Jen H. (jenfromny) -
one of my kids actually asked for a book about middle school -- but at the library they had labels on the spine saying "self-help" which made it a deal-breaker, so I got this book myself to avoid the stigma of an ill-conceived label. The graphics and engaging text here make it likely that a kid will actually read it. I wouldn't suggest trying to "discuss" these things necessarily, but if you get the book it will probably be read. Only one small quibble-there's a lot of purple ink used inside, so a boy who thinks purple isn't "macho" may notice it. But he will probably read it anyway when you're not looking...who cares if it isn't so "serious"? It's like asking, "what diet is the best? the one you follow....." so if your kid reads this at all he or she will have a little more perspective and be ahead of the game. It will probably lessen their anxiety about this new stage.
