Don't Be Shy: How to Fit in, Make Friends, and Have Fun-Even If You Weren't Born Outgoing (Sunscreen)

An upbeat and encouraging guide for shy teens and preteens

Fifty percent of Americans consider themselves shy, but teens and preteens wrestling with the problem may believe they're "the only one." Filled with knowing insights and funny drawings, this lively book helps teens experiencing "panic on the inside" and "catastrophe on the outside" to understand such things as the mechanics of their situation and the fact that they're not the first person to own a "mental VCR" that replays embarrassing moments. It also lets shy kids know how common their problem is, and gives them tips for overcoming it. AUTHOR BIO: Melissa Daly is a former senior staff writer at Seventeen magazine, where she wrote articles and columns on health, sexuality, relationships, and other topics.

Grade 5-7–Clement offers a brief overview of how heredity, adolescence, and upbringing can affect shyness. Suggested remedies range from taking up hobbies to therapy and even medication, if the social anxiety is unbearable. The voices of shy teens speaking for themselves are missing, and the authors come across as the sole knowledge-holders. The blushing cartoons add a bit of lightheartedness, but are not representative of the real world. There is minimal discussion of the role shyness plays with the physically disabled. While its admirable that the authors indicate that almost everyone is touched by this condition, the effect is diluted rather than helpful and sounds more like parental advice.–Kelly Czarnecki, Bloomington Public Library, IL
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