Young men preparing for adulthood
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
About The Standard
Before the world teaches them wrong, give them a standard.
Young men are growing up in a world full of noise, pressure, confusion, and mixed messages about manhood. In The Standard, educator and mentor Carl Wesley, M.Ed., offers clear, direct, and practical guidance on identity, discipline, accountability, self-respect, emotional strength, decision-making, and leadership.
More than a book of advice, The Standard bridges real life with practical knowledge. Through relatable stories, meaningful lessons, and clear standards, this book helps young men connect everyday experiences to the character, wisdom, and discipline needed to grow.
Written with the young man in mind, the lessons in this book are valuable for anyone seeking growth, direction, and accountability. Parents, educators, mentors, coaches, and youth leaders can use The Standard as a powerful conversation starter and a blueprint for building stronger young men.
This book was created to enrich growth, strengthen character, and help young men understand who they are before the world tries to define them.
Who This Book Is For
Built for young men and those who guide them.
Parents raising sons with 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
Author
Carl Wesley, M.Ed.
Carl Wesley writes from the intersection of education, mentorship, leadership, and lived experience. His work is centered on helping young men develop identity, discipline, emotional intelligence, and the courage to choose a higher standard before consequences choose for them.
Published by Carl Wesley Publishing
Stay Connected
Join The Standard Mailing List
Get updates, exclusive announcements, discount codes, free resources, new releases, and future projects connected to The Standard.
Ask Carl
Questions, guidance, and support in one place.
Use Ask Carl for frequently asked questions, book guidance, parenting support, leadership topics, mentorship ideas, game questions, audiobook access, group use, mailing list updates, and purchase options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about formats, secure checkout, audiobook access, group use, and support.
Book Questions
Understand the message, audience, chapter structure, and how to use The Standard.
Parenting Questions
Find practical ways to discuss identity, discipline, responsibility, and decision-making.
Leadership Questions
Explore standards, character, emotional control, and the habits that shape leaders.
Mentorship Questions
Use the book for coaching, youth programs, classroom discussion, and group reflection.
Game Questions
Learn about The Standard: Level Up, Growth Points, missions, badges, and character journeys.
Interactive Learning
The Standard: Level Up
Explore the Level Up dashboard, answer leadership challenges, and build wisdom, discipline, respect, and Character Score.
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.
Purchase Options
Choose the format that fits the work.
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 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.
Watch
Videos from The Standard
Reader Response
Testimonials
Testimonials Coming Soon
Reader reviewsParent feedbackEducator feedbackCoach and mentor endorsements
Join The Standard Community
For updates, releases, and resources.
