Superpowered

August 1, 2020
A celebrity psychologist and the founder of a company that sells emotional learning programs team up for a workbook about managing anxiety. How should kids manage the discomfort and panic that accompany anxiety? Worksheets and exercises teach readers the basics of many common anxiety management techniques in use today, drawing heavily from behavioral therapies for managing anxiety's cognitive distortions. Fictionalized case studies populate each lesson, illustrated with dynamic, cartoonlike young people drawn with a variety of skin colors and hair textures. The problems the sample kids face are straightforward: Will I fail my math test? Will I fit in at this new school? Their anxieties are usually unfounded, which they learn through following the techniques. The overly tidy framing doesn't do readers any favors: Adolescence can be scary and dangerous, and contemporary tweens and teens often face serious crises. While the exercises may be helpful for many anxiety sufferers, case studies focusing on self-esteem and perfectionism won't speak to readers worried about serious illness, coming out, violence, or deportation. The use of Jackie Robinson to convey the idea that inner strength can defeat racism feels tone-deaf. Exercises hop from concept to concept, too heavily packed with acronyms, coinages, and techniques. Global statements addressed directly at "you" may make some readers feel seen while alienating those to whom these generalizations do not apply. A cutely illustrated, chaotically disorganized, and jargon-heavy repackaging of behavioral therapies for anxiety. (endnotes, glossary, resources, index) (Self-help. 11-13)

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July 31, 2020

Gr 4-7-This book uses the acronym POWER (Present, Original, Whole, Energized, and Resilient) to describe the innate "superpowers" children possess to cope with anxiety, worries, stress, and nerves. Divided into three sections, the text allows readers to identify and deal with negative emotions or situations. The text is supplemented by graphics, engaging illustrations, and real-life examples. Jain and Tsabary divide big ideas into easy-to-understand concepts and solutions, providing solid analogies that children can internalize. There are activities that can be completed directly in the book, strengthening reader comprehension. Each chapter offers "key takeaways," which recap what was covered and prevent information overload. Some readers might find some of the language corny. However, if read with an adult, caretaker, or educator, this title serves as a powerful tool to help those who have a hard time understanding their own feelings and worries. The text addresses the reader directly, which is a great way to drive home the message that anxiety is real, they are not alone, and they are seen and heard. VERDICT A serviceable purchase for upper elementary and middle school libraries; hand a copy to every counselor and school psychologist in the building.-Carol Youssif, Taipei American Sch., Taiwan

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