Everything You Need to Know About Stress (The Need to Know Library)

Ayer received an M.S. from Syracuse University with a specialty in literary journalism.

Grade 6-9-Ayer considers the causes and effects of stress in contemporary life and presents approaches to its management. The most critical "stressors" for teens, such as family problems, trouble at school or with peers, and physical changes that accompany adolescence, are discussed at length. Suggestions are given as to how these and other pressures can be controlled and converted into positive forces. The author takes a self-help approach in this easy-to-read title and recommends good nutrition, a regular schedule, prioritizing of responsibilities, planning, and goal setting. The verbalizing of anxieties and fears, exercise, yoga, and meditation are also prescribed. However, readers may be left with the impression that far-reaching life-style changes are easily achievable-a simplistic and possibly dangerous message. Unfortunately, the author's statement, "The first step in stress management is to let an adult know that you are having trouble in dealing with the stress in your life" doesn't appear until the end of the book. Full-color and black-and-white photos add little. Despite its deficiencies, this title offers some basic information. Herma Silverstein's Teenage Depression (Watts, 1990), which probes one effect of stress, is primarily for reports. Superior efforts for somewhat older readers are Michael Maloney and Rachel Kranz's Straight Talk About Anxiety and Depression (Facts on File, 1991) and Susan Newman's Don't Be S.A.D. (Messner, 1991), which presents case studies as well as general information.
Libby K. White, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.