Under Pressure

August 23, 2019

Gr 6-9-Kyi combines a conversational narrative style, quirky cartoon illustrations, and relatable real-life examples with solid research explained in child-accessible terms. There are chapters explaining the physiological processes at work when we feel stressed, the long term and short term effects of stress on the human body and mind, strategies for overcoming stressful events, the positive side of stress, and lifestyle practices that help to reduce ambient stress and utilize unavoidable stress to good ends. Suggestions for further inquiry, source notes, and a brief but useful, index round out the volume. VERDICT This title packs a great deal of useful information in a thoroughly engaging package. Highly recommended for middle school and junior high school nonfiction collections.-Kelly Kingrey-Edwards, Blinn Junior College, Brenham, TX

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2019
A general guide to stress--its causes and effects, research, and ways to reduce and manage it. Each chapter opens with a hypothetical stressful scenario and concludes with "stress busters," drug-free suggestions for managing each type of stress. The book also uses real-life stress-inducing situations, including crises such as natural disasters and high-stress first-response occupations, to illustrate how people deal with traumatic events. Readers will learn about fight-or-flight response and the roles of the amygdala and the autonomic nervous system and its hormones in inducing and regulating stress. Other interesting facts include how stress can affect the formation of memories, how quick bursts of stress can boost immunity, and that stress can be contagious. Readers will learn that although stress can negatively affect the body, it can also be beneficial. For example, something scientists call post-traumatic growth can help those who have experienced traumatic events to grow stronger emotionally and mentally. This helpful guide is laid out textbook style with plenty of white space and sidebars as well as faux-handprinted block letters that introduce section breaks. The digitally rendered full-color art portrays its characters with cartoonish expressions that lend a light tone to a serious subject. A wide array of skin colors and ages add diversity. Excellent for research into the subject as well as personal enjoyment for science lovers. (further reading, selected sources, index) (Nonfiction. 10-15)

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