Aimed at the ‘tweenage’ generation (ages 8 to 12), this book aims to instil some classic self-help messages that will equip young people for the trials, tribulations and wonders of modern life. Quirky, fun, hilarious and [at times] edgy, ‘Diary of a Brilliant Kid’ is a rip-roaring tour of all the things that a modern tweenager needs to know. The book has a diary feel, hence readers will be encouraged to scribble, write notes and collect their thoughts as they go along.
Mental ill-health is the biggest issue facing young people today. Many schools have recently started doing sessions on growth mind-sets, mindfulness, meditation and kindness. Despite the hard work and unceasing effort, UK teenagers rank 19th out of 20 in a recent international study of wellbeing. Mental ill-health is a particular problem for girls with 1 in 4 being clinically depressed by age 14 and hospital admissions for teenage self-harm rising by 68% in the last decade. There is overwhelming evidence that young
people are struggling to cope with the pressures of the world as it is.
We need a radical re-think. Rather than fixing broken children, the solution is to equip pre-teens with the knowledge and skills necessary to flourish. This book is not the total answer. But it’s a great place for schools and parents to start. It’s a compilation of tried and tested self-help medicine for the new generation, delivered just how they like it, with spoonfuls of sugar.
