This series currently has fourteen titles. Anxiety Disorders first identifies normal nervousness and discusses its difference from more problematic anxieties, such as panic attacks. Anxiety disorders diagnoses and treatments follow. Volume formats are identical; each forty-eight-page book contains a series introduction, and then four chapters defining, discussing, recognizing, and treating the titular disorder. Supplemental information is current and relevant. Headings and terms are enlarged; graphics and color photographs abound; and each volume contains boxed sections that may be used for teaching or independent study, featuring basic textual vocabulary, additional information for perspective or insight, research topic ideas, text-dependent questions, and key topical terminology. This series is intended for younger middle grades, with its numerous real-life examples and scenarios greatly assisting in explaining difficult concepts. The second-person narration speaks simply yet candidly and directly to readers. Content is very briefly, yet adequately, conveyed, and the volumes’ educator-friendly format allows for either whole-class use or as a quick and concise resource for reports. (Mental Illnesses and Disorders: Awareness and Understanding) Reviewer: Lisa Hazlett; Ages 11 to 14.
11/01/2015
Gr 9 Up—By providing straightforward, well-researched information, this series fosters tolerance and understanding of different mental illnesses and disorders and discusses their possible causes, effects, and treatments. Each title begins with the sentence "People who cope with mental illness and disorders deserve our empathy and respect": a poignant statement that reflects this set's compassionate perspective. The books present relatable examples in order to shed light on these disorders, while at the same time demystifying some of their more uncommon aspects and dispelling stereotypes. Each chapter starts with a "Words to Understand" section, which points out important vocabulary, and ends with "Research Project" and "Text-Based Question" portions that expand upon what has already been discussed and encourage students to search more deeply for evidence in the text. VERDICT A detailed, respectful, and thoughtful look at mental health topics.
