I enjoyed this book about how to make yourself stronger and how to work harder efficiently. This book wasn't my favorite genre, and I didn't finish it, but I did think that it was a good read for kids ages 8-11.

I received an electronic ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books through NetGalley.
Morin has adapted points from her book for adults - 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do - to the level for middle grade readers. The language she uses is simple to follow for readers at this level. She uses a short paragraph style mixed with bullet points and action items to engage with the audience and challenge them to see themselves and see how they can become strong.
I like the consistent pattern in each chapter for readers to interact with the text. By the end of the book, readers see all of the exercises listed in one location (conclusion). This would be a terrific small group book for upper elementary or middle school levels. It would also work for a family who needs to boost confidence in their tween or needs to encourage continued growth without tipping into difficult habits.

A chapter is dedicated to each idea and begins with a story of a boy or girl approaching problems in their life in an ineffective way. They then discover a better path to become mentally strong.

It’s a well done set-up sure to help any emerging teenager. In fact I would have loved to have had this book back in my growing up years. It would have saved me a lot of heartache and confusion.

Also included in each chapter is a short quiz to help readers learn more about themselves. Next comes a deeper look at how to learn the things strong kids do. There’s proof of how it works in real life and exercises that will help change your approach: THINK BIG, Feel GOOD, ACT BRAVE.

You might be wondering just what are the 13 THINGS STRONG KIDS DO? Here they are:

They Stop Feeling Sorry for Themselves
They Empower Themselves
They Adapt to Change
They Focus on Things They Have Control Over
They Know When to Say No
They Take Calculated Risks
They Create Their Future
They Own Their Own Mistakes
They Celebrate Other People’s Successes
They Fail and Try Again
They Balance Social Time with Alone Time
They Are Thankful for What They Have
They Persist

Change for any tween is possible with support. Now you will need your own copy of the book to make these things happen. A great gift for the child in your life. The techniques provided here would also be a helpful semester class for 4th-6th grade kids.

What a great book for kids with self-help tips without feeling preaching or condescending - a way for kids to actually internalize the messages being presented. There's no sugar-coating, as most kids these days seem to be familiar with. It's a great book to pull from in the classroom.

This book lays out different strategies to help kids get "mentally strong." I like how the author starts by giving a description (and disclaimer) about the difference between being strong and acting tough- I think it's something a lot of kids, especially tweens, could mistake.

It starts each chapter with a scenario, and breaks down different strategies for kids to navigate different situations. I love that the book also provides questions and space for kids to do some reflections, to help them process their thoughts and emotions. Recommended for kids aged 8-12, and also for school counselors!

I love this book! I want every kid (and adult) to read this book. I want a copy for my family and I want it now! These are basic principals broken down in ways kids will understand. it provides self reflection and teaches how to change the habits they have created. Their are examples and situations to guide you through the process. I want to focus on one chapter at a time then slowly build on. I will be anxiously awaiting the publication of this book!

This book provides kids with self-help tips without feeling preachy or condescending. Each chapter starts with a story showing a problem or mistake that kids can make, then follows it up with concrete steps to overcome the negative thoughts and behaviors. What I like about this book is that they do not sugar-coat things. Sometimes other people have nicer things than you have or are more successful. Sometimes bad things happen to you that are out of your control and people take your power away from you. This book helps you figure out how to move on from those things and to change what you do have control over. There are exercises for kids to help them build the skills they need. And the librarian in me loves the list of research sources in the back of the book.

Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.