Lost Boys - by James Garbarino (Paperback)

About the Book

A leading psychologist examines the recent explosion of adolescent violence, identifies children at risk, and offers proven methods to prevent aggressive behavior.

Book Synopsis

"Remarkable. What sets Lost Boys apart from the ordinary lament is the author's palpable sense of care and compassion."--The Washington Post Book World

Our national consciousness has been altered by haunting images of mass slaughters in American high schools, carried out by troubled young boys with guns. It's now clear that no matter where we live or how hard we try as parents, our children are likely to be going to school with boys who are capable of getting guns and pulling triggers. What has caused teen violence to spread from the urban war-zones of large cities right into the country's heartland? And what can we do to stop this terrifying trend?

James Garbarino, Ph.D., Cornell University professor and nationally noted psychologist, insists that there are things that we, both as individuals and as a society, can do. In a richly anecdotal style he outlines warning signs that parents and teachers can recognize, and suggests steps that can be taken to turn angry and unhappy boys away from violent action. Full of insight, vivid individual portraits, practical advice and considered hope, this is one of the most important and original books ever written about boys.

Review Quotes

"Garbarino not only makes the clearest and most persuasive arguments of the current [books on the subject], but he is also the best storyteller."--Time Out New York

"Parents and social workers and even politicians could do a lot worse than follow his advice--. A therapeutic primer."--The Nation

"Dr. Garbarino is a brilliant pioneer in charting a humane and intelligent course in preventing youth violence."--Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence

"Jim Garbarino sounds the alarm about the spread of youth violence--. Focusing on the hurt and social alienation that are at the heart of youth violence, he offers not only insight and compassion, but also steps that will lead to prevention and intervention."--Marian Wright Edelman, President, The Children's Defense Fund

"Garbarino's work is a guiding light for national policies, as well as individual parents and other citizens."--Stanley I. Greenspan, M.D., author of Playground Politics: Understanding The Emotional Life of the School-Age Child

"I can think of few more qualified and eloquent than Jim Garbarino to address these questions [of teen violence]. His is a voice of reason and one grounded in reality. It is a voice, a moral voice, we should feel fortunate to have among us."--Alex Kotlowitz, author of There Are No Children Here

About the Author

James Garbarino, Ph.D., is Co-Director of the Family Life Development Center and Professor of Human Development at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.