Product Description

In a conversational, interspersed with letters from fictional columnist K.T. ("Knows The") Answers, the authors offer advice on subjects of concern to middle graders.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #640309 in Books
• Published on: 1996-09-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 112 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780395813126
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6?This guide explores a wide variety of settings in which consideration of others and appropriate etiquette are important?introducing people, speaking on the telephone, etc. Key chapters explain social conventions and procedures for behaviors at school, at the dinner table, at parties, on vacation, and in the general public (e.g., movie theaters, bus stops, malls). James and Barkin provide not only the "hows" but also the "whys." The explanatory text is neatly spliced with fictionalized question-and-answer advice-column letters to a mythical columnist, "K.T. (Knows The) Answer." The authors are to be commended for giving wise counsel for difficult situations such as supporting a friend who is mourning the loss of a loved one. However, they seem to aim their book chiefly at young women. Yes, boys' names are sprinkled throughout and boys are included in the cartoon-style pen-and-ink illustrations, but the examples in the text more often than not appear to be directed at girls. Shopping behavior, for example, describes the rude behavior of girls trying on clothing in a store with no intention of making a purchase. Clamorous, boisterous boys need good manners, too.?Jerry D. Flack, University of Colorado
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 4^-7. Although its coverage is rather hit or miss, this etiquette primer tackles a few issues that are of increasing concern to the target age group. Requisite chapters on introductions and table manners are here (there's a clear spelling out of procedures in the former and a nice flexibility in the latter), along with some common sense about appropriate behavior in public, with emphasis on the social interactions that children in the middle-grades are just beginning to experience. The chapter on vacation etiquette, with counsel on being a houseguest, etc., is the most unusual inclusion; the chapter on school etiquette is the weakest ("whispering and passing notes in class is . . . rude and disruptive" ; "homework has a purpose" ). The device of using letters addressed to KT (Knows The) Answers may make the information a little more approachable; the writing throughout is clear; and it's noteworthy that the authors do more than simply tell readers how to behave--they usually explain why. Stephanie Zvirin

From Kirkus Reviews
A book of advice, subtitled ``Manners for Today's Kids,'' on how to deal with various issues of etiquette, including introductions, school dances, family vacations, meals, parties, hospitalized and bereaved friends, and many others. The chapters include relevant letters to a ``mythical'' columnist, K.T. Answers, and subsequent advice. Important and useful information appears in this volume, especially in the chapter on ``Difficult Times,'' and most of the tips are sensible and not overly starchy. As a whole, though, the book is rather dull, and the chapter on introductions, no matter how commonsense, will have many children giving up without an effort. The most interesting parts are letters to K.T. Answers, which show specific problems from a child's perspective and provide specific solutions. Funny black-and-white illustrations help James and Barkin (A Place of Your Own, 1981, etc.) make the point that manners are the oil that keeps social situations running smoothly; children facing new predicaments will be glad of the straightforward table of contents to help them locate their particular areas of concern. (Nonfiction. 9-13) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

Great information
This is a great book in teaching preteens about manners. I purchased it hoping it would help my 9 year old but most of the concepts like how to act while hanging out at the mall are not practical.

Social smarts
Little outdated ... The general population of kids today are without courtesy and rude, so this book will only touch upon those that care.

I have it for my two kids and they read it, but we are also strong in teaching our children good social skills and courtesy. I find this book helpful, and leave it on the sofa table for them to pick up and read at their leisure.

It is sad to say, when you meet kids who don't have good social skills, this book does NO GOOD. My kids feel offended that other kids are rude and this book does not introduce ways for kids to deal with other rude kids, to gain positive responses and learn from manners, or to exhibit to others how the rude child can change their mannerism. Suggestions should be offered to kids to teach them how to handle people with inappropriate behavior in a positive way.