From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up–Advice on issues that confront today's teenagers is given in a confident manner by the talk-show host. Factual information supports personal, no-nonsense guidance in navigating life's various challenges on the road to adulthood. Examples from the author's life further augment the points being made, illustrating both triumphs and mistakes, and their natural consequences. Content adequately covers relationships, sex, music, school, and philosophical reflections that will aid teenagers in developing their unique identities and value systems. Each of the four sections concludes with Instant Message-style remarks about wise behavior ("A Smart Operator is a kid who…") versus unwise behavior ("A Pinhead is a kid who…"). The theme is that young people who follow the guide and work hard, are honest, and help others will succeed and lead healthier, happier lives. The authoritative tone will appeal to O'Reilly's fans, but will not engage adolescents who are not eager for advice from an adult whom they do not consider to be a role model. The table of contents provides an organized overview of the material.–Sharon A. Neal, Immaculata University, PA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


From Booklist
Does the name Bill O'Reilly conjure up an advice maven for kids? Didn't think so. Yet here we have a book in which the Fox talk-show host goes into Dutch-uncle mode, offering his opinions about everything from families and friends to the Internet and sex (he lost his virginity at 20). Although written with Flowers, a former high-school teacher and coauthor of many books, this sounds like vintage O'Reilly: pithy and direct but also patronizing ("I like many things about you kids"). Each chapter begins with quotes from kids who have written into his show (!), followed by a short introduction and a personal O'Reilly story. In the alcohol chapter, for instance, he recalls watching a group of his friends get disgustingly drunk, which prompted him to vow never to drink. He ends with some general comments; for example, weatherman Willard Scott (lots of kid appeal there!) lapsed into alcoholism after his wife's death. Still, there's nothing wrong with most of the commonsensical advice O'Reilly dispenses; it's the sort found everywhere--do well in school, don't take drugs, avoid the wrong friends. But barf alert for the occasional instant-message inserts in which O'Reilly uses common IM terms to explore how two typical teenagers, one a "pinhead" and the other a "smart operator," would react to various situations. Bill O'Reilly talking kids' language: SMHID (scratch my head in disbelief). Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Book Description

The bestselling author ofThe O'Reilly Factor, The No Spin Zone, and Who's Looking Out for You? talks straight to kids this time. He is as demanding, direct, and wry as ever -- but he's also more revealing too, sharing candid snapshots of his own childhood throughout.

Bill O'Reilly, a former schoolteacher, now an award-winning broadcast news journalist, husband, and father of two, joins forces with an experienced educator to bring you, America's youth, a code of ethics by which to live. In this latest book, Bill takes to task bullies, cheaters, advertisers who target you irresponsibly, and parents who fight for their children to win undeserved honors instead of earning them on their own merit.

He lays bare the unvarnished truths about sex, money, smoking, drugs, alcohol, and friends. What he has to say about these issues may very well surprise you. He offers coping devices for those enduring a divorce, struggling with teacher, parent, or sibling relationships, and planning their futures. He also shares wisdom on such subjects as death, politics, and God.

Whether you take the tests he's provided, take the advice he doles out, or just take a cue from the personal stories he shares, you're bound to make smarter choices in your life, and that's all Bill asks for.


Download Description
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The bestselling author ofThe O'Reilly Factor, The No Spin Zone, and Who's Looking Out for You? talks straight to kids this time. He is as demanding, direct, and wry as ever -- but he's also more revealing too, sharing candid snapshots of his own childhood throughout.

Bill O'Reilly, a former schoolteacher, now an award-winning broadcast news journalist, husband, and father of two, joins forces with an experienced educator to bring you, America's youth, a code of ethics by which to live. In this latest book, Bill takes to task bullies, cheaters, advertisers who target you irresponsibly, and parents who fight for their children to win undeserved honors instead of earning them on their own merit.

He lays bare the unvarnished truths about sex, money, smoking, drugs, alcohol, and friends. What he has to say about these issues may very well surprise you. He offers coping devices for those enduring a divorce, struggling with teacher, parent, or sibling relationships, and planning their futures. He also shares wisdom on such subjects as death, politics, and God.

Whether you take the tests he's provided, take the advice he doles out, or just take a cue from the personal stories he shares, you're bound to make smarter choices in your life, and that's all Bill asks for."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In this essential new book, star journalist, national best-selling author, #1 cable-news talk-show host, and father of two young children, Bill O'Reilly talks straight to kids about such hot-button topics as bullies, friends, school, sex, drugs, alcohol, the Internet, advertising, money, parents, and more.

Tenacious, outspoken, and intense as ever, O'Reilly renders his own personal antidote to the problems challenging America's youth. Offering sensible advice to help teens find the courage and willpower to stand up and be who they really are, The O'Reilly Factor for Kids advocates thinking through one's choices and illustrates how doing the smart thing is always the right thing to do. Filled with personal reflections, candid observations, sound advice, and thought-provoking questions, it is at once a valuable tool for adolescents who are trying to understand and cope with the challenges and choices that define and shape their lives and an ideal gift from the parents and educators who love and care for these kids.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Sue Stefurak

For middle school teachers, human development counselors, and the parents of teenagers, the O'Reilly Factor for Kids is a must. Kids, on the other hand, don't normally pick up this kind of book unless it is part of the curriculum or their parents have told them to read it. O'Reilly has addressed kids as the audience. The topics are relevant in today's world and no subject is taboo. Topics include stereotyping, bullies, sex, fake self esteem, sports, siblings, T.V., reading, hard work, health, teachers, money, drugs, and dealing with divorce and death. The opinions that O'Reilly gives are conservative. The format is compelling with quotes from kids, and excerpts from O'Reilly's own life. The clear bold-faced advice in each chapter makes good jumping off points for further discussions with children. The book is a page-turner. 2004, HarperCollins, Ages 12 up.

School Library Journal