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How To Be a Person: 65 Hugely Useful, Super-Important Skills To Learn Before You’re Grown Up

by Catherine Newman (text) & illus. by Debbie Fong
Storey. May 2020. 160p. pap. $16.95. ISBN 9781635861822.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4-8–This succinct and entertaining guidebook describes life skills with step-by-step instructions. Newman teaches the basics, like how to write a thank-you note, how to be a good house guest, how to sweep the floor, how to save money, and how to plunge a toilet. She also provides hands-on examples for children to practice. Although this book is geared toward a young audience, some parts may appeal to adults, including the basic recipes in the chapter “Edible Food” and how to contact a representative in “Saying It Right.” No matter who is reading and enjoying the book, the skills are fleshed out with easy-to-understand steps and engaging illustrations. It could also be used as a tool to teach language arts students how to write a process paper.
VERDICT A welcome addition to all libraries serving middle grade and high school readers.
Reviewed by Kim Gardner, Fort Worth Country Day School, TX , May 01, 2020

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