Rules for School

July 26, 2010
The 11-year-old author of the bestselling How to Talk to Girls and its successors is back with a set of rules to help students “get ready, take charge, and rule the school.” Concise rules (“Rule 3: You’re going to be nervous—get over it!”) are followed by explanations, tips, and “facts” (“21% of kids are excited to go to school, 70% of kids are scared, and 9% of kids just don’t really care”) and accompanied by black ink illustrations. Greven’s advice about staying out of trouble, asking questions, and making friends is consistently reassuring. All ages.

October 1, 2010

Gr 2-3-Fifteen rules presented in a conversational style help youngsters to "get ready, take charge, and rule the school." Black line drawings feature a boy named Alec who faces the uncertainties of a new school year. Rule 1, "You have to let go of summer," is followed by advice on where to sit in the classroom and cafeteria, when to ask questions, and what irritates teachers. Rule 8, "Avoid the supernova," warns against behavior that results in getting sent to the principal. Rule 9, "Homework is something you have to do," also recommends telling the truth about forgotten homework to teachers who have heard all the excuses. Subsequent rules involve making friends, facing a bully, and being nice to substitute teachers. The book ends on a positive note with Rule 15, "Have fun!" The author's sound advice will help calm jitters and build confidence as youngsters begin their school year.-Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

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