The Kids' Guide to Working Out Conflicts: How to Keep Cool, Stay Safe, and Get Along
Grade 6-10–Drew presents effective tools for improving conflict-resolution skills. Survey responses from more than 1000 middle school students provide the basis for her analyses of conflict issues. Scenarios are presented with tips on how to keep calm and become a problem solver. The author encourages readers to identify personal-conflict triggers and practice anger-management techniques that will result in the reduction of stress and a growth in confidence. Common problems, such as misunderstandings and teasing, are addressed, as are the more serious issues of bullying and sexual harassment. Tools such as visualization, relaxation, exercise, and repeating empowering statements build a framework for improving self-control. Boxed facts from cited works and quotes from the survey support the text. An annotated list of print and Web resources, a reproducible "Conflict Solver's Action Plan," and a comprehensive index are helpful features. Cartoon sketches appear throughout. This book would be useful for libraries and for peer-mediation programs. It will help youngsters to develop more mature coping skills and refines the concepts introduced in Gershen Kaufman'sStick Up for Yourself! Every Kid's Guide to Personal Power and Positive Self-Esteem(1999) and Trevor Romain'sBullies Are a Pain in the Brain(1997, both Free Spirit).–Sharon A. Neal, Immaculata University, PACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.