How Rude!: The Teenagers' Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out

Here's an etiquette book that teens will want to read—because it keeps them laughing, doesn't preach, and deals with issues that matter to them, as teens themselves reported in a nationwide survey. In How Rude!, author Alex J. Packer blends outrageous humor with sound advice as he guides readers through the mysterious world of manners from A ("Applause") to Z ("Zits"). He starts by explaining why etiquette is important—because people who know how to handle themselves in social situations come out on top, get what they want, feel good about themselves, and enjoy life to the fullest. Fourteen chapters describe the basics of polite behavior in all kinds of situations at home, in school, and in the world. Teens learn how to be a host with the most (and a guest with the best), what to do (and not do) when going online or waiting in line, how to deal with rude relatives, how to act at the mall and the concert hall, how to make introductions, who invented manners, and much more. Hundreds of "Dear Alex" questions and answers cover everything from dating to breaking up, thank-you notes to table manners, ethnic jokes to social cliques, skateboarding to celebrating. Survey results reveal what teens, parents, and teachers think about manners and why they're important. Full of practical tips for every occasion, How Rude! is a serious etiquette encyclopedia—and a hilarious read.

Alex J. Packer received his Ph.D. in Educational and Developmental Psychology from Boston College and his master’s degree in education from Harvard. He has been Headmaster of an alternative school for 11- to 15-year-olds and Director of Education at the Capital Children’s Museum. He is currently President of FCD Educational Services, a Boston-based provider of drug education and substance abuse prevention services to schools worldwide.