Quiet Power

April 1, 2016
The author of the bestselling Quiet (2012) collaborates with Mone and Moroz to bring her message of empowerment for quiet types to teen readers. Cain opens by placing introverts on "what's called a spectrum" (an infelicitous term, considering its more common usage in psychology) with extroverts on the opposite end and vaguely defined "ambiverts" in the middle. She goes on to draw from her own experiences as well as those of psychologists and a dozen or so first-name-only teens to affirm that there's nothing abnormal about preferring to work alone rather than in groups, thinking before speaking, being "differently social," and needing a place to unwind in solitude. Along with assuring less outgoing readers that they have plenty of company, from Einstein to Beyonce, she discusses distinctive "superpowers" that introverts can employ--specifically at school and in managing peer relationships--either for their own comfort or as coping mechanisms for public speaking and like stress producers. In her view "introverted" is not the same as "shy," but these techniques will be equally useful to both sorts of readers. For those with short attention spans she closes each chapter with summary lists of points and behavioral tools (for those with even shorter ones, Web cartoonist Snider converts many to visual form), and she goes on in a pair of afterwords to provide guidelines for parents and make a case against forced participation in classroom discussions. Standard-issue self-help: worthy enough but wordy and heavily earnest, addressed to a broad audience but unlikely to attract one. (notes, index) (Nonfiction. 13-17)

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Starred review from May 1, 2016

Gr 6 Up-Cain is well known for her adult book and TED Talk on the contributions that introverts have made to society in a world that seems powered by extroverts. In this edition, she addresses the challenges that young introverts face. Unfortunately for introverts, who make up one-third to half the population, those who often seem to thrive most in school or public situations are the extroverts. Cain believes that introverts, like her, can learn to use their "superpowers" (namely: listening, deep thinking, and focusing on the self) to flourish. The book is divided into chapters based on school, socializing, hobbies, and home, with firsthand accounts of introverted teens and examples of famous figures (e.g., Beyonce, Albert Einstein) who have found success outside of their initial comfort zones. Included are strategies and tips on how introverts can overcome situations that prove difficult for them (preparing notes to enter class discussions, establishing a time limit for social outings, setting up a personal sanctuary). Humorous drawings throughout the text add a whimsical and light touch perfect for the intended audience. This highly accessible volume gives a voice to a group of people who are often made to feel unappreciated. There is no index, but the work does include notes, an afterword for teachers, and a guide for parents.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2016
Grades 5-8 The author of the adult best-seller Quiet (2012) brings her introvert revolution to tweens and teens in this thought-provoking guide. Cain begins by defining introverts and extroverts, before questioning the Extrovert Ideal, in which society idolizes talkers and spotlight seekers. The text is divided into four typical settings in which introverts must interact with others: school, socializing, hobbies, and home. Chapters within these sections feature brief profiles of conventionally introverted kids and celebrities and explain how introverts normally react in these settings and problems that can arise. The emphasis, however, is on self-acceptance and the recognition of introverts' secret strengths, such as listening, reflection, and focus. Playful spot illustrations and comic panels will help Cain's advice connect with young readers, and each chapter ends with practical tips to empower introverts. The most notable chapter is on quiet leadership and how introverts make great, and possibly even better, leaders. Concluding guides for parents and educators help adults understand the introverts they are raising. For kids who want to roaron the inside.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)