13 THINGS STRONG KIDS DO

Emotional strength and resilience are based on habits that can be learned.

Psychotherapist Morin draws on her previous work on habits of mind that help adults in their personal and work lives and families in maintaining and growing emotional health. She meets middle-grade readers where they are, recognizing common challenges in young people’s lives and presenting tools to develop their abilities to stay flexible, positive, and empowered. Stories introduce situations in which a fear of failure, jealousy, or other uncomfortable feelings cause a problem for a young person and examine techniques—based on anticipation, analysis, and action—that could resolve or prevent a future occurrence of the problem. Reflection prompts support readers’ understanding and practice of these techniques. Naming feelings, distinguishing helpful from false anxiety, scheduling times to worry, unplugging from technology, and learning to use calming breaths are among the tools covered. Morin acknowledges that not everything is under a child’s control and addresses situations where bullies abuse power, requiring intervention from a trusted adult. Cartoon illustrations feature children with various skin colors and hairstyles. The list of references speaks to the author’s research; further reading for young readers would have been a welcome addition.

Useful, necessary, positive help for the difficult process of growing up.