Social Smarts: Manners for Today's Kids [Paperback]

Elizabeth James (Author), Carol Barkin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 20, 1996 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

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.

Editorial Reviews

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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (September 20, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395813123
• ISBN-13: 978-0395813126
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,102,556 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Great information, March 4, 2008

By 

Mel (Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Social Smarts: Manners for Today's Kids (Hardcover)

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.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Social smarts, July 13, 2008

By 

L. G. Cusumano "A Caring Mom" (Grosse Pointe, Michigan) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Social Smarts: Manners for Today's Kids (Paperback)

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.