Review by Booklist Review
This useful, very accessible guidebook by a certified grief recovery specialist provides a plan and tools to help teens "promote mental, emotional, and physical health" that includes social and financial self-care. Hugstad advocates for young people to keep a journal (prompts included), get enough sleep, embrace nature, exercise regularly, reduce sugar in their diet (movement and sugar logs included), manage time effectively (includes daily and weekly planners), manage their money, have healthy relationships, practice mindfulness, be grateful, and have hope. Each practice is supported by science or research studies. Most chapters open with a teen's life story and an explanation of how self-care helped. Prompts called "Time to Check In" are found throughout the book. Every chapter includes activities and exercises, and each ends with a "How to Get Started" section that provides uncomplicated, manageable ways to begin. Illustrations are sparse--small thumbnail images and one infographic--but mental-health resources, organizations, and endnotes are included. Hugstad's straightforward, empathetic advice isn't exactly original, but the information on building strong relationships is especially insightful, and the book will be helpful.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 6 Up--Self-care is celebrated and explored in Hugstad's new book, which guides young people on a path of self-awareness and action toward healthy behaviors. With a mix of personal anecdotes, research, and accessible assignments, Hugstad shows teens how best to take care of oneself through physical, mental, social, emotional, and financial means. Every chapter is its own unique narrative--complete with stories of teens going through similar situations as well as checklists for completion, what the science says, sample logs and blank pages for writing, and fun facts along the way. This is a well-organized and well-researched book that gives a positive spin to all of these activities. From identifying healthy relationships to helpful tips for managing time and money, teens will find a relatable and approachable format that will encourage them to celebrate and work toward their best selves. VERDICT A great book for teens and adults that recognizes and acknowledges the power of self-care and the variety of ways it can be incorporated as a daily routine.--Traci Glass, Lincoln City Libraries, NE
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
This new self-help book by grief expert Hugstad focuses on guiding teens to be their best selves. Stemming from the author's firsthand experience in dealing with grief and mental illness and supported by her own research, this book follows a format that makes it approachable and accessible for teens to use independently or with the assistance of adults. With a holistic philosophy that emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, the book offers tips to help adolescents navigate the stresses of growing up by encouraging them to practice self-care. The consistent structure makes the book easy to dip in and out of as needed. Each chapter focuses on a single strategy or tool: journaling, sleep hygiene, physical fitness, the benefits of nature, nutrition, time management, budgeting, healthy relationships, mindfulness, gratitude, and hope. Chapters begin with a story about a teen or new adult who has overcome a problem related to the subject at hand, then covers the benefits of applying this practice or making improvements in this area, includes tips on establishing good habits, and concludes with scientific evidence and explanations. The title contains ample writing space, worksheets, planners, and other interactive tools. Hugstad emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help when needed. A readable and practical mental health guide for teens. (resources, contact list worksheet, endnotes) (Nonfiction. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
