Like Ability

August 1, 2022

Gr 7-9-This work combines real life situations, self-reflective exercises, and practical wisdom about a subject many teens have on their minds: popularity. The authors recognize the importance to teens of being popular, but split the concept further into subcategories of status and likability, which serve as two separate branches on the tree of popularity. This reminds readers that status and likability are not the same yet can be intertwined. Complicated relationships and social media influences are key components that are included in the book. The book gives practical solutions without sounding clich�d, such as avoiding the temptation to seek status. This is a refreshing take on a timeless subject. Most teens will be encouraged and reassured by the discussions of likability versus status. Graphic organizers allow readers to think through or note important points. This title could be used by an individual teen or as part of group work dealing with social and emotional learning. VERDICT An important addition to a middle school library or public library YA collection.-April Crowder

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April 1, 2022
A reader-friendly guide to breaking down the components of popularity and likability and helping readers achieve their goals. The authors, an educator and a psychology professor, present both a step-by-step analysis and a self-help workbook in one. In their glossary, they define likability as being a subset of popularity in which a person is genuinely accepted based on true connections, while popularity can also indicate social status. Concise, accessible chapters unpack the phenomenon of popularity and offer exercises and worksheets that lead readers to a greater understanding of their values. Each chapter ends with a handful of bullet points that provide helpful takeaways. The first two sections establish an individual framework, with questions that prompt readers to consider and reflect on what popularity means to them, what characteristics they like in others, how they believe they are perceived by others, ways they have made others feel good, and so on. The nuances of status versus likability are unpacked. These prompts, along with some short quizzes, help put readers on the path to their own version of likability. The middle of the book unpacks concepts like the subtle difference between self-worth and self-esteem, the ways that influencers and celebrities gain status and popularity, and the impact of various relationships on your feelings. The final section, consisting of five short chapters, amounts to an action plan with probing questions and charts that help track readers' progress on their journeys. Helpful advice and insightful prompts shape a path to self-improvement. (Nonfiction. 13-18)

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