Most useful for children already exposed to, and looking to deepen, meditation practice.
This guide, geared toward young meditators, offers over a dozen meditation practices from the Buddhist tradition.
The text opens with a bit of history. Unlike other guides, which tend to emphasize secular mindfulness, this text embraces a specifically Buddhist approach to meditation (though this need not limit its utility for readers of other religious traditions or none). Brief information about the Buddha is provided, and sayings and stories traditional to Buddhist teaching are interspersed. The majority of the book consists of individual meditation practices. Each practice is explained, and guidance is offered for how to teach the practice to one’s parents. The direct simplicity of the text is appealing; however, at times the tone drifts toward scolding or even authoritarian, for example, as readers are admonished to begin in certain ways, practice certain exercises only at specified times, or stay absolutely quiet. Several line drawings of male and female figures—all white as the page—appear throughout; even the Buddha is depicted with skin devoid of color. At times, a whiff of privilege is evident; multiple-parent households with quiet, private spaces and easy access to nature are presumed, and no accommodations are given to include children whose experiences may not be reflected in these instructions.
Most useful for children already exposed to, and looking to deepen, meditation practice. (Nonfiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Nov. 12, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-61180-620-5
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Bala Kids/Shambhala
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2019
This introduction to puberty may be particularly helpful for girls looking ahead to that stage.
A growing-up guide for preteen girls.
This puberty-navigation guide covers girls’ bodily changes, body care, health, relationships with family and friends, staying safe, and handling stress. In many cases the author, a registered nurse, has covered the same material as she did in various editions of this title as well as The Boy’s Body Book. This girls’ book skips the topics of sleep and performance-enhancement drugs in favor of a section on eating disorders. As in the boys’ book, controversial subjects are addressed generally and conservatively if at all. She includes a rough diagram of female reproductive organs and tells her young readers about menstruation and visiting a gynecologist but not how babies are made. She talks about having boys as friends, saying “Don’t put pressure on yourself to call any of your close friendships ‘dating.’ ” The strength of this title is its emphasis on good grooming, healthy living habits, and positive relationships. Added for this fourth edition is new material on interacting with adults, personal empowerment, body language, reputations, and “learning disabilities,” helpful information for the growing segment of the preteen population identified with cognitive and social learning differences. Tallardy’s cartoon illustrations show girls and adults of varying ethnicities and provide a cheerful accompaniment.
This introduction to puberty may be particularly helpful for girls looking ahead to that stage. (resources, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Nov. 14, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-60433-714-3
Page Count: 148
Publisher: Cider Mill Press
Review Posted Online: Sept. 17, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
Though the tone refrains (barely) from utter didacticism, the values-driven narrative just misses the goal.
An otherwise unremarkable sports biography hammers home the values of determination and hard work with an unapologetic Christian slant.
NHL forward Mike Fisher's professional and spiritual life reveals the physical and emotional battle scars he suffered on the ice. Each chapter addresses a separate season (even hockey aficionados may be shocked by the numerous times his playoff games resulted in defeat). Portrayed as a near-saint, this charity-supporting, gracious athlete received support from his religious mentors, though not with immunity from grief; the illness and then death of a beloved coach results in a cutting loss. Religious fervor is maintained in quotations and repeated references to Romans 12:12. Bubbly, fast-paced commentary hits on each score, while stats naturally blend within text. Words occasionally repeat in close proximity, disrupting the text's fluidity. Overt enthusiasm for the sport lends it a tone akin to a high-drama broadcast, though statements can veer into ludicrous territory: “Like previous years, the unknowns and distractions make life a lot like balancing on Jell-O in a blizzard at midnight.” Small black-and-white action photographs fail to evoke the rink's aggressive drama. A glossed-over review of the pro's recent marriage to singing sensation Carrie Underwood will disappoint both country-music fans and romantic hopefuls.
Though the tone refrains (barely) from utter didacticism, the values-driven narrative just misses the goal. (Biography. 9-12)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-310-72540-4
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2011
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