How to Raise Your Parents

May 19, 2008
Burningham, a publicist for a New York–based publisher, starts out strong in this book of advice to the adolescent. “Know your parent” is her first bit of wisdom, and to this end she offers a witty set of profiles of the Hippie, the Schoolmarm, the Teen Wannabe, etc.; usefully, she identifies the parental types who fly off the handle and the types who are overprotective, then supplies coping strategies. Elsewhere, it's a mixed bag. Some of her counsel is welcome (how to handle a broken curfew or other misdemeanor); some is superfluous (if you hear your parents' footsteps, stop making out); and some just doesn't fly (if parents won't sanction one-on-one dating, girls should invite the boy over: “And after spending some time with them, your boyfriend will probably think your family is cool—just one more reason you're such a catch!”). Much of the best advice, including Burningham's tactics for negotiating in general, presumes a maturity on the part of readers—but if they can internalize her words, they'll be set for life. Ages 13–up.

July 1, 2008
Gr 7-11-This illustrated guide gives parents the upper hand, even if pretends otherwise. In turning the tables, Burningham gets readers to see things from an adult's perspective and offers advice on how to negotiate so that the two generations can happily coexist as a family. More conventional than its quirky title and tone suggest, the book provides rational advice such as avoiding lying and accepting the consequences when caught red-handed. Chapters also cover topics such as jobs, getting a driver's license, and cyber-life. The fun, magazine look of the book, which categorizes parents into five types (and provides questions for readers to determine which type they have) and decodes "parentspeak," will no doubt connect with teens. Burningham is clearly an adult talking ("Parents don't like ultimatums]," "If you really want your parents to hear you, you have to treat them like real people"), but she's a very hip adult who makes sense, and teens just might want to listen to her."Sarah O'Holla, Village Community School, New York City"

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