Boys Adrift

American boys are failing to meet their potential―the author of the New York Times bestseller The Collapse of Parenting explains why, and what we can do about it, in this updated edition.

A growing proportion of American boys are failing. From kindergarten to college, boys are becoming less resilient and less ambitious, and the gender gap in college attendance and graduation rates has widened dramatically. In this fully updated edition, Dr. Leonard Sax draws on scientific literature and more than thirty years of clinical experience to explain why boys and young men are failing in school and disengaged at work.

Sax identifies six key factors: schools unfriendly to boys; video games; medications for ADHD; environmental toxins; the devaluation of masculinity; and, in brand-new material, the combined forces of pornography, AI, and the manosphere. Throughout, Sax presents practical solutions, sharing strategies that educators have found effective in reengaging boys at school, as well as crucial guidance for parents about everything from selecting a school to preparing a meal.

A powerful call to action, Boys Adrift is essential reading for parents and educators who want to build a brighter future for America’s sons.

Leonard Sax MD PhD graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) at the age of 19, and then went on to the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned both a PhD in psychology, and an MD. He completed a 3-year residency in family practice in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. For 19 years, Dr. Sax was a practicing family physician in Maryland, just outside Washington DC. In 2005, Doubleday published his first book Why Gender Matters; an updated edition was published in August 2017. His second book, Boys Adrift, was published in 2007; an updated edition was published in June 2016. His third book Girls on the Edge was published in 2010; an updated edition was published in August 2020. His fourth book The Collapse of Parenting was published by Basic Books in December 2015 and became a New York Times bestseller. An updated edition was published in October 2024.

Dr. Sax has spoken on issues of child and adolescent development not only in the United States but also in Australia, Bermuda, Canada, England, Germany, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Scotland, Spain, and Switzerland. He has visited more than 500 schools since 2001. He has appeared on the TODAY Show, CNN, National Public Radio, Fox News, PBS, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the British Broadcasting Corporation, and many other national and international media. His books have been translated into ten languages.

Dr. Sax now lives with his wife and daughter in Chester County, Pennsylvania. He returned to clinical practice, in Pennsylvania, in 2013, where he continues to see patients while still leading workshops, and writing. You can reach Dr. Sax directly, and sign up for his monthly e-newsletter, via his web site.

"Excellent and informative references and information are provided . . . Powerfully and persuasively presented."―The Journal of the American Medical Association

"Fascinating...terrifying...Sax identifies an epidemic of lost boys. Luckily, he offers solutions."―Globe and Mail (Canada)

"Sax, in his pointed, conversational new book, Boys Adrift, reports seeing something new in his medical practice, and hearing something disturbing in the comments after his talks around the nation. Parents and girlfriends describe boys and young men plastered to the controls of their video games, hostile to school, disconnected from adult men and listless on "academic steroids" prescribed to them for attention deficit disorders. Sax zeroes in on these maladies . . .Boys Adrift is an important entry into the conversation. This call to reconsider how the boy becomes the man is worth heeding."―The Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Boys Adrift presents a straightforward argument that incorporates solid research and, thankfully, does not blame feminism. . . Sax also makes sure to remind us that he doesn't think girls have it easier. But at a time when it is almost unusual to find a young man with drive and direction, Sax's work is an important part of a growing public discussion. "―The Stranger

"Sax's discussion of a 'failure to launch' will ring true for many parents and other concerned adults, and his final chapter on detoxing the modern environment for boys and girls should provoke both thought and action. Though Sax's book is written in a conversational tone, his documentation is thorough and impressive. This is an important book, especially for parents and educators, but for anyone who is concerned with the well-being of our society and its young people. "―The Daily Herald

"Startling...like a brick thrown through your window."―CBC