Inspire boys to be confident and caring through the biographies of 50 fascinating men, past and present, representing the under-represented fields of health, education, the arts, and literacy (HEAL).

Inspired by his own experiences as a father and policy expert, Richard Reeves’s groundbreaking book Of Boys and Men uncovered some of the ways and extents to which boys and men have been falling behind and imagined initiatives like “He Can H.E.A.L.” to inspire boys to pursue paths that they might otherwise feel are inaccessible or inappropriate for them. He says:

“Gender equality is not a zero sum game. We can do more for boys and men without doing less for women and girls. We can be passionate about women’s rights, and compassionate towards the struggles of boys and men.”

Working with national elementary art educator of the year Jonathan Juravich, Richard puts “He Can H.E.A.L.” into action with Yes, Boys Can!, a book for boys ages 8 to 12 that tells the stories of men who have followed their dreams, cared for others, and changed the world, conveyed through biography, illustration, and simple suggested activities.

Here are just a few of the many compassionate and enterprising men introduced:



Booker T. Washington – educator and author
Luther Christman – the first man inducted into the American Nursing Association’s Hall of Fame in 2004
LeVar Burton – actor and literacy advocate
Tom Daley – Olympian and knitter 


While not all the names might be familiar, each of these life stories will inspire boys to fearlessly imagine what kind of man they could be and how they could change the world for good.

Because representation matters, and if you don't see it, you can't be it.

Illustrated by: Chris King