Um, Like... OM

August 1, 2005
Gr 6-10 -Cooper explains what yoga is, its benefits, and how to incorporate it into one's life. Her laid-back writing style is appealing; she plays the role of author as confidant and girlfriend successfully, and combines advice with step-by-step instructions. Each pose is described in detail and illustrated with line drawings. The text is divided into sections such as -Yoga and Relationships - and -Gettin' Along with Family and Friends, - with poses that correspond to different situations and challenges. The author shares hard-won lessons about navigating through the teen years and coming out on top, and the sections on body image and how yoga can help give one perspective are especially good." -Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2005
Gr. 8-11. Written by a young Los Angeles yogini who teaches classes to teens, this breezy, enthusiastic introduction aims to empower girls. Introductory chapters about the benefits of yoga are bolstered by Cooper's own stories and testimonials from her students. Later chapters suggest postures to overcome common obstacles, such as poor self-esteem, perfectionism, and tough relationships, followed by Cooper's step-by-step instructions with commentary about what each pose accomplishes. The tone wavers between straightforward and valley-girl-inflected: "Grab your mats, and let's get this party started!" Teens looking for color photos will have to consult other guides, such as Thia Luby's " Yoga for Teens" , as poses here are illustrated in drawings, and the book's small, square format does little to enhance the content. Even so, the casual, best-friend approach will appeal to many YAs; this is surely the only yoga guide with a list of suggested mantras that includes both Sanksrit phrases and "Time for a new and better boyfriend." An eclectic list of suggested books and music closes. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)