Drew, Naomi. The Kids' Guide to Working Out Conflicts: How to Keep Cool, Stay Safe, and Get Along.

DREW, Naomi. The kids' guide to working out conflicts; how to keep cool, stay safe, and get along. Free Spirit. 146p. illus. notes. index. c2004. 1-57542-150-X. $13.95. J*

This is an important book to have in your library. Since conflict is the major source of unhappiness in school (and the world), it would be an excellent beginning to solving conflicts in the school and outside social environments. Familiarize yourself with the material, ingest it and digest it and practice it at all times, is the theme of this book. The author doesn't belittle the formidable complications that exist among kids but gives wonderful suggestions for reacting to annoying situations. There are real life examples of how kids have learned to solve conflicts, quotes and facts from completed surveys, activities, self-tests and other tools to help.

How to avoid conflicts in the first place, how to let go of anger, and how to calm yourself are explained, because in the end the only reactions you can control are your own. This is a useful book for students themselves or their parents, teachers and school administration. The publisher is highly regarded for producing books that will help the entire world become a nicer place. They have succeeded with this one. Sherri Ginsberg, Libn., Chapel Hill, NC

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.