From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-A guide for youngsters in their "tween" years. Written in a lively manner, the book addresses changing bodies, health, emotions, privacy, family issues, dating, school, peer pressure, and time management. There are examples of different types of situations or problems that might arise and numerous ideas and suggestions to try. Sidebars recommend hot lines, Web sites, and books (including a number published by Free Spirit). An orderly table of contents and complete index allow students to browse through portions of particular interest. Humorous, black-and-white cartoon illustrations and diagrams are scattered throughout. There are a few blank charts and questionnaires with the recommendation that readers photocopy them before filling them out. All in all, an informative, helpful resource.Leslie Ann Lacika, Dingman-Delaware Middle School, Dingman's Ferry, PA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
This comprehensive guide offers preteens seven chapters filled with information and advice to help ease the transition from childhood to adolesence. A "survival tip" begins each chapter. The first tip, "Get used to your changing body," presents the greatest challenge for middle-schoolers. The authors handle this sensitive subject very well, discussing the body changes of boys and girls using appropriate terms like penis and vagina, and briefly describing events that occur during puberty, such as erection and ejaculation, and the onset of menstruation. Other chapters cover self-esteem, family relationships, friendships, school and extracurricular activities. The final tip, "Take charge of your life," gives some good advice on making choices and managing time and money. Sprinkled throughout the book are humorous cartoon drawings; reproducible fill-in pages, including an online safety contract, budget chart, and goal-setting guide; kid quotes; and listings of print and online resources. Lauren Peterson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

ANNOTATION

Quizzes, stories, surveys, and activities for middle schoolers addressing such issues as physical and emotional changes, connecting with friends and family, setting goals, and handling peer pressure.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature

This comprehensive guide helps answer the seemingly never-ending list of questions and topics that begin to confuse, overwhelm and even embarrass most pre-teens and teens. Divided into seven survival tips, the book covers changing body issues, changing relationship issues with family and friends, dating, handling divorce, management of feelings and stress, management of money and time, and many more topics. Cartoons, quotes from peers, web sites, books and fun activities are combined with each discussion. This book is designed to help adolescents realize that what they are experiencing is normal for people their age and that they are not alone. Also, a great tool for parents who are not sure how to approach these subjects. 2000, Free Spirit,

VOYA

This informative and delightful book will rekindle memories and inspire older readers to chuckle over their middle school years, but it is intended to guide teens through these turbulent days. Chapters are called "Survival Tips" and cover the various stages and changes of the middle school years. "Get Used to Your Changing Body" discusses emotions, physical changes, foods to eat, and methods of coping. "Like the Skin You're In" seeks to explain self-esteem, attitudes, dealing with glasses or braces, shaving for both boys and girls, and clothing. Other chapters cover self-awareness, feelings, family, friends, and school. Concluding with "Take Charge of Your Life," the author addresses making decisions, judging issues, being logical and reasonable, taking risks, managing money and time, doing volunteer work, and working with mentors. Each section ends with activities to assist the young adult reader in gaining insight into these difficult years, and separate bibliographies and a list of Web sites for each topic also offer more information. This book is useful not only for the middle school student but also for the parent or guardian. Its helpful tips and information might improve communication, an important aspect of a healthy transition through the preteen and teen years. Two copies of this recommended title might be appropriate—one for the young adult collection and one to add to a library's books on parenting. Illus. Charts. Biblio. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2000, Free Spirit, $14.95 Trade pb. Ages 12 to 15. Reviewer:Janet Mura

SOURCE: VOYA, October 2000 (Vol. 23, No. 4)

KLIATT

It can be tough to be a "tween." Grades 6-9 see a lot of changes in adolescents, and this upbeat self-help book aims to help make the transition between the childhood years and the teenage years smoother and easier. Mosatche, Director of Program Development for the Girl Scouts, and Unger, a writer and editor, tackle the ups and down of this time in life with sensitivity. They address changing bodies, self-esteem issues (including worries over getting glasses and braces), understanding feelings, connecting with family, finding, making, and keeping friends, making the most of school, and taking charge of your life. There are practical suggestions for dealing with bullies, for instance, for getting parents to respect your privacy, and for dating dilemmas. The layout helps make this book of common sense advice appealing, with many b/w cartoon drawings, quizzes, sidebars, quotes from adolescents, bulleted lists, and charts. Positive thinking is stressed, and there are lists of helpful organizations, web sites, and hotlines to contact. Particularly appropriate for those just entering middle school or junior high. KLIATT Codes: J—Recommended for junior high school students. 2000, Free Spirit, 192p, illus, index, 23cm, 99-046773, $14.95. Ages 13 to 15. Reviewer: Paula Rohrlick; September 2000 (Vol. 34 No. 5)

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