The Rules to Be Cool

Teaches teenagers the importance of good manners, and demonstrates basic rules of etiquette when making introductions, dating, easing awkward situations, and participating in a chat room.

Gr 5 Up-Dougherty approaches good manners as a means of showing respect and consideration for others, thereby prompting reciprocation and easing social relationships and situations. Consequently, Cool explores ways of applying the Golden Rule at home, at school, in public, and in social settings, rather than listing rules about which fork to use. Always practical and low-key, the tips and attitudes emphasize kindness and courtesy as a way of life. Each chapter begins with several questions and answers from a fictitious advice column describing sensitive or sticky scenarios and suggestions to ease the awkwardness. The author follows this effective hook with a straightforward discussion of etiquette within a particular sphere of interactions, and ends the chapter with a "top ten" list that succinctly boils it all down to very simple rules of conduct. In a chapter on Netiquette, Dougherty addresses polite use of the Internet, including writing e-mail, participating in a chat room, and sending instant messages. She emphasizes self-protection of privacy, as well as considerate interaction. Enjoyably written, the book devotes minimal space to photos of teens in various settings. Elizabeth L. Post and Joan M. Coles's Emily Post's Teen Etiquette (HarperCollins, 1995) is more comprehensive on the particular rules but at times becomes a little preachy.

Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS

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