How Rude!: The Teen Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out

Gr 7 Up—The first edition of this etiquette guide for teens, published in 1997, is now itself a teenager. This updated edition tackles social media, Google, and the ubiquity of cell phones, travel post 9/11, cyberbullying, and online gaming—but the heart of the book remains the same. Packer explains what good manners are and why they are important, covering hundreds of situations and offering brief, lighthearted advice on how to maneuver them with proper behavior. From introductions to thank-you notes to asking someone to a movie (or the opera) to food shopping to email to hygiene, Packer has sensible if strict advice on how to behave. His style is reminiscent of a smart, slightly silly uncle giving guidance with good cheer. There are many lists, bullet points, and charts. Most topics are covered in a pithy page or two, with small cartoons scattered throughout. Packer conducted three online surveys to gather information from teens, parents, and teachers, and some pages of survey results are presented in appropriate chapters. Packer also tells "True Stories from the Manners Frontier"; these tales of bad manners are enclosed in sidebars at least once per chapter. This is a fun guide that teens may dip into when facing a confounding situation, and Packer's good nature and good sense make it a useful book for most collections, including those that already own the original version.—Geri Diorio, Ridgefield Library, CT