Official Review: "Traits" by E. G. Harvin

[Juliana_Isabella]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of ""Traits"" by E. G. Harvin.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Traits by E.G. Harvin is a nonfiction book designed to help children understand the traits necessary for a happy, successful life. The book is divided into four sections which focus on different areas of life, like the reader’s family life or work life. Each section lists traits necessary for success in that area of life and then explains each trait in detail. The reader is supposed to rate themselves on each trait, sign that they have read about the trait, and answer discussion questions about why they gave themselves that rating and how they could improve their rating.

I was happy to see that the book is highly organized since the author hopes it will be used in classrooms. It is easy to follow the author’s logic, and I never had trouble finding a specific section or trait. I also found few errors in the book, and the layout looks professional.

With that being said, I was confused about the style of writing used. The book is targeted at children and teenagers, but the writing is full of definitions, and most sentences contain a citation. Although I appreciate that the author has avoided plagiarism and used citations, this doesn’t feel like a kid-friendly book. Most children’s books that focus on personal development use stories about kids facing trouble in their lives and show how traits like honesty or humility could help them solve their problems, make friends, and become happier. I think this book would be more appropriate for children if it had employed similar strategies.

Similarly, the real-life situations mentioned in the book don’t seem to be focused at the author’s target audience. In the family traits section, there are two traits that talk about being faithful to one’s spouse. Since this is aimed at kids, I think the author should have used examples of children being trustworthy and reaping the rewards or being untrustworthy and facing the consequences.

Overall, I would rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. I liked the general organization of the book, and I appreciated that the author made it interactive with the ratings and discussion questions. However, I don’t think that kids would be motivated to read it on their own since the author didn’t show how it relates to their lives.

I would recommend this book for children ages 7 to 18, but they would likely need a parent to help them through it. While it doesn’t contain any inappropriate content, the vocabulary used may be difficult for a child in elementary school, and parents or teachers could provide example situations that are more relevant for kids than the ones included in the book.

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"Traits"
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[LauraLeeWasHere]

It's obvious you put a lot of thought into your review and you found some very good examples to demonstrate what you were saying. For instance, using the example of spouses when it's supposed to be aimed at children and teenagers.

A methodical, reasonable, thorough review. Thanks for taking on a book that most reviewers would pass by because it wouldn't seem entertaining on the surface. Commitment to one's job is appreciated and a good trait you seem to already possess.

Sincerely, LL

[readerrihana]

It sounded like an interesting book in the beginning, but you have found some valid issues with it

[Amy747]

The idea of the book seems admirable and I do wonder sometimes whether kids even pick up the messages in kids stories. However it is very strange to be talking about spouses in a book for kids.