THE BOOK on the basis of hard evidences negates the value of non-sexist child-rearing practices. The author of the book Sara Bonnett Stein argues successfully that even in non-sexist settings, ultimately, boys gravitate toward building blocks and competitive games, while girls toward domestic, nurturing, cooperative acts and make-believe play activities.

Contrary to psychologists subscribing for gender equality and social environment, free from gender identification, the book contends that boys will always be boys however hardcore non-sexist child rearing environment one may provide. The author holds that certain things are hard-wired due to gender differences at the time of the birth itself such as the instinctive different relations of boys and girls with their mothers and fathers.

There is a need to equally respect and value the differences between boys and girls. The book holds that it is not desirable to hinder children's capacity for achieving a firm gender identity by denying their needs, belittling their efforts, and contradicting their choices to be clearly male or female through emphasis on non-sexist learning environment.

Supported by secondary analysis of gender-related researches, Stein says, "Most crucial, and most difficult to understand, the parents of effeminate boys do not discourage the earliest signs of feminine behaviour." Stein began her career as a toy designer, which led her to write serious and profound child psychology books. This book is the outcome of her insights on children's play in enforced non-sexist environment for upbringing children.

The book published by Subscriber, New York, deals with issues of upbringing, gender differences and child psychology with profound implications for education and parenting. The book is useful for educators, psychologists, researchers and feminists to draw lessons for social and educational development of children. The book spread in 208 pages includes an index and references to benefit the professional readers.