Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite

The Kid's Guide to Being a Winner by C. D. Shelton is a simple, straightforward, no nonsense book for elementary age children who want to learn how to be winners in their own lives. The book is based upon "old fashioned principles," and it lives up to its intent. In voice which should appeal to young students, Sheldon says that winners always have choices, and they seem to have five things in common.

According to the author, winners take responsibility for their own thoughts, words and deeds. When their actions turn out to have negative consequences, winners own up to it, and they try to make things right. Winners are also thoughtful. They consider the feelings of others and do not act in haste or with malice of intent. Being thoughtful involves cleaning up after oneself and seeing when others may need assistance. Winners are also respectful. People who show respect are worthy of being respected. Winners show respect for themselves by resisting things that could hurt them, such as alcohol, tobacco and drugs. They show respect by listening and turning in homework and doing chores.

Winners also have gratitude for the talents, gifts and love they have been given in life. They focus on what is right and what is good. Lastly, winners have a positive mental attitude, such that, when things do not turn out as planned, they have the presence of mind to take their own learning and turn it into something which will be of value. They are open-minded about things and eager to learn.

This is a wonderful book for elementary children. It can be read by a teacher or the students themselves, and then, the students could role-play being winners or losers by the way they think, feel and act.