How to Handle Stress for Middle School Success

December 15, 2022
What can middle schoolers do to avoid being consumed by worry? Psychologist Guerra structures her overview of middle school stressors and coping mechanisms as if it were a game with levels from one to 10. Following the format of other books in the Kid Confident series, she introduces three young people who are diverse across various dimensions of identity, pointing out both their strengths and the things that may stress them. These stressors are wide-ranging, from being hungry or easily discouraged to impulsivity and perfectionism. Readers are likely to recognize some of these characters' issues as their own. Using a comforting tone, the writer addresses readers directly with competence and confidence. Emphasizing that stress is a natural and protective bodily response, she discusses the conditions that may cause stress in middle school, how it presents itself, how to manage it, and ways to keep it at bay. She encourages the adoption of good physical and mental habits, providing hacks for self-calming and feeling better emotionally. The book also explains the concepts of mindset and GRIT (here, a mnemonic that breaks down the components of perseverance). Guerra calls for and explains how to achieve the adoption of an attitude of self-efficacy. Regular review and reinforcement are provided through sidebars with activities, puzzles, and short quizzes as well as reminders at the end of each chapter of the skills learned. Spot art, charts, and diagrams also break up the text. Solid, reassuring, and appealingly presented advice from a professional. (resources, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 11-14)

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March 1, 2023

Gr 4-7-The middle school transition can be a stressful time for tweens and teens. In the latest "Kid Confident" installment, Guerra provides readers helpful information on where stress comes from, as well as tools and tips for how they can manage it. Using a video game format, this guide asks readers to move from level to level, learning about new "hacks" to manage stress. Topics range from breathing strategies and managing emotions to developing a growth mindset and challenging their brain mistakes. Readers are provided with research-based and practical solutions for dealing with stress. Chapter ending "quests," the most effective element of this text, give readers a chance to put these strategies to good use, and extensive back matter provides a plethora of resources. Setting a conversational tone throughout, this volume is highly practical and will be encouraging to middle schoolers in need of support. Directions for new exercises or strategies are well laid out and easy to follow. Visual elements, particularly charts, organize the information thoughtfully. At times, the conversational language may come across as too informal, making it less appealing to older middle school students. VERDICT This well-organized and practical guide to stress management is a great choice for upper elementary and middle school libraries.-Louie Lauer

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