Someday You'll Thank Me for This!
Grade 3–6—With a humorous tone, Gellman attempts to teach readers how to speak "Parent" by explaining 30 commonly used phrases, such as "You need a time-out," "I'm not gonna tell you again," and "Don't run with scissors." For example, "Clean up your room" really means "show that you respect your family, even if it means giving up having cold pizza and used underwear close by at all times." This slim guide has problems beyond its lack of kid appeal. Gellman's examples (IMing, Goths, drinking at parties) often seem targeted to older readers than those to whom the book's well-spaced type and cartoon illustrations are marketed. Some families may take issue with Gellman's lenient take on laughing at others ("It's okay to laugh at your friend if he or she gets hit by a cream pie."). What is most problematic with such a work is its assumption that all families have the same values. However, the book will satisfy some parents and youth leaders looking for a discussion starter.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MICopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.