Boys Will Be

``This is a book about boy stuff, written for boys to read, by a former boy who is now raising two boys of his own.'' So begins the latest from Newbery Honor winner Brooks ( What Hearts ; The Moves Make the Man ). In his first collection of essays, he speaks directly to boys (and to the men they will become). Brooks knows what boys like and what they worry about, and with an unclouded memory, he navigates a maze of parents, sports, friendships and self-discovery. Whether discoursing on the momentous decision of choosing the correct hat (``The Cap'') or writing an ode to the primal beauty of sweat (``Stink''), Brooks's voice is strong and confident, filled with humor and understanding. He is at his best when he wrestles with life's tougher lessons, as in the insightful ``Risky Pals'' and particularly in ``Victory,'' which uses the 1993 NCAA basketball championships to examine the true meaning of winning. Brooks is right, boys do read (``Real Boys Read Books''), and they will find much to enjoy in his latest gift. Ages 11-up. (Oct.)