How to Be a Boy: and Do It Your Own Way

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Are you OK?” I asked. I gripped his arm, hoping that my firm grip could keep him safe. I started talking to him, asking how he had got there and what I could do to help. If I could maintain a gentle conversation, then hopefully I could distract him from his thoughts and buy enough time to persuade him not to jump. Where did the idea come from and do you think you would’ve wanted to read this book when you were a boy growing up? Years later, I don’t remember his name, but I vividly remember that moment. The yellow hue of the bridge lights, the look of anguish and pain on his face. It has changed my perspective on how we deal with men’s mental health, and on the power of simply talking. All he needed in that moment was someone to listen and give him a helping hand, a bit of kindness. Now, I don’t just casually inquire: “Are you OK?” I go the extra mile and ask: “Are you really OK?” This simple question serves as a powerful reminder to myself to delve deeper into the wellbeing of others. It urges me to push past surface-level responses and genuinely listen, to really understand the emotions and challenges that someone may be grappling with. It compels me to embrace kindness. Dr. Ranj's first non-fiction book for children, How to Grow Up and Feel Amazing, shot straight into the Sunday Times More

Grow Up and Feel Amazing! by Dr. Dr. Ranj Singh, David How to Grow Up and Feel Amazing! by Dr. Dr. Ranj Singh, David

Alongside Dr Ranj’s insight as an NHS paediatrician, the book includes contributions from a wide range of voices and experts: actor, director, screenwriter and transgender rights activist Jake Graf on his experience as a trans man; award-winning mental health campaigner, producer and writer Jonny Benjamin on mental health; cook, stylist and DJ Gok Wan on loving your body; presenter and broadcaster Gethin Jones on leadership; TV personality, producer and fashion curator Ryan Lanji on being a queer man of colour–and many more, including Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah, Suki Sandhu, Charlie Christensen, Michael Gunning, Emma Morris, Alexis Caught and Jordan Wylie. It covers the obvious things like the physical changes you’ll go through during puberty and adolescence (hello, pubic hair and voice breaking!), but also helps you to figure out how to manage your emotions, deal with friends and family and learn about healthy relationships.It inspired me to create mental health first aid resources for the public, including instructional videos, to raise awareness and equip others with the tools to help in similar situations. I make sure to consider suicidal feelings in any young patient of mine going through distressing times, and I prioritise open conversations about mental health with my male friends and loved ones. This was especially important during the pandemic when mental health was so severely affected. Are you currently working on or planning any new ideas for children that you think our audience would be excited for? I found myself facing a young man who was on the brink of taking his own life. As a doctor, I’m used to speaking to people who are going through traumatic situations. But I’m used to that happening inside an A&E department, with support systems, equipment, and a set of protocols. In that moment, my medical skills were irrelevant. It was just me. All I had was compassion and conversation. I was terrified. He loves comics too, and has had work published in anthologies such as Birdsong, Solipsistic Pop, Paper Science and Accent UK. David is also the editor of ink+PAPE More Filled with easy-to-understand explanations, down-to-earth advice and cheeky illustrations, this growing-up guide by trusted paediatrician Dr Ranj is perfect for readers aged 10+ who want to discover the confidence to be the very best version of themselves.

Grow Up and Feel Amazing! by Ranj Singh | Hachette UK How to Grow Up and Feel Amazing! by Ranj Singh | Hachette UK

In his signature warm and conversational voice, Dr Ranj reflects on what it really means to be a boy in today’s world, looking at everything from stereotypes and peer pressure to mental health and respect for women. This new book ‘How to Be a Boy and Do It Your Own Way’ for ages 9+ is an informative, inclusive and empowering guide to help readers discover the boy that they are, as well as the boy that they want to be. Written with Dr Ranj’s usual warm and friendly style, it navigates several important topics including gender stereotypes, peer pressure and bullying, as well as mental health and body image. The book seeks to help young readers become their best selves. We asked Dr Ranj some questions about the book… I have another picture book coming out later this year, called Superfamily Like Ours, which is aimed at younger children and explores different kinds of families and how each one is just as amazing. And who knows what will be next? I like to be surprised!

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Two, three, cha-cha-cha. Two, three, cha-cha-cha. I was several weeks into my rehearsal schedule for Strictly Come Dancing. Every spare moment became an opportunity to practise the timing of my steps, and I was fully immersed in the world of sequins and salsa. Do you ever pretend to like something you don’t, just to fit in? Is it sometimes hard to tell others how you’re feeling? Do you wish there was less pressure on you to ‘man up’? Explore these questions and many more in this empowering and inclusive guide to masculinity for readers aged 10+ by the nation’s favourite doctor, Dr Ranj. Whether it’s thinking about hobbies or standing up to your mates, Dr Ranj is here to encourage boys to grow up happy with confidence, positivity and kindness. In his signature warm and conversational voice, Dr Ranj reflects on what it really means to be a boy in today’s world, looking at everything from stereotypes and peer pressure to mental health and respect for women. In a world where everyone seems to have an opinion about what it means to be a man, Dr Ranj is here to reassure readers that there isn’t one way to be a boy – just one way to be true to yourself.