BooksforTopics Reading for Pleasure Recommendations

Book Title: How Not to Lose It: Mental Health Sorted (available here)

Author: Anna Williamson

Illustrator: Sophie Beer

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: March 2019

Suitable For: Y6+ (UKS2)

Reviewed By: Kate Gieler, School Librarian (Glebe Primary)

Review

How Not to Lose It: Mental Health Sorted is a brilliant resource for UKS2 children to dip into – probably most useful in the transition to secondary school.

Anna Williamson is a trained therapist and Childline counsellor. She has packed her mental health guide with support and guidance perfectly pitched in a chatty, informal style which is both practical and reassuring, without being overwhelming. The information is presented honestly and openly which will hopefully encourage questions and discussions.

Topics covered include: friendships, relationships, phobias, anxiety, body image, self-esteem, bullying and online safety. There is also content on sex and relationships, attraction, consent and sexting.

Sophie Beer’s illustrations and the bright colours used throughout make this appealing to pick up and explore. There’s a useful index and I liked the inclusion of a letter template which could be used to help someone take their concerns or questions to a friend or an adult. I think this book is spot on in its approach to supporting children to develop strong emotional well-being, resilience and belief in themselves.

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You can order How Not to Lose It: Mental Health – Sorted online or from your local bookshop or library.

Many thanks to the publisher for sending us a copy of this book and to Kate for reviewing it.