Take Time To Play Checkers Author: Misti Snow. Pages: 238. Publisher: Viking. Cost: $16, hardcover.

Today, when political correctness and sophistication is often the key to a writer's success, Misti Snow shows adults that the simple, frank language of children is often more powerful and persuasive.

Kids see the world from a different perspective than adults, and their eyes and words can be innocent yet often profound. Take Time To Play Checkers uses the writings of children and Snow's reflections to explain this complex world we live in through youthful eyes.

We think that Snow achieves what she sets out to do. Tackling a majority of the issues that are on kids' minds, she does this without preaching to kids but selecting a potpourri of their ideas to let us know that we are not alone.

Cross-section of topics

Her biggest challenge in writing this book was trying to give a realistic and representative picture of what kids are thinking about. Snow includes pieces written by kids of all ages on many diverse topics. For example:

Breanne, 10, gives advice on divorce: "If your mom and dad divorce, don't worry. They just ran out of love."

Mark, 12, writes about stress in his life: "I have stresses in schoolwork, playing an instrument, and just everyday things like wondering if the world will blow up."

Paula, 18, writes about drugs: "Kids don't take drugs to be cool. That faded out a few years ago. Now kids are thinking drugs help them deal with life."

A 13-year-old girl writes about her sexual maturity: "I think I'm ready for sex now, but I can wait until I'm 16."

The pieces in the book invoke laughter, tears, empathy and memories.

A book for all ages

Adults: This book will show you the problems kids face and the emotions kids feel every day. It will remind you of your own childhood and help you to see children as unique individuals.

Kids: This book will let you know you're not alone. Everyone has problems just like yours, and you're not a "geek."

Teen-agers: This book will help you relate to younger kids better. It's so easy to think you're so grown up, but this book will remind you how far you've come and how far you have to go.