So Embarrassing

September 1, 2020

Gr 3-6-Featuring bouncy cartoon artwork, this good-natured work of graphic nonfiction employs a diverse cast of human characters (and a dog, who is embarrassed by nothing) to highlight the universality of this unavoidable emotion, describe different types of embarrassing incidents, explain why our bodies react the way they do to embarrassment, and offer helpful tips for dealing with these emotional and physical responses. Aside from a chapter on "Parents in Public," the work mostly focuses on the ways we embarrass ourselves. A tan-skinned, pigtailed girl helps illustrate "The Rules for Falling in Public"; a light-skinned, curly-haired boy and two brown-skinned kids explore what to do when they spill liquid on their pants in "You Peed Your Pants...or Did You?" Supporting characters are more likely to dismiss a protagonist's public fart with an explanation of the human digestive processes than they are to crack jokes or taunt the farter. While the onlookers' generosity serves as a model of kind behavior in the face of other people's embarrassment, it avoids exploring a major fear for readers in this age group-embarrassment caused or compounded by other kids. Additionally, the chapter on blushing offers explanations for why people blush and techniques for how to calm a blush, but seems determined to make a virtue out of an involuntary physical reaction that is more noticeable in some people than others: "You can trust the ones who blush." VERDICT An endearing exploration of emotional and physical reactions to embarrassment that may fail to fully address the experiences and concerns of young readers.-Amanda Charles, Los Angeles P.L.

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2020
A cartoon dive into all things embarrassing. Intending to show that "the better you understand [embarrassment], the better you control it," Harper explores several common categories of embarrassment ("social oops," "it's on you and it shouldn't be," "parents in public," etc.) before including the insights of real-life licensed health counselor Grace Y. Lin (depicted as a pink hippo). A string of characters accompany readers through the book: Badgey, who has "badges for bravery and words of wisdom"; an unnamed anthropomorphic dog who never gets embarrassed; and a host of child characters who act as examples for different scenarios (and who have a range of pink, tan, and brown skin). Busy pages, a two-dimensional character style, and all-caps lettering give the illustrations a doodled feel. Harper's ultimate conclusion that "embarrassment + time = good story" reminds readers that time--and a sense of humor--can soften embarrassment. However, the book's center may be lost as readers become bogged down in detailed examples that focus more often on embarrassing scenarios than on offering tools for reframing thinking, making this very much not a book for anyone with social anxiety. Somewhat silly but slightly muddled; look elsewhere for meaningful guidance on coping with social anxiety. (Graphic nonfiction. 8-11)

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November 1, 2020
Grades 2-5 In this collection of short and sweet vignettes, readers join a variety of human and animal guides on a journey through common embarrassing situations. In everything from waving at the wrong person to pointing out food stuck in teeth to embarrassing parent situations and blushing, readers are led through different strategies to help tolerate being embarrassed. Badgey, an animated achievement badge, offers extra encouragement and embarrassing stories of celebrities to help soften the blow of humiliating situations. Harper's whimsical and vibrantly colored cartoon artwork features an inclusive array of kid characters who add to the lighthearted, relatable approach for young readers, who will likely go on to experience some if not all of these embarrassments. While the lettering is sometimes small, for the most part it is brightly colored, large, and integrated well among the unconventionally paneled pages. This entertaining, empowering book encourages kids to own their embarrassments and strongly sends home the message that everyone trips and falls at least once in their lives.

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