Everything You Need to Know When You Are 8

July 1, 2020

Gr 2-4-Despite the title, this is not an advice book for navigating life at age eight; rather, it's a zany how-to guide about topics that many eight-year-old readers will find amusing, such as making boogers and hiding a fart. At times, the text turns practical, with information on maintaining proper hygiene in "How To Smell Delightful" and "How To Get Germs Before They Get You," which are shared in an age-appropriate and lighthearted way. What takes away from those moments are some of the overly silly sections (such as "How To Fart in Public). The book's tips and subjects do not necessarily have universal appeal. It is difficult to navigate a work that briefly discusses issues of consent and calling 911 while also teaching readers to play pranks on their parents and put fake poop in the tub. The text tries to be a lot of things at once and would fare better sticking to the jocular tone and wacky commentary. Some kids will be wholly uninterested, but others, especially pranksters, will be entertained by the book's comical asides. VERDICT Look elsewhere for an informative and straightforward guide to life, but this book could be useful for collections wanting titles infused with silliness.-Kristyn Dorfman, Nightingale-Bamford Sch., New York City

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2020
Grades 2-4 Being a kid is hard, but this engaging and often funny book provides information about many things an eight-year-old might want to know. There's lighthearted advice, which includes instructions on how to make boogers that look real, pranks to play on parents, notes on pranking essentials (googly eyes, squirt guns, and fake mustaches), and lots of talk about poop. (Are all eight-year-olds this obsessed with poop?) On the serious side, Miller offers a discussion about the body's privates and a declaration that no one else should touch them but you. With help from her own daughter, Miller provides sound advice about enjoying a first sleepover, farting in public without shame, having proper hygiene, dealing with shyness, knowing when to call 911, and understanding why it's not smart to lie or what to do if you get in trouble at school. There aren't many advice books written for this age, so this helpful, fun, doodle-filled offering will make any eight-year-old feel ready to tackle life. Publishing simultaneously is a companion volume for nine-year-olds.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)