Review of Boys in men's shoes

Abstract

Reviews the book, Boys in men's shoes by Harry E. Burroughs (1944). Although written to have a wide and popular appeal, this book will be of particular interest to social workers, counselors, clinicians and guidance persons generally. It is the story of the origins, development, present program, and future hopes for the Burroughs Newsboys Foundation of Boston, a unique private institution in child guidance. In this collection of anecdotes, "case histories," comments, personal observations and philosophy, the very lack of organization lends a certain charm. Writing in a straightforward, conversational style, the author succeeds quite as well in giving an intimate picture of himself as of his Foundation. While this book should cause one to appreciate more fully the possibilities of personal influence in counseling, it will not likely lead to a successful school of guidance by inspiration. There are too few individuals, interested in children, who possess Mr. Burroughs' fortunate combination of ingenuity, insight, and personal experience. The narrative, however, testifies impressively to the quality of abilities latent in the masses of the people which may be realized, to society's gain, when opportunity for development is secured. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)