The Book of No Worries

February 15, 2019
Grades 5-8 "Keep calm and read these tips" could be the unofficial mantra of this guide for tackling one of life's toughest times: middle school. With an emphasis on healthy emotional and physical well-being, the upbeat, conversational text starts with an introduction to worry and how mindfulness can make positive changes and alleviate stress, before delving into topics on the minds of most middle-schoolers. From homework, bullying, and social media to divorce, drugs, and body image, information is presented in double-page spreads that feature simple yet age-appropriate descriptions and advice, especially on subjects related to puberty, relationships, mental health, and sexuality. Other features comprise common questions and answers, first-person stories, and sidebars. Tweens will also appreciate the succinct lists, including examples of peer pressure, ways to cope with being dumped, and how to avoid gender stereotypes. Cartoon-style illustrations of adolescents from diverse racial, religious, and ability backgrounds reinforce that these are common concerns among all young people. Concluding support resources round out this approachable "survival guide" for tweens concerned about growing up.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)