Restorative justice is slippery in both philosophy and practice; Peters gives readers the tools to begin to think critically...
An overarching look at an alternative approach to punishment.
The swirl of emotions that surround both the victim and perpetrator of a crime makes the institutionalized justice system an incredibly complicated process. Peters attempts to untangle the parts and tease out reasons as to why restorative justice may be a better method to help individuals and communities heal. At a mere six chapters, plus an introduction and conclusion, this seems barely enough to scratch the surface, but Peters offers a solid foundation. She briefly describes a history of law-making in many different cultures and also delves into thorny issues surrounding restorative justice, such as empathy and forgiveness under the hardest of circumstances. Most penetrating, however, are the stories of real-life young conflict-resolution leaders. Children and teens from around the world have formed organizations to help their communities live in peace. Simple red and yellow boxed headings, along with bold, full-page woodcut illustrations, make for arresting design, but no photographs of the incredible young leaders are included. This leads to a distant, impersonal connection rather than an impassioned, inspirational one.
Restorative justice is slippery in both philosophy and practice; Peters gives readers the tools to begin to think critically about their own roles in resolving conflicts both large and small. (glossary, sources, index) (Nonfiction. 12-16)Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-55451-810-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Annick Press
Review Posted Online: June 21, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Facile pop-psychology from a clinical psychologist with the credentials to know better. Assigning a chapter each to a select range of feelings—nearly all of them painful or negative ones, such as guilt, fear or anger, with but one shorter chapter allotted to the likes of love and joy—Lamia offers generalizations about what emotional responses look and feel like, typical circumstances that might cause them to arise and superficial insights (“Negative or worried thoughts spoil a good mood”). She also offers bland palliative suggestions (“Forgive yourself and move on”), self-quizzes, sound-bite comments in the margins from young people and, in colored boxes labeled “Psych Notes,” relevant research abstracts from cited but hard-to-obtain professional sources. Aside from a mildly discouraging view of “Infatuation,” she isn’t judgmental or prescriptive, but her overview is so cursory that she skips the stages of grief, makes no distinction between disgust and contempt and barely takes notice of depression. Teens and preteens might come away slightly more self-aware, but they won’t find either motivation or tools to help them cope with major upset. (Self-help. 12-16)
Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4338-0890-6
Page Count: 112
Publisher: Magination/American Psychological Association
Review Posted Online: Dec. 22, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2010
A smart, accessible introduction to an important and interesting topic.
The way humans use nonverbal cues—sometimes willingly, sometimes accidentally—is explored in a lively presentation for young readers.
“Scientists say more than half our communication is conveyed nonverbally through body language. From head to toe, our bodies say volumes about our thoughts, attitudes, and feelings—whether we want them to or not,” the book opens. Often, spoken messages are undermined by physical posture and gestures that convey opposite information. Practically every part of the human body contributes meaning, sometimes without the individual’s awareness. Eye contact, body position, facial expressions, touch, foot movement and even the way voices are used transmit as much as spoken words. Observing nonverbal cues increases understanding in communication and provides strategies for handling tense situations. Jackson joins with body-language expert Goman to explain the subject, demonstrating its importance as young people grow and develop. Using examples teens will recognize—young people struggling with stage fright, a teen twisting her hair nervously, young athletes avoiding the gaze of the coach—makes the narrative particularly accessible. The chapter on the cultural roots of body language, including differences in personal space, is especially compelling. The bright, open design with its use of sidebars and smart selection of supporting photographs goes well with the conversational style.
A smart, accessible introduction to an important and interesting topic. (source notes, glossary, further reading and viewing, index) (Nonfiction. 12-16)Pub Date: April 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4677-0858-6
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Twenty-First Century/Lerner
Review Posted Online: Feb. 25, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2014
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