The Challenge
A Guide for Young Men
The StandardWhat Young Men Need Before the World Teaches Them Wrong
Before the world teaches them wrong, give them a standard.
Carl Wesley Publishing
Before the world teaches them wrong, give them a standard.
About The Standard
Help young men know who they are before outside influences decide for them.
The Standard is a leadership and mentorship movement. Its mission is to help boys and young men build identity, discipline, accountability, emotional control, sound decision-making, and purpose—with the adults and organizations who guide them.
Through books, comic stories, games, guided programs, and practical learning tools, The Standard helps young people practice these skills in ways they can understand, use, and carry into everyday life.
The Response
The Standard gives trusted adults practical ways to start those conversations early and continue them through programs, books, comics, games, educational tools, and free resources.
Who it serves
Boys and young men, along with families, educators, mentors, coaches, schools, churches, youth programs, and community organizations committed to guiding them.
What it provides
Programs, books, comics, games, educational tools, free resources, and speaking—including an eight-session host-led program with a facilitator guide, worksheets, and participant pulse.
Why organizations partner
The program works through approved staff who already know their young people, uses records the organization already keeps, and concludes with a plain written summary of the group's results.
Explore the program structure, partner responsibilities, measures, and evidence boundary.
View Partnership & Program DetailsWho This Book Is For
Built for young men and those who guide them.
Young men preparing for adulthood
Parents raising sons without direction
Educators working with boys who need structure
Coaches and mentors shaping character
Youth leaders building stronger futures
What Young Men Will Learn
Standards that hold up in real life.
Identity before image
Discipline before attention
Emotional control before reaction
Responsibility before excuses
Purpose before popularity
Leadership before status
Stay Connected
Join The Standard Mailing List
Get updates, exclusive announcements, discount codes, free resources, new releases, and future projects connected to The Standard.
Free Resource
Before the Consequences Arrive
A Parent and Mentor Field Guide
A practical, interactive guide that helps parents and mentors understand behavior, respond with clarity, teach wise decisions, explain real-world consequences, and prepare young men before pressure arrives.
Author: Carl Wesley, M.Ed.
Resource type: Free Parent and Mentor Guide
Join The Standard community to receive the free guide and future resources.
Get the Free GuideJoin Mailing ListResources and updates from The Standard, delivered directly to you.
Interactive Learning
The Standard Games
Explore the current learning worlds, including Science Quest, Money Mission, Level Up, and the growing collection of purpose-driven games.
Digital Editions
Read it. Hear it. Return to it.
The print, PDF, coloring book, and audiobook editions carry practical lessons for young men, parents, educators, mentors, coaches, and youth leaders.
Editions
Purchase Options
El Estándar — Edición en Español
Paperback · Hardcover · Kindle
The complete Spanish translation of The Standard for young people, families, educators, mentors, and youth leaders.
- Available in three formats
- Spanish-language edition
- Fulfilled by Amazon
Kindle
$9.99
A clean Kindle edition for reading, studying, and revisiting the lessons.
- Kindle digital access
- Readable on phone, tablet, or Kindle device
- Reflection sections included
Hardcover
$24.99
A premium hardcover edition for readers, families, schools, programs, and mentoring spaces.
- Premium hardcover edition
- Built for study and discussion
- Ideal for gifts and programs
Paperback
$19.99
A readable paperback edition for students, families, mentoring groups, and everyday study.
- Paperback print edition
- Built for reading and discussion
- Accessible option for individual readers and groups
Coloring Book
$12.99
A companion coloring book designed to reinforce the message with reflection, creativity, and conversation.
- Creative companion product
- Great for youth programs and families
- Supports reflection through visual engagement
The Standard Comic Book — Issue One: 4:47 a.m.
$5.99 Kindle · $12.99 Print
Thirteen-year-old Malachi Kai Rowe is embarrassed by his father's honest work and drawn toward the influence of an older teen. One difficult night forces him to confront peer pressure, respect, consequences, and the kind of young man he is choosing to become.
- Kindle edition — available now
- The Standard Comic Book series — Issue One
- Print releases August 18, 2026
- Issues Two and Three arriving September and October 2026
The Standard Audiobook
$14.99
Listen to The Standard: What Young Men Need Before the World Teaches Them Wrong by Carl Wesley, M.Ed.
- Identity, discipline, emotional control, and education
- Relationships, leadership, faith, and purpose
- Private streaming access instructions delivered after checkout
Secure checkout through Stripe.After purchase, you'll create your password for Private Streaming Access.
The Standard: What Young Ladies Need to Know
Coming Soon
A companion edition for young ladies, families, mentors, educators, and leaders.
- Young ladies edition in development
- Designed for guided reflection and conversation
- Release details coming soon
Join The Standard Community
For updates, releases, and resources.
Contact The Standard
Questions? Let's talk.
Call for general information, guidance, and questions about The Standard Ecosystem. Whether you are a parent, educator, mentor, organization, supporter, or reader, we can help you find the right next step.
Call The Standard832-632-4233Tap the number to call from your phone.
10 Reasons To Call
- Learn more about The Standard leadership and mentorship movement
- Choose the right book, comic, or resource for your needs
- Ask about individual, group, or bulk book orders
- Bring The Standard to a school or school district
- Request a speaking engagement, assembly, or school visit
- Explore workshops, mentoring, or youth-development programs
- Discuss church, community, athletic, or nonprofit programs
- Propose a partnership, sponsorship, or mission-support opportunity
- Request an interview, podcast appearance, or media conversation
- Get general information or answers about The Standard Ecosystem
Questions We Can Help With
Not sure where to begin?
These are examples of the conversations the contact number is for:
- Which book, comic, or resource is right for my child or group?
- Can Carl Wesley speak at our school, church, conference, or community event?
- How can I order books in bulk for a program or organization?
- How can The Standard support our students, athletes, or mentoring group?
- What workshops, youth-development services, or partnerships are available?
- How can I support, sponsor, or collaborate with The Standard Ecosystem?
Ask Carl
What would The Standard say?
Explore real-life questions through the principles, lessons, and practical guidance found across The Standard. Ask about discipline, relationships, emotions, leadership, money, purpose, pressure, or difficult decisions.
Ask Carl provides guidance grounded in Carl Wesley's documented teachings. It does not impersonate Carl or invent personal statements.