2004 New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age. The list of books is sold to school and public libraries in all 50 U.S. states, as well as internationally.
Congratulations!
I'm very pleased to announce that THE MIDDLE SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE has been named on the Kansas State Reading Circle Masterlist for 2003. This is a recommended list published by the Kansas National Education Association.
Reviews
Who needs Madonna's glitzy but limp new children's book when Chicago already owns an enormous lode of far, far better juvenile authors? Maybe the hopelessly celebrity-struck cannot discriminate between pop-culture product and quality literature, but discerning parents can, and this column is for them.
Many first-rate volumes from Chicago's best talents have rolled in this fall. Among them:
Arlene Erlbach provides solid information and tons of tips in The Middle School Survival Guide, illustrated by Helen Flook (Walker, $8.95 paper). In nine breezy chapters (supported by a good index), this book covers the spectrum of issues preteens and young teens agonize over, especially at this time of year.
Insecurity is rampant at this age. In school, kids worry about teachers, homework and showers in gym. On the social scene, they fret about cliques, popularity, clothes, money and, of course, sex. At home there are parents, siblings, phones -- and freedom.
This book is a fine resource for any kid aged 10-14. Discussions on bullying, hazing, drugs and alcohol, pregnancy, sexual abuse and harassment, all emphasize the importance of asking for adult help and includes some helpful Web addresses and phone numbers. What makes this small book so useful is its easy-to-read format and lighthearted pen-and-ink paintings. ---Chicago Sun-Times (October 12, 2003)
"Erlbach offers a collection of practical tips for making it through that netherworld between the primary grades and high school. Chockablock with advice about peers, home life, and transitions, each chapter tackles different aspects of a particular topic. Academics, for example, is broken down into sections: 'Why Teachers Give So Much Homework,' 'How Much Parents Should Help,' and so on. Erlbach's advice is sound, but the real gems are the quotes from kids. There is some explicit content and frank discussion, with Erlbach using the same no-nonsense language whether covering drugs, sexual harassment, crushes, cheating, oral sex, or pregnancy: 'I like kissing, hugging, and a little touching, but I don't want any guy putting his hand inside my underwear.' Strong, but well-delivered, often necessary medicine." —Booklist
This neat little book ought to be recommended reading for every student entering 6th grade. In a humorous but truthful style, the author discusses everything you are about to encounter as you enter the preteen phase of life. From issues as ordinary as ways to remember your locker combination to teachers, academics, peers, the opposite sex, home life, puberty, some serious stuff about being yourself and everything in between, the book makes this transition in life a little easier for everyone. Black-and-white cartoon-like drawings and comments on every phase of middle school life from real students make this survival guide an entertaining and informative asset. Great for sharing with parents of middle-schoolers, too. 2003, Walker Publishing, Ages 10 to 14. --Children's Literature - Meredith Kiger, Ph.D.
The Middle School Survival Guide by Arlene Erlbach, illus. by Helen Flook, offers advice on everyday challenges that 10- to 14-year-olds face in school and at home, from difficult teachers and too much homework to changing friendships, sibling wars and the onslaught of puberty. Sensitive discussions touch on such topics as pregnancy and violence, and in each section kids also offer advice on common problems. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information. --Publisher's Weekly
"Here's a manual for middle-aged kids — those children no longer little kids, but not yet teenagers. They're in grades five through eight, depending on how the school defines its middle school, and they face a variety of special problems: group showers, cliques, extracurricular activities, puberty, a new interest in the opposite sex, drugs, and peer pressure. Somehow in all of this, students are expected to be part of things while staying true to themselves. This manual is here to help. . . .The honest, direct tone of the guide will appeal to middle-school students. Humorous, cartoon-like illustrations and italicized words of advice from fellow students keep the tone light even as the subject matter gets serious, with discussions of sexual intercourse, oral sex, drugs, and peer pressure. Leave this lying around; curious preteens will pick it up and, perhaps, find information they need." —Kirkus Reviews
"This book offers advice in dealing with changes in the school routine, teachers, families, social lives, sex (a section that is fairly explicit), and issues such as drugs, sexual harassment, and school violence. Pen-and-ink cartoons feature preteens and sometimes parents in a variety of situations. A highlight of the book is the advice given by actual middle-school students. For the most part, it is practical, straightforward, and helpful; it is printed in italics and easily identified throughout the book." —School Library Journal
Morton Grove Champion article
Great book for youth in Middle School, January 26, 2005
Reviewer: R. Archibald (Ohio, USA)
I purchased this book for my grandson who is now midway through fifth grade. He is struggling with many challenges that face youth just starting middle school including bullies, peer pressure to try new things and his first real crush. The straight forward but light way that Arlene Erlbach presents the topics were just what he needed. He has read the book through and still goes back to review some sections. I would recommend this book for all youth just starting the middle school years.
Customer Reviews
Number of Reviews: 3 Average Rating: *****
This is a great book!, August 24, 2003
Reviewer: A reader from Chicago, IL
Rating: - This is a great book!
This book is the perfect guide for any kid who's entering the challenging years of junior high. The author handles difficult topics in a humorous and informative way. Plus, there's lots of advice from other kids who have already been there. So along with the pens, notebooks and lunch, slip a copy of this survival guide into your middle-grader's backpack.
- Featured promotion on www.girlszone.com- Consumer giveaways with tween magazines- Excerpt on Web site
An absolute MUST!!!, August 21, 2003
Reviewer: redfeenix from New York City
I found this on a bookstore shelf by pure luck. After skimming through it and seeing the wide range of topics it covers, I grabbed two copies for neighbors entering Middle School next month.
MSSG is a plain-speaking book written with honesty and wit. It deals with pretty much any problem adolescents may face, not only in school, but in life: the harder work load in MS, acne, dating, drugs, handling bullies, sexual situations, divorce and much more. Let's face it. Kids don't always want to talk to their parents, even (maybe especially?) about important things. They ask their friends for advice. Now they have this book.
If you think you might benefit from this book, you WILL!!!
Alyce Kleisch, A reviewer, August 19, 2003,
A 'Must Read' for pre-teens
I love the way this book speaks to its audience. The language is kid-like yet adult in content. Each of its chapters are key issues at this age. The chapter sequence is organized beautifully - ending on a positive!
aerlbach@comcast.net
