Myers, Walter Dean. Handbook for boys; a novel.

HarperTrophy, Amistad. 212p. c2002. 006-440930-9. $5.99. JS*

To quote KLIATT's May 2002 review of the hardcover edition:

In his award-winning YA novel Monster, Myers depicted a young man in trouble with the law; here, he focuses on how teenaged boys can keep out of trouble. Sixteen-year-old Jimmy has a temper, and when he viciously beats up a Harlem classmate he is charged with assault. Instead of being assigned to a youth facility, however, Jimmy accepts the offer of Duke, a local barbershop owner, to supervise him in a community-mentoring program. Duke is a wise and caring older man, and he and his cronies Mister M and Cap attempt to impart their knowledge of how to get along in the world to Jimmy and another troubled teen, Kevin, as the two boys clean the barbershop each day after school. The shop customers, from a flashy dealer to an addicted woman to characters who blame others for all their difficulties, provide fodder for the men's lectures on taking responsibility for oneself, making good choices, having a plan for success, and following through. The path isn't always smooth, but Jimmy gradually begins to see life in a different way.

This book is meant to begin discussions, but will its intended audience find it too preachy? I hope not. It's told from Jimmy's viewpoint, which helps, and there is enough storyline and anecdotes arising from characters that the good advice here should go down relatively easily. The older men are realistically sardonic, just as Jimmy is believably rebellious. Certainly a great choice for counselors working with teens like Jimmy, and as a spark for debates. A novel that will get readers thinking.