cover image Dear Libby: Will You Answer My Questions About Friendship?

Dear Libby: Will You Answer My Questions About Friendship?

Libby Kiszner. Familius, $16.99 paper (224p) ISBN 978-1-64170-018-4

Kiszner, an advice columnist for magazine Mispacha Junior, compiles letters from young readers seeking council about friendship and other subjects. Letters address issues of self-esteem, bullying, anxiety, social isolation, and self-harm, and many explore sensitivity and embarrassment: “I turn red for every stupid thing, like talking to my teachers and friends. Sometimes they ask me why I am blushing and I start blushing even more!!” Kiszner advises the letter writer to not worry as much about showing feelings: “When we don’t feel the need to hide our emotions, do we blush at all?” Kiszner offers self-care tips (including breathing exercises and tactics for interrupting negative self-talk) and suggestions for connecting with others through the use of “I” messages. The letters address highly relatable concerns, providing an opportunity for readers to commiserate with peers while helping them to build an emotional toolset for constructive communication. Ages 9–up.[em] (Aug.) [/em]