Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety, by Christopher Willard

Cover:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety

Author: Christopher Willard

ISBN:  978-1608829101

Publisher: Instant Help Books

Copyright: 2014

Reader’s Annotation:

How to recognize anxiety, and tools to overcome it.

Summary:

Anxiety is very common among teenagers.  Whether you have mild anxiety, panic attacks, or chronic anxiety, you are not alone, and there are tools that can help you deal with these very real issues.  This book teaches teens how to recognize anxiety in their own emotional and physical reactions, ways to distract your mind away from anxious thoughts, the concept of mindfulness and how to use it situations to mitigate anxiety.  The book also explores situations that are specific to teens, such as school and social situations, from test taking to prom, and learning how to overcome feelings of anxiety in those specific situations, using simple techniques.

Critical Evaluation:

It is clear that this book was written by a professional, for a teen audience.  The language and examples used are familiar to teens (for example, the anxiety related to dating), without trying to pander too much to teens.  I think the fact that the writing does not use teen slang is a strength; when adults try to sound like what they think teens sound like, it comes across as pandering, and teens will tune it out.  By using straightforward language and real world examples teens face, Willard comes across as a knowledgeable expert, but still gains the trust of teen readers.

This book is written in a workbook format.  That means that in each section, specific information is presented, then exercises are used to put the information into action.  This is a common method in mental health or self-help books, so I think it is used appropriately here.  For example, one chapter of the book focuses on test anxiety.  Information about test anxiety is presented, the reader is asked to reflect on their own experiences with test taking, then a list of coping mechanisms is presented, along an exercise in mindfulness, where the reader counts the sounds they hear in the room before beginning a test.  By presenting information, and following it up with an exercise, these concepts become more concrete in the reader's mind.

Author Biography:

(from author’s web page)

My work as a psychologist has included community mental health centers, hospitals, private clinics, schools and universities.  My first book, Child's Mind was published a few years back, and I recently published a workbook for anxious teens. Meanwhile, I am continuing to write and edit a number of other projects.

Currently, I teach at Lesley University and Harvard Medical School, and work part time in private practice as a therapist with a focus on mindfulness and a specialty in learning issues and anxiety.  I also train teachers, therapists and medical professionals in mindfulness practices through the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy, where I serve on the board of directors. In addition, I consult nationally and internationally to organizations and media about educational and psychological issues.  

I am licensed and insured as a psychologist and health services provider in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, #9151. I received my doctorate from The Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology and bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University.

On the personal side, I enjoy traveling, hiking, cooking, reading and writing. 

Genre(s): 
Non-fiction, Mental Health

Curriculum Ties:

Pennsylvania State Standard - CC.1.2.11-12.L

Read and comprehend literary non-fiction and informational text on grade level, reading independently and proficiently.

Booktalk Ideas:

A discussion on what are common anxiety triggers teens encounter 

A discussion about mindfulness as a mental health practice, and the benefits of mindfulness

          

Reading Level:

Not available

Interest Age: 

14 and up

Challenge Issues: Could be challenged based concerns that mindfulness may be viewed as a form of alternative medicine or spirituality.

  If this book were challenged I would:

·         Listen to the concerns of the person raising the challenge

·         Consult the library’s collection development policy

·         Explain how this work meets a library need based on the collection development policy 

·         Consult YALSA’s Dealing with Challenges to Young Adult Materials

·         Consult reviews on VOYA, Amazon, Common Sense Media, and Kirkus

·         Discuss any awards or notable commendations the book received

·         Explain the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom as discussed in the ALA Library Bill of Rights

·         Give the patron the procedure for a formal challenge should they seek to pursue it

Why was this book selected:

While teens may not check out non-fiction books as often as they do fiction books, I think it is important that these tools are available for teens, even if they just use them in the library.  As someone who struggled with anxiety since I was a teen, I would have been so happy if I had access to a resource like this at the age of 14.  I chose to include this book in this collection because I think libraries can help reduce mental health stigma, particularly for teens.  A library may be the only safe place a teen has to access this information, so we should make sure to include these types of resources in our collection.