New Kid, New Scene

Gr 5—8—Students making the transition to new schools, new communities, or new homes will always experience a bit of anxiety, and this self-help book offers practical advice on how to make those changes smoother. The ideas and suggestions are sound and practical, if not occasionally generic and repetitive. The basic mantra is to keep a positive attitude, be flexible, and try new things, whether they be joining a sports team, trying out for a play, or simply saying hello to one friendly face. Similar advice could be given to just about anybody experiencing any kind of social anxiety, whether the situation is new or comfortably familiar. There are some useful suggestions about the importance of maintaining old friendships and how to balance the pushes and pulls between old friends and new. Unfortunately, the writing sometimes becomes pedestrian, with the zippiest and most engaging part coming in the introduction, with comparisons being made between new situations and being an actor in a movie facing a new script, a new set, and an unfamiliar cast. There are descriptions and quotes from "real" kids who have had similar experiences, but there is an almost Stepford-like quality to them that doesn't quite ring true. Bulleted lists, quizzes, and notebook and movie-script sidebars add details, and the eye-catching layout will keep students flipping through the pages.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA