(4) 4-6 Real Deal series. After capably defining their terms, the authors serve up reassurance and coping strategies for middle-graders dealing with the featured topics. This feelings-based series recalls Fred Rogers's like-themed picture-book series for younger readers, but the writing here isn't as sturdy, and the advice doled out can be boilerplate. Sidebars and obviously posed color photos abound. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Real Deal titles: Moving and Bullying.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Real Deal series. The authors spend approximately equal time stating facts--sometimes rudimentary ones ("Taking medicine is a common treatment for illness")--and discussing the feelings that the books' topics engender, which will likely comfort readers coping with the subject matter at hand. Throughout are sidebars and photos that have a prefab quality. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Real Deal titles: Illness and Death.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Real Deal series. With sensitivity, Mattern discusses why people divorce (a conspicuously absent cause is adultery), their kids' ensuing reactions, how their lives may change, and various coping strategies. For all the platitudes, generic-sounding "Case Study" sidebars, and staged-looking color photos, the book may be just the thing for middle-grade readers whose parents are splitting up. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Real Deal series. After capably defining their terms, the authors serve up reassurance and coping strategies for middle-graders dealing with the featured topics. This feelings-based series recalls Fred Rogers's like-themed picture-book series for younger readers, but the writing here isn't as sturdy, and the advice doled out can be boilerplate. Sidebars and obviously posed color photos abound. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Real Deal titles: Moving and Bullying.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Real Deal series. The authors spend approximately equal time stating facts--sometimes rudimentary ones ("Taking medicine is a common treatment for illness")--and discussing the feelings that the books' topics engender, which will likely comfort readers coping with the subject matter at hand. Throughout are sidebars and photos that have a prefab quality. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Real Deal titles: Illness and Death.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Real Deal series. Each of these lucid books starts with neutral-sounding facts before going in for the kill: unveiling its subject's dangers. The series's tone is a little less off-puttingly hysterical than other similar books intent on dissuading kids from vice. Sidebars and stock photos set in a tacky layout break up the pages. "Saying No" tips are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Real Deal titles: Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Real Deal series. Each of these lucid books starts with neutral-sounding facts before going in for the kill: unveiling its subject's dangers. The series's tone is a little less off-puttingly hysterical than other similar books intent on dissuading kids from vice. Sidebars and stock photos set in a tacky layout break up the pages. "Saying No" tips are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Real Deal titles: Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Real Deal series. Each of these lucid books starts with neutral-sounding facts before going in for the kill: unveiling its subject's dangers. The series's tone is a little less off-puttingly hysterical than other similar books intent on dissuading kids from vice. Sidebars and stock photos set in a tacky layout break up the pages. "Saying No" tips are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Real Deal titles: Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Real Deal series. Factual information about the physical changes wrought by adolescence segues into a discussion of the accompanying emotional turbulence. Sheen's reassuring tone is spot on; less successful are generic "Case Studies": "Lester's voice broke during an important scene. Lester felt like running off the stage. But he kept on acting." Stock photos appear throughout in a gaudy layout. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Real Deal series. Sheen dutifully covers the basics of physical activity (e.g., the three main types and levels), then discusses the importance of exercising and eating sensibly, ultimately connecting a healthy body with emotional health. Sidebars, including thought-provoking "What do you think?" boxes, are interspersed with stock photos in a busy layout. The book concludes with stretching tips. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Real Deal series. Sheen capably covers nutrition basics (the six groups of nutrients, the three kinds of fats) before setting her sights on convincing readers to eat well (e.g., not skipping meals) and offering menu suggestions for each meal. Nutrient and calorie charts round out the volume. Sidebars and stock photos of kids and food are set in hokey layouts. Reading list, resources, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram