1 / 7What Can I Say? by Catherine Newman: Kids’ Social Skills Guide
Kids: What Can I Say? by Catherine Newman is a practical social-skills guide for children aged 10 and up, with scripts and guidance for communicating with friends, family, teachers and their communities. It covers listening, inclusion, self-advocacy, pronouns, bullying and other challenging conversations, supported by graphic-style illustrations.
At a glance
- Provides accessible scripts for conversations with friends, teachers, family and the wider community.
- Topics include inclusion, thoughtful listening, giving advice, self-advocacy, sympathy, pronouns, asking someone out, offensive comments, bullying and trustworthiness.
- Graphic-style illustrations depict familiar situations in a friendly, non-judgmental manner.
Reference price: $23.99
Price checked: Nov 13, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Practical examples address both everyday friendship and more difficult conversations.
- The age guidance is aimed at children 10 and up, with grade level listed as 5 and up.
- Covers expressing oneself while showing empathy and care for others.
Technical specifications
11 specifications| Author | Catherine Newman |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Storey Publishing, LLC |
| Publication date | May 24 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 160 pages |
| Reading age | 10 years and up |
| Grade level | 5 and up |
| ISBN-10 | 1635864348 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1635864342 |
| Dimensions | 16.64 x 1.27 x 22.99 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 1.05 kg |
What to know before buying
- Customer feedback is divided on age suitability and the book’s approach to identity and political themes. Consider whether those topics fit the intended reader and your family’s preferences.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Children around age 10 and up who want concrete prompts for social situations.
- Parents, caregivers or educators seeking a discussion aid for friendship, communication and self-expression.
Less suited to
- Buyers seeking a narrowly focused friendship guide without broader topics such as pronouns, offensive comments or bullying.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
67% 67% - 4 stars
11% 11% - 3 stars
6% 6% - 2 stars
3% 3% - 1 star
13% 13%
Customer feedback describes the topics as helpful and practical for kids, but opinions on the content are mixed. Some customers question its suitability for younger children and object to its treatment of identity and political themes, while others appreciate the material. The high share of five-star ratings sits alongside a notable one-star share, so the aggregate response is not uniformly positive. These reactions matter when choosing a discussion guide for a child, particularly given its stated age range and its coverage of pronouns and difficult social situations.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the topics as helpful and the book as a practical resource for kids.
- Some feedback highlights informative content.
Negative themes
- Some customers consider the material unsuitable for younger children.
- Some criticize the book’s treatment of identity and political topics.
Mixed feedback
- Reactions to the content vary, with some customers appreciating it and others disappointed.
Frequently asked questions
What age is What Can I Say? intended for?
The listed reading age is 10 years and up, and the grade level is 5 and up.
What topics does the book cover?
It addresses listening, inclusion, self-advocacy, sympathy, pronouns, asking someone out, responding to offensive comments and bullying, and being trustworthy.
Does it offer examples of what to say?
The listing describes accessible scripts and guidance for situations involving friends, teachers, family and community.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 160 pages.
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