Judge Judy Sheindlin's Win or Lose by How You Choose

In her courtroom show, popular TV personality Judge Judy Sheindlin always tells it like it is. But in her first book for young readers, she asks children and their parents to come up with their own solutions to realistic moral dilemmas: "You find a handgun in your father's closet." "You were visiting your friend and your dog had an accident on the floor in his living room." "You notice that the desk next to you, where your good friend sits, has been empty for three days."

Rather than forcing the "correct" answer on readers, Judge Judy provides four multiple choice responses to each situation and encourages families to discuss every answer before choosing. For example, Judge Judy hypothesizes, "You are home alone and someone knocks on the door." Should you (a)not answer the door, (b)ask who it is and open the door only of you know him or her, (c)tell the person to come back when an adult is home, or (d)open the door? Two brief introductions, one to parents and one to kids, provide readers with an approach to moral education, emphasizing ongoing communication. When young people consider and discuss the consequences of their actions, they're far more likely to make socially responsible decisions in life.

Judge Judy Sheindlin has written several bestselling books for adults, including Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever. Illustrator Bob Tore's simple but amusing black and white line drawings are friendly and inviting, keeping the tone light and straightforward. (Ages 7 to 12) --Emilie Coulter