem needs is incredibly powerful, and I greatly appreciate the whole book. The illustrations from Marcin Piwowarski are warm, affectionate, and inviting, showing boys with their parents or friends during both daily routines and special moments. The boys pictured throughout reflect a wide range of skin tones and hair colors, and the text speaks directly to the readers about their value and worth.
This book has the same ultimate message as the book for girls, but it is not just a recreation of that book with new illustrations. The poem is slightly different while covering the same themes, and also includes the line that "your worth doesn't come from being in charge," which is one of the unique additions for the male audience. Just like in the girl book, this one speaks about how we are made in God's image, and about how our value and worth are most visible in Christ's sacrifice for us. The book encourages boys to understand their value in light of their Creator, rather than looking to their own accomplishments or how people treat them to determine their worth.
Although the authors wrote this book with abuse prevention and recovery in mind, the text and illustrations do not require a conversation that a very young child is not ready for. The text assures the reader, "You are worth speaking up for, worth any fight, worth all the cost of choosing what's right," and a later page says that boys are "worth bearing the cost for the truth to be known," but there are no direct references to sexual abuse. This book is an early tool for parents to foster self-worth in their sons and prepare them for future conversations.
I highly recommend this book to families, churches, and Christian schools. The text and illustrations are wonderful, inviting, and reassuring, and the book shares a powerful message without being preachy. I plan to buy copies of this book in the future to give as gifts, and I am so thankful that Rachel and Jacob Denhollander created this book for boys and their families. How Much Is a Little Boy Worth? will gently challenge some people's blind spots, and can help boys grow up feeling safe, loved, and cared for.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Rachael wrote How Much Is a Little Boy Worth? with her husband, Jacob. Their letter at the beginning about boys' self-esteem needs is incredibly powerful, and I greatly appreciate the whole book. The illustrations from Marcin Piwowarski are warm, affectionate, and inviting, showing boys with their parents or friends during both daily routines and special moments. The boys pictured throughout reflect a wide range of skin tones and hair colors, and the text speaks directly to the readers about their value and worth.
This book has the same ultimate message as the book for girls, but it is not just a recreation of that book with new illustrations. The poem is slightly different while covering the same themes, and also includes the line that "your worth doesn't come from being in charge," which is one of the unique additions for the male audience. Just like in the girl book, this one speaks about how we are made in God's image, and about how our value and worth are most visible in Christ's sacrifice for us. The book encourages boys to understand their value in light of their Creator, rather than looking to their own accomplishments or how people treat them to determine their worth.
Although the authors wrote this book with abuse prevention and recovery in mind, the text and illustrations do not require a conversation that a very young child is not ready for. The text assures the reader, "You are worth speaking up for, worth any fight, worth all the cost of choosing what's right," and a later page says that boys are "worth bearing the cost for the truth to be known," but there are no direct references to sexual abuse. This book is an early tool for parents to foster self-worth in their sons and prepare them for future conversations.
I highly recommend this book to families, churches, and Christian schools. The text and illustrations are wonderful, inviting, and reassuring, and the book shares a powerful message without being preachy. I plan to buy copies of this book in the future to give as gifts, and I am so thankful that Rachel and Jacob Denhollander created this book for boys and their families. How Much Is a Little Boy Worth? will gently challenge some people's blind spots, and can help boys grow up feeling safe, loved, and cared for.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.