Book Nook: Quiet Power - The Secret Strengths of Introverts

Introvert, extrovert, or ambivert? My children are kind of both. My younger one definitely tends toward the introvert side of the spectrum, but is still funny and outgoing with her friends. My older one has very polarized traits of both sides - she needs alone time to recharge, but she also is a social butterfly. She would prefer reading to idle conversation, but loves to play with friends and chatter with adults.

Sometimes it can be hard to figure out where you fit in if you're on the introverted side of the spectrum. It can be even harder for kids. That's the target of a book I recently got to review, Quiet Power - The Secret Strengths of Introverts. Author Susan Cain had previously written a book targeted at using the strengths of introverts in the workplace. Now, she's got a book for and about kids.

This was an awesome book for my daughter. She's just a touch on the young side, but she was still able to understand most of what the book was saying. The illustrations are eye-catching and appropriate for the book, and the real-life stories really help make the information real. Plus, the tips at the end of each section are good summaries of the chapter and easy to remember to help kids find their place in a world that seems to prize the outgoing more than the quiet. There are also sections for parents and teachers to help introverted kids find their place and their strengths.

It's a great book for introverted kids, unlike any I've ever read. It really talks at a kids' level, without being too condescending or childish for teens. If you have an introverted kid, it can be a way to help them boost their confidence while still celebrating who they are.