Just Breathe

June 1, 2018

Gr 3-8-A comprehensive and approachable guide to managing stress and understanding one's body and mind through meditation. Directed at middle graders, the book presents specific practices and meditations to calm breath and slow down thoughts. The introduction endorses an accessible, flexible approach at meditation for beginners, with an emphasis on doing what is most comfortable. The book is divided into six different sections and presents a refreshingly wide variety of actions, from sleeping and breathing exercises to being aware of the taste of food to reflecting on gratefulness. Each meditation is described in simple, easy-to-follow steps, along with the time needed and ideal location to complete the exercise ("a dark room," "a quiet place"). While this book is written for young people, counselors and caregivers seeking meditation activities will also find this guide useful. Color illustrations of children engaged in mindful activities are sprinkled throughout and instruct readers on how to position themselves. VERDICT A solid addition to collections in need of meditation and mindfulness titles for tweens.-Kathryn Justus, Renbrook School, West Hartford, CT

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2018
Chopra--daughter of well-known self-help guru Deepak Chopra--delivers a stress-management guide for young people. Following an introduction, the book is divided into six categories: "Breathe," "Move," "Be Silent," "Notice," "Ask Questions," and "Create." Six to 12 short practices (typically designed to last around five minutes, though some are longer or shorter) are offered in each category. Many of the techniques are variations on those traditional to Buddhism or yoga; others are creative exercises targeting specific stressors of the day, such as bullying and social media. Readers are encouraged to read through a practice in its entirety and then try using it. Adults sharing mindfulness with children and preteens will find a treasure trove of scripts for guided practice. Young people of various skin tones, genders, and religious expressions are included in the illustrations, but there is a noticeable tone of privilege within the author's text. Access to parents available at home, safe neighborhoods, and public green spaces are assumed in some practices. Young people who face survival-based challenges in their day-to-day lives may not find that exemplars referenced--such as not knowing anyone at summer camp--speak directly to their life experience. An audiobook download is available for separate purchase from the publisher's website for those who would like to listen and follow along with the exercises.Though slightly limited in its utility for the desired audience, this resource offers a thorough collection of kid-friendly mindfulness practices. (Nonfiction. 9-14)

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