Though slightly limited in its utility for the desired audience, this resource offers a thorough collection of kid-friendly...
Chopra—daughter of well-known self-help guru Deepak Chopra—delivers a stress-management guide for young people.
Following an introduction, the book is divided into six categories: “Breathe,” “Move,” “Be Silent,” “Notice,” “Ask Questions,” and “Create.” Six to 12 short practices (typically designed to last around five minutes, though some are longer or shorter) are offered in each category. Many of the techniques are variations on those traditional to Buddhism or yoga; others are creative exercises targeting specific stressors of the day, such as bullying and social media. Readers are encouraged to read through a practice in its entirety and then try using it. Adults sharing mindfulness with children and preteens will find a treasure trove of scripts for guided practice. Young people of various skin tones, genders, and religious expressions are included in the illustrations, but there is a noticeable tone of privilege within the author’s text. Access to parents available at home, safe neighborhoods, and public green spaces are assumed in some practices. Young people who face survival-based challenges in their day-to-day lives may not find that exemplars referenced—such as not knowing anyone at summer camp—speak directly to their life experience. An audiobook download is available for separate purchase from the publisher's website for those who would like to listen and follow along with the exercises.
Though slightly limited in its utility for the desired audience, this resource offers a thorough collection of kid-friendly mindfulness practices. (Nonfiction. 9-14)Pub Date: Aug. 28, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-7624-9158-2
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Review Posted Online: May 13, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2018
Maybe it’s “awesome” to be average.
Champion table tennis player Syed begins this encouragement book by chronicling his own story of how he grew up believing he was average until he began to master the sport.
The goal of this book is to help kids realize that they needn’t necessarily be born with a certain gift or talent—that maybe success is a combination of hard work, the right mentors, and a strong support system. In the chapter “What’s Holding Me Back?” Syed offers a variety of ways a young person can begin to reflect on who they really are and define what their true passion may be. The following chapters stress the importance of practice, coping with pressure, and honoring mistakes as human rather than failure. Throughout the book, Syed highlights those he terms “Famous Failures,” including Steve Jobs, Jay-Z, and Jennifer Lawrence, while also providing a spotlight for those who mastered their talent by perseverance, such as Serena Williams, the Brontë sisters, and David Beckham. Though this self-help book has good intentions, however, it is a little heavy-handed on the perpetuation of an achievement-oriented life. Perhaps it is also good to acknowledge that not everybody need aspire to someone else’s definition of greatness.
Maybe it’s “awesome” to be average. (Nonfiction. 9-13)Pub Date: July 9, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4926-8753-5
Page Count: 160
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: April 13, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2019
A handy guide to the squishy, sometimes sticky stages of puberty.
An inclusive and humorous approach to puberty, plus strategies for coming out of it your best self.
Body changes, body hair, acne, and sweat are just a few things adolescents will experience differently during puberty. Consistently using the terms assigned male and assigned female to describe physical development experienced in puberty determined by assigned birth sex, Loveless makes clear these factors don’t determine gender identity. Combining appropriate, scientific vocabulary and a conversational tone—reproduction is defined as a way to “create more human life through penis in vagina intercourse”—she doesn’t dumb down information. At the same time, she refers to some activities such as intercourse and childbirth as “adult acts” or “adult tasks,” keeping the book a safe space for younger readers. She represents understanding physiology as the foundation to successfully managing this time, but so is understanding the social and emotional factors such as gender expression and the effects of screen use. When discussing mental health, Loveless provides tools and resources in multiple places. With a focus on communication and building trust with caregivers, strategies for both youth and adults are integrated throughout, as are ways for supporting LGBTQ+ youth. There is some racial diversity in the few illustrations in the book. For some aspects of puberty like menstruation, this will serve more as an introduction than a comprehensive resource.
A handy guide to the squishy, sometimes sticky stages of puberty. (resources, source notes) (Nonfiction. 9-14)Pub Date: March 23, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-63565-353-3
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Rodale Kids
Review Posted Online: Dec. 14, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2021
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