Every Body's Talking: What We Say Without Words

Gr 5 Up—Fascinating information about body language is clearly presented in six detailed yet easily understood chapters. Learning how to "read" others through keen observation can help with understanding emotions, nonverbal messages, and truthfulness. Interspersed throughout the large-type text, with plenty of white space, are photographed examples of various forms of body language (hair twirling, wide-open eyes, lip biting, and mouth covering) and what they usually signify. Each chapter is broken down into a variety of relevant topics ("Bodies in Motions" includes subsections such as "Voice Messages" and "Fancy Footwork") with colorful headings and sidebars, making the book accessible and engrossing. In addition to helping readers comprehend others without verbalization, the text provides useful advice on how to appear more confident (stand tall in a "power pose" like a superhero) and how to show agreement by mirroring body language. A brief, cautionary section explains how acceptable gestures in this country (nodding, thumbs up, etc.) may mean something entirely different, or even rude, in another culture. The back matter includes web videos on this subject. This intriguing title will enlighten readers about how much we say without saying a word.—Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI