Positively Teen

March 1, 2019

Gr 4-7-From an internationally recognized expert on teen development, this title helps diffuse the fear and pessimism that often surrounds discussions of adolescence. While puberty, with all its emotions and physical changes, can feel daunting, the discourse and approach to it need not be negative. With its decidedly upbeat and positive tone, Morgan's text provides a nice balance between being a pleasure read and a real self-help guide. It's entertaining to peruse the funny bits that don't try too hard, quizzes galore, and optimistic, solid advice. Morgan's writing style and the advice she provides will resonate with tweens and their adult caregivers. Already published in the U.K., this reassuring work may help assuage feelings of panic and gloom and doom. VERDICT A fine addition to self-help shelves for middle schoolers.-Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2019
A wide-ranging guide to harnessing the brain's awesome powers on the journey through adolescence. De-emphasizing bodily changes, the brain takes center stage as the key to understanding individual differences, identifying character strengths and personality traits that affect how we experience the world, maintaining a positive mindset, focusing on what we can control, and letting go of what we can't change. Confidence-building quizzes, tips, and online resources aim to help readers manage setbacks through cultivating a growth mindset, managing stress, and improving sleep. Techniques for improving one's learning offer useful, practical advice. The message that, at the fundamental level of brain structure, individuals are more alike than not is comforting. The book touches only lightly on topics of gender and sexuality. Many of the recommended activities are geared to middle-class readers with considerable autonomy and financial resources. The dietary guidelines reflect a Western diet, although there is mention of vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. Exercise (including suggestions for those with disabilities), reading (and what to do if you don't enjoy it), sensible social media use, and cultivating empathy are also covered. The text is broken up into manageable chunks utilizing a variety of fonts, and the chatty style is accessible. Despite some limitations, this presentation of growing up through the angle of brain development sends a positive message: Everyone's different, but the upheavals of adolescence are universal. An upbeat, reassuring tool kit for tweens and young teens. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

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February 15, 2019
Grades 7-10 In this important text, teens and tweens will find an abundance of information, tips, and advice that will be vital as they go through their adolescent years. Morgan covers not only the detectable changes that happen to personalities and bodies, but she also explains the scientific processes causing those changes to manifest themselves. Written with a caring, informative, and positive tone, this is a book that can be read through from the beginning or from any of the six sections encompassing topics such as attitudes and thoughts, health, learning techniques, friendships and communication, and stress and worries. The chapters also contain helpful charts and tools to help teens with many aspects of growing up, such as eating healthy, as well as suggested activities, quizzes, and Positive Boosts, which encourage teens to take small actions and breaks. An informative glossary and index accompany the text, and lists of physical and electronic resources are included at the end of each section, providing further information on specific topics. A useful addition to health and wellness collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)