The Smart Kid's Guide to Feeling Sad or Angry

Gr 2–5—This uneven series provides an overview of common social experiences and struggles, defining each issue and offering advice for coping. Half of the titles, those by Cosson, are well written, in a wise, noncondescending, no-nonsense style that will resonate with children. Cosson anticipates the topics and questions young people will have and provides mock dialogues to enliven the text. Petersen is less savvy, opening up books with staid examples about George Washington and Princess Diana that seem out of place in titles about emotional health. The book on divorce seems to be the most tone-deaf, with Petersen using dated vocabulary such as naughty. At times, however, she hits her mark. Unfortunately, too many titles in this series are missing a child's voice or perspective. Overall, the design is weak, with cheerful graphics of stars surrounding images related to dark topics, although the photographs feature convincing child actors. An inconsistent series, with some decent selections.