This informational text for middle-grade readers seeks to reveal the truth behind common advice from adults, but is neither as entertaining nor as informative as it could be. The book is a series of sayings and urban legends that are explained on one page, then either confirmed or debunked on the next page. The language is firmly anti-adult, but often the facts support the examined advice. The writing often feels contrived, clearly an adult trying too hard to sound cool in order to gain the reader’s trust. A list of common unexamined adages at the end intends only to add humor, but falls flat. Cartoonish black and white illustrations strengthen the childish tone of the text, but do not add meaning. Though the text references some sources, there is no bibliography or index. The premise of fact-checking conventional wisdom will appeal to children, but the book’s attempt to trick readers into recognizing the wisdom of adults feels dishonest, and the questionable accuracy of the content makes it no more trustworthy than the ideas it attempts to debunk. Additional Purchase. Grades 5-7. ( )

This book is absolutely hilarious, and would be such a fun book to read with your children. It is very witty, and very informational. I would recommend this book for parents to read to their children, or a great book for teachers as well.

Nominated for a Forest of Reading Award. This book has been nominated in the Silver Birch non-fiction category.

Does gum stay in your stomach for seven years? Can sitting to close to the TV ruin your eyes? Do elephants really never forget? Many common parental phrases and pieces of advice are put to the test in this true false handbook.

Though a bit word heavy for its intended audience, this is a fun read and some of the answers are surprising. Questions are followed up with a true false format and supporting evidence is given, the only snag being the occasional “you decide” which comes across as a bit of a cop-out. ( )

As I began to research for the book, what I found even more fascinating was that some of these sayings were based on history, some were ancient beliefs, others were scientific fact, and a few were just plain silliness. I figured kids would enjoy finding out the truth behind some of these wacky parental, do’s and don’ts. I know I did! This book gives young readers a chance to arm themselves with the facts, while enjoying a laugh or two. But don’t laugh too hard - you’ll give yourself the hiccups and then have to turn to page 35 in the book, to find out how to get rid of them!

"Meh. Another facty book about how stupid grown ups are. I will just skim it," I said to myself.

One hour later I had read it from beginning to end.

"Yeah, but who actually believes all this stuff anyways?" I said to myself.

Two days later, I realized I had quoted it to three different people, at least twice each.

Yep, we need this one.

With suitably kooky and humorous illustrations, Rondina walks us through Healthy Habits - did you know sugar doesn't make kids hyper? Wet hair has absolutely nothing to do with catching cold? Next up, we have Weird Science. Can you really scare someone to death? Is yawning contagious? How often should you brush your hair? Can a chicken live without its head? Next we have Food Fallacies. Does eating carrots improve your eyesight? Will you really get cramps if you go swimming after eating? Finally, we have Animal Tales, with the ever-popular will a toad give you warts? As well as other burning questions, like Is a dog's mouth cleaner than a human's? Will a falling cat always land on its feet? And Why do lemmings walk off cliffs - or do they? The book ends with a sly list of "Parentisms" just for fun.

This is a perfect book for reluctant readers or kids who like lists of facts, science, or debunking anything (in other words, every eleven-year-old that ever lived). The questions have a funny or silly scenario about the question, then a well-written explanation of whether or not it's true - or if it's unproven either way. This is a great one for school booktalks as well as fact displays or to hand out to your almanac and Guiness book of world record fans.

Verdict: A must-have for libraries serving elementary and middle school kids. Just don't be surprised if you find your young patrons quoting it back to you for the next couple months!

ISBN: 978-1554534548; Published August 2010 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab Associates