How Rude!

June 1, 2014

Gr 7 Up-The first edition of this etiquette guide for teens, published in 1997, is now itself a teenager. This updated edition tackles social media, Google, and the ubiquity of cell phones, travel post 9/11, cyberbullying, and online gaming-but the heart of the book remains the same. Packer explains what good manners are and why they are important, covering hundreds of situations and offering brief, lighthearted advice on how to maneuver them with proper behavior. From introductions to thank-you notes to asking someone to a movie (or the opera) to food shopping to email to hygiene, Packer has sensible if strict advice on how to behave. His style is reminiscent of a smart, slightly silly uncle giving guidance with good cheer. There are many lists, bullet points, and charts. Most topics are covered in a pithy page or two, with small cartoons scattered throughout. Packer conducted three online surveys to gather information from teens, parents, and teachers, and some pages of survey results are presented in appropriate chapters. Packer also tells "True Stories from the Manners Frontier"; these tales of bad manners are enclosed in sidebars at least once per chapter. This is a fun guide that teens may dip into when facing a confounding situation, and Packer's good nature and good sense make it a useful book for most collections, including those that already own the original version.-Geri Diorio, Ridgefield Library, CT

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2014
Grades 6-9 It is difficult to make a topic like etiquette seem relevant and appealing to teenagers, but that is exactly what Packer accomplishes. Drawing heavily on surveys of teens, parents, and teachers to target which situations were most pertinent, the opening chapters successfully sell the importance of manners to both the individual and society. Dear Alex sidebars offer advice for common conundrums and provide suggestions in an honest and humorous way. The text acknowledges social mores for other cultures and discusses the changeable nature of etiquette depending on context. Packer widens the scope of etiquette far beyond please and thank you, exploring the best way to handle oneself in a variety of social situations. This is advice on issues that teens care about, such as gossip, classroom courtesy, clothing choices, and unwritten rules of polite driving. First released in 1997, this second edition is packed with 17 years' worth of new statistics and scenarios, including many about technology.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)