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Book Review: Sherr, M. E. (2008). Social Work With Volunteers. Chicago: Lyceum Books. 145 pp. $28.95 (paperback). ISBN 9781933478111

In The Educator’s Guide to Solving Common Behavior Problems, Waller effectively integrates the well-read intelligence of an accomplished academic, the finesse of a seasoned practitioner, and the wit and timing of a good story teller. The result is a book that is not only engaging and readable, but also a useful guide to applying solid evidence-based behavioral strategies. Divided into 22 short chapters (four to eight pages per chapter), the author effectively takes behavioral concepts, breaks them into small chunks, reinforces them with evidence-based wisdom, and brings them to life with a lighthearted, humorous anecdote from the author’s own experiences. At the end of each chapter, a highly visible “Points to Remember” text box summary is presented along with suggested readings (e.g., books, Web sites, journal articles) for further interest and exploration. The author models a hopeful approach advocating child-focused strategies, creativity, and meeting a child’s needs without negative (and arguably harmful) techniques, such as yelling, demeaning, or singling out students. One interesting twist this book offers, different than usual approaches (especially those advocated in popular/massmedia sources), is that much of the advice is geared toward what types of behaviors the professional should adopt, rather than placing the onus of change solely on the child. For example, the book advises teachers (or to generalize—anyone working with children) to “always start by asking what you might do differently” (p. 9), “set up the environment to maximize the odds for success and model your expectations” (p. 15), “never ever make a bad example out of a student” (p. 24), “it’s your job to meet the child’s needs, not vice versa” (p. 34), and “The best way to deal with behavior problems is to prevent them by meeting the needs of your students, not to cause them by trying to be too strict, structured, or controlling” (p. 39). A powerful chapter on functional behavioral assessment is probably the most valuable “take away” technique presented. It provides a concise description of functional behavioral assessment along with a single-subject case example that, when taken together, offer enough substance for a professional to go on and analyze the purpose behind a child’s undesired behaviors, in order to tailor and implement appropriate and effective interventions. Perhaps because this book is intended for a professional audience, it does not provide a lot of direct reference to empirical research evidence. However, professionals trained in the basics of behavioral approaches will be able to identify that the recommendations are based on topquality theoretical and research-supported principles. Among the most notable are the classic and seminal works, such as Harlow’s attachment research in chapter 13, Nurturing, and Festinger’s experiments on cognitive dissonance in chapter 19, Using Finesse. Of course, some readers may be unable to discern between supported and unsupported arguments—to those readers, especially to any who may insist that the book’s approach is contrary to effective management of behavior advocated elsewhere, the author suggests, “Do some research. You don’t have to take my word for anything” (p. 111). Although primarily targeted at educators, this book would be useful to a much broader audience, including direct providers of mental health services, providers of family and children’s services, and perhaps even parents who may have a background in children and their behaviors. Social workers especially will recognize the imbedded themes of the profession’s core values, primarily respect, dignity and worth of the person, and importance of the exchanges in human relationships. Furthermore, this book would be an excellent supporting text for undergraduate or graduate classes in fields (like social work) that teach behavior principles. Although it is likely that an in-depth text would be necessary to fully explore behavior concepts, this book would be a helpful supplement to practitioners in bridging the perennial gap between knowledge and practice application. Because this book is so readable (and re-readable), it is the kind of reference that practitioners are likely to go back to and keep using time and again.