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MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION

HANDLING LIFE WITH A CALM AND FOCUSED MIND

A thorough and accessible resource for young people.

A guide to the history, methods, and benefits of mindfulness and meditation, which a growing body of research shows can change brains in ways that reduce stress and increase happiness.

The book guides readers through many strategies for practicing mindfulness, such as meditation, movement, and the cultivation of mental attitudes like compassion and gratitude. Throughout this empowering guide, the author helps teens understand their minds and frequently reminds them to reach out for help if their stressors feel overwhelming or if they are concerned about their mental health. More than two dozen practice scripts are included that present a variety of traditional approaches—such as noticing the breath, labeling thoughts, and moving mindfully—as well as contemporary updates, such as setting limits on screen time and mindful use of social media. The lack of recorded audio companions is an unfortunate omission considering that the resource is otherwise respectful of the varied lives and learning styles of its intended audience. The shaded information boxes and stock photos of diverse teens result in a textbook feel that may limit appeal, but for readers genuinely interested in the topic, this book has much to offer as they begin their practice and as it grows over time.

A thorough and accessible resource for young people. (source notes, glossary, bibliography, further information, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 12-16)

Pub Date: Aug. 6, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-5415-4021-7

Page Count: 120

Publisher: Twenty-First Century/Lerner

Review Posted Online: May 5, 2019

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2019

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SCANDALOUS!

50 SHOCKING EVENTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT (SO YOU CAN IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS)

Catnip for scandal junkies, with a bit of historical perspective stirred in.

A gleefully explicit catalogue of the past century’s headline-grabbing bad behavior.

Aimed at readers who don’t need to be told who Brangelina is but may be hazy on “twisted besties” Leopold and Loeb or even Monica Lewinsky, this edutaining survey presents a wide-angle array of murders, sexual follies, controversial trials, race violence, political corruption and general envelope-pushing from the 1906 killing of Stanford White on. Each of the chronologically arranged entries opens with a capsule “Scoop” followed by a slightly fuller account under a “What Went Down” header. Along with a small black-and-white photo and one or two sidebar quotes, the author tacks on subsequent developments, sometimes-perceptive suggestions about “Why We Still Care” and a short roster of similar incidents in recent history. Though she misspells “Symbionese” and repeatedly awards FDR only three Presidential wins, in general Fryd presents reasonably accurate summaries of events and issues while giving all sides of the more muddled conflicts at least a nod. Additional cred is provided by a teen panel of editorial advisors.

Catnip for scandal junkies, with a bit of historical perspective stirred in. (index) (Nonfiction. 12-16)

Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2012

ISBN: 978-0-9827322-0-5

Page Count: 224

Publisher: Zest/Orange Avenue

Review Posted Online: Jan. 8, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2012

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GROWING UP MUSLIM

UNDERSTANDING ISLAMIC BELIEFS AND PRACTICES

Readers will find answers to basic questions about Muslims, yet they might not understand the bigger picture if they don’t...

Ali-Karamali offers plenty of anecdotes about growing up Muslim in America in a conversational tone that is undermined by poor organization.

The work explores a range of questions that non-Muslims might have about followers of Islam. Ranging from a discussion of Muslim holidays or the kinds of clothes worn by Muslims to the development of Islam, the author explains these topics in a friendly, engaging manner. She provides several examples of Muslim practices around the world, going beyond her American experiences to reflect Islam’s diversity. Chapters are organized into three fact-filled sections on beliefs and practices, the development of Islam and current Muslim demographics. Unfortunately, beginning with the practical questions about food, fasting and fashion delays important concepts such as how jihad is not equivalent to terrorism and whether Islam mandates women wear face veils (in a word, no). Compounding this basic conceptual flaw, this organizational choice necessitates clunky references to later chapters. Moreover, it is not until Chapter 4 that cited figures or quotes are provided references, an example of sloppy scholarship.

Readers will find answers to basic questions about Muslims, yet they might not understand the bigger picture if they don’t hang in until the end. (notes, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 12-16)

Pub Date: Aug. 14, 2012

ISBN: 978-0-385-74095-1

Page Count: 224

Publisher: Delacorte

Review Posted Online: June 19, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2012

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