How to be a person

Humor and comics-style illustrations are used effectively to impart useful life hacks. These include how to write a thank-you note, address a letter, be a gracious guest, apologize, and ask for something over email. The text's instructions for answering the phone: "If you don't recognize the caller's number or voice say, 'May I ask who's calling?'" (The illustration's amusing response: "It's your brother, you doorknob.") Pop quizzes include options with funny answers, and informative fun facts are found throughout. The humor has adult appeal, too--when explaining how to fold a fitted sheet, the book says, "Just kidding. Go ahead and wad it up like a normal person." The money section is particularly useful in advising kids how to save money, give it away (to charitable organizations), and spend it wisely. The emphasis is on why these skills are so important for kids to master and how good they'll feel once they do. The illustrations reflect diversity and avoid gender stereotypes. An entertaining way to teach valuable skills that every kid (and adult) needs to know.

Gr 4--8--This succinct and entertaining guidebook describes life skills with step-by-step instructions. Newman teaches the basics, like how to write a thank-you note, how to be a good house guest, how to sweep the floor, how to save money, and how to plunge a toilet. She also provides hands-on examples for children to practice. Although this book is geared toward a young audience, some parts may appeal to adults, including the basic recipes in the chapter "Edible Food" and how to contact a representative in "Saying It Right." No matter who is reading and enjoying the book, the skills are fleshed out with easy-to-understand steps and engaging illustrations. It could also be used as a tool to teach language arts students how to write a process paper. VERDICT A welcome addition to all libraries serving middle grade and high school readers.--Kim Gardner, Fort Worth Country Day School, TX