Make the Grade    by Lesley Schwartz Martin Order:  USA  Can Zest, 2013 (2013) Softcover, e-Book     Reviewed by Bob Walch In Make the Grade: Everything You Need to Study Better, Stress Less, and Succeed in School, Lesley Schwartz Martin offers tips to students on how to make school less stressful. No one can guarantee that a youngster will get straight A grades or make the honor roll every semester, but this book does suggest there are things that can be done to make homework, studying and taking tests a little easier. 'Setting goals, making a schedule, and improving relationships with teachers can all have a major impact on your overall success,' writes Lesley Schwartz Martin in the book's introduction. 'And it's not just about grades – it's also about developing habits that will set you up for success in your life outside of school, as well.' How to achieve these goals is explained in four sections. First there's what the author calls A Roadmap to Success. In this section she looks at setting meaningful goals, keeping time in check and how to 'get your head in the game'. This last topic touches on not only maintaining a positive attitude but also how to get involved in what you are learning, get the most out of homework, make connections and formulate questions as you study. In the second part of the book the reader will find material on grades and expectations, working in a classroom setting and note taking. Pay close attention here to the suggestions on how to listen for important clues that indicate what may appear on a future test! Also, focus closely on how to deal with assignment instructions so you fully understand what is being asked of you. In Studying Smarter, the author addresses not only study basics but also how to get organized so you can save time and get the most out of the time you do spend hitting the books. Since so much time is devoted to reading a textbook or fiction for a literature class, it is essential that you know how to read efficiently. A discussion of various reading techniques will make this task easier and help you focus. Finally, the last section of this helpful book looks at testing. Here you'll find material on how to create a study guide, master difficult concepts, and how to create simple tools to make studying for a test easier. There's also a short discussion on how to approach different types of test questions. This user friendly guide is also filled with sidebars that offer time-saving techniques and confidence-boosting exercises; checklists to make sure you stay on task; and charts that offer guidance in navigating difficult subjects. School doesn't have to be an angst ridden experience if you know how to approach it correctly. Make the Grade offers a roadmap that will make the journey much easier. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews