Willie's Not the Hugging Kind

Written by: Joyce Durham Barrett and Pat Cummings

First line: Willie wanted someone to hug.

Why you should read this book: Ever since his friend Jojo announces that it's silly for Willie to hug his father goodbye before school, Willie has been adamant that he doesn't want hugs. His family accepts that Willie is not the hugging type, but Willie's sense of unease over his announcement increases every time he sees other people hugging, and every time he tries to substitute something else for the affection he's rejected. In the end, of course, it turns out the Willie is not only the hugging type after all, but also the type to stand up to Jojo's disapproval.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You are so blinded by toxic masculinity that you allowed the patriarchy to steal the joy and power of physical contact from you.