BOOK REVIEW: A Kid's Guide to Being a Winner by C.D. Shelton

TITLE: A Kid's Guide to Being a Winner

AUTHOR: C.D. Shelton

ILLUSTRATOR: Greg G. Gillespie

PUBLISHER: Choice Publishing House

DATE OF PUBLICATION: June 25, 2011

FORMAT: Hardcover, 50 pages

GENRE: Children's Nonfiction

ISBN: 978-0984191048

SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:

A Kid's Guide to being a Winner is an easy-to-read book for kids who are in need of that little "Extra" spark of understanding. A Kid's Guide to being a Winner is a book for young people on the Values of being responsible, being thoughtful, being respectful, having a positive mental attitude and having gratitude. A Kid's guide to being a Winner is about timeless and fundamental principles, which are essential to SUCCESS. A Kid's Guide to being a Winner includes steps that are simple, yet the results are POWERFUL.

MY REVIEW:

I received this book for review from the publisher, The Cadence Group. I did not receive any compensation for my review, and the views expressed herein are my own.

 

I am always on the look-out for children’s books that instill good values and that model good behaviour.

This book is a good resource for parents and children. It is recommended for ages 8-13 (and for kids of all ages). It is clearly written and explains in easy-to-understand terms basic moral principles such as responsibility, thoughtfulness, respectfulness, having gratitude, and fostering a positive mental attitude. These values shape our children’s behaviour, and this book serves as an excellent reminder to children and adults alike that we should be cognizant of how our actions affect others. I read this book aloud to my 9 year-old daughter, and it was a terrific springboard to further discussions on attitude and behaviour.

I especially loved the chapter on “Being Respectful.” Not only is this chapter about respecting others, but it teaches children to respect themselves and to value themselves by surrounding themselves with “good” things: Good books to stimulate and enrich the mind, healthy foods to nourish the body, exercise to keep the body healthy, surrounding yourself with friends who make you feel good, and saying no to drugs/alcohol/smoking.

The only thing I did not like about the book was the Shelton’s use of the term “loser.”  The author asks if the reader will live in “Winner’s Ville” or “Loser’s Ville.” I was literally cringing when I read that. I think the word “loser” is extremely derogatory, and I would hate for my children to think that it is acceptable to call someone a “loser” for not modelling good behaviour or for any other reason.

Overall, this book was a pleasure and an inspiration to read! I recommend it for parents to read with their children, and it is equally suitable for use by teachers. 

MY RATING: 4 stars! I thought it was very good! 

This book qualifies as:
#81 for my 2011 100+ Reading Challenge