Pocket Guide for Young Men without Fathers

“In these times of too many fatherless sons, this book is a powerful reminder of the African proverb, ‘It take a village to raise the child.’ The authors stand in the gap for all of our sons with practical, heartfelt wisdom that is both accessible and empowering.” —Daniel Beaty, author, artist, and activist “Taylor and Somers have composed an eloquent, accessible and trauma-informed guide for boys and men who are living without their fathers. Real, heartfelt and meaningful, it will chart the path to healing for any young man seeking lessons to live by.” —John A. Rich, MD, MPH and Ted Corbin, MD, MPP, Drexel University Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice “Taylor and Somers have composed an eloquent, accessible and trauma-informed guide for boys and men who are living without their fathers. Real, heartfelt and meaningful, it will chart the path to healing for any young man seeking lessons to live by.” —John A. Rich, MD, MPH and Ted Corbin, MD, MPP, Drexel University Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice “In this book, John Taylor and Ira Somers speak to the heart of so many fatherless young men who long to hear those simple words; we care about you and we want the best for you. In a world where there are too many young men simply treading water without a life raft, this pocket book will serve a guide post to speak to their mind, body and spirit while equipping them with the mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, professional and relational tools to help them live their best lives with intention and purpose.” —Argie Allen Wilson, PhD, MFT Founder and CEO of F.A.I.T.H. Inc. and Co-Founder and CEO of Connections Matter, LLC; Director of Clinical Training-Counseling and Family Therapy Department, Drexel University “Getting adolescent boys to pick out a book to read can often be a challenge. These two authors, however, have figured out how to ignite that curious spark. Their title will encourage boys to pick up the book and thumb through the pages. The first few words, “Dear Son,” will keep them reading. I am so impressed that the guidebook is for any boy—it does not pander to any one demographic…any boy cannot have a dad or male support in his life.” —Stacey Cruise, Founder and Executive Director at Legacy School Services “John and Ira have compiled a great number of life lessons many of us take for granted. Pocket Guide for Young Men without Fathers is a great resource for teachers, mentors, or anyone working with young men, helping them navigate their way through adolescence.” —Dan Lopez, President at No Excuses University“In these times of too many fatherless sons, this book is a powerful reminder of the African proverb, ‘It take a village to raise the child.’ The authors stand in the gap for all of our sons with practical, heartfelt wisdom that is both accessible and empowering.” —Daniel Beaty, author, artist, and activist “Taylor and Somers have composed an eloquent, accessible and trauma-informed guide for boys and men who are living without their fathers. Real, heartfelt and meaningful, it will chart the path to healing for any young man seeking lessons to live by.” —John A. Rich, MD, MPH and Ted Corbin, MD, MPP, Drexel University Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice “Taylor and Somers have composed an eloquent, accessible and trauma-informed guide for boys and men who are living without their fathers. Real, heartfelt and meaningful, it will chart the path to healing for any young man seeking lessons to live by.” —John A. Rich, MD, MPH and Ted Corbin, MD, MPP, Drexel University Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice “In this book, John Taylor and Ira Somers speak to the heart of so many fatherless young men who long to hear those simple words; we care about you and we want the best for you. In a world where there are too many young men simply treading water without a life raft, this pocket book will serve a guide post to speak to their mind, body and spirit while equipping them with the mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, professional and relational tools to help them live their best lives with intention and purpose.” —Argie Allen Wilson, PhD, MFT Founder and CEO of F.A.I.T.H. Inc. and Co-Founder and CEO of Connections Matter, LLC; Director of Clinical Training-Counseling and Family Therapy Department, Drexel University “Getting adolescent boys to pick out a book to read can often be a challenge. These two authors, however, have figured out how to ignite that curious spark. Their title will encourage boys to pick up the book and thumb through the pages. The first few words, “Dear Son,” will keep them reading. I am so impressed that the guidebook is for any boy—it does not pander to any one demographic…any boy cannot have a dad or male support in his life.” —Stacey Cruise, Founder and Executive Director at Legacy School Services “John and Ira have compiled a great number of life lessons many of us take for granted. Pocket Guide for Young Men without Fathers is a great resource for teachers, mentors, or anyone working with young men, helping them navigate their way through adolescence.” —Dan Lopez, President at No Excuses University

John G. Taylor writes a column in Psychology Today called The Reality Corner and contributes to HealthyBlackMen.org. A former correctional officer and probation officer with a degree in criminal justice, he is an adjunct professor at LaSalle University and Drexel University while he pursues his PhD.

Ira Somers is a former award-winning advertising copywriter. He holds a master’s in education and a principal’s certificate from Temple University. He taught fifth grade in a Philadelphia public charter school and is now a content writer on the web.