BOYS TO MEN? SERIES: AL-TRAN, CISCO, SPENCER (3 separate discs)

Topic	Decision Making
Program Summary	By Frederick Marx, the maker of "Hoop Dreams." Caught between a macho past and a feminist future, adolescent boys are not being initiated and mentored into rounded, emotionally expressive, mature masculinity by adult men. This mini-series tells the stories of three 15 year old boys over nine months. Though different across race and class, these boys, in shockingly similar ways, aren't succeeding. Boys to Men? hints at the dire consequences. [v. 1] Al-Tran, a 16-year old African American, from a working poor family headed by a single mother [v. 2] Cisco, a 16-year old Puerto Rican from a family on welfare, also headed by a single mother [v. 3] Spencer, 15-year old Jewish-Caucasian, from a middle class family with both parents. Discs include questions, with stopping points for discussion.
Length	30 min.
Recommended Age	Grades 9 - 12
Publication Date	2004
Teen Reviewer Comments	Gives the best information on growing up from teen boys themselves; discusses issues normally shunned by society, especially in urban environments.
Risk Factors Addressed	Early and persistent antisocial behavior; alienation and rebelliousness; friends who engage in the problem behavior, favorable attitudes toward the problem behavior.
Protective Factors Addressed	Bonding to positive people and pursuits; healthy beliefs and clear standards; cognitive problem-solving skills; social skills.
Library Location	Beacon (DVD)