Best Teen & Young Adult Family Issues
Meticulously researched, drawing on the 658 letters Vincent wrote to Theo during his lifetime, Deborah Heiligman weaves a tale of two lives intertwined and the extraordinary love of the Van Gogh brothers. Boston Globe–Horn Book Awards Winner, Nonfiction "A remarkably insightful, profoundly moving story of fraternal interdependence and unconditional love." This illuminating glimpse into the van Goghs’ turbulent life and historical period will add compelling depth to readers’ understanding of the iconic painter. ". "An intensive exploration of their turbulent lives" ― Publishers Weekly , starred review , on Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers. "This title is a treasure for readers who want to immerse in a roiling domestic drama and who don’t back away from a good cry" ― The Bulletin , starred review , on Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers. "Passion, intimacy and family love propel this masterful, suitably impressionistic portrait of the relationship of artist Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo. "The unlikely, and happy marriage of Charles Darwin and Emma Wedgewood comes to life in Heiligman's intelligent and fast-moving book."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"In college I read The Letters of Vincent van Gogh and although I remember that I didn't particularly dislike it, I didn't especially like it either. I feel like I remember Theo seeming annoyed with Vincent and that there was more tension there than Heiligman develops in her book."
"What a surprise to find I came away from this book with a deeper understanding of Vincent and his art and the love the Van Gogh brothers had for each other."
"Excellent book with a good reader but there was a problem."
"Vincent Van Gogh's life is the stuff of legend now filled with passion, creativity, and the larger-than-life personality of a man whose paintings would change the art world forever with their contributions to Post-Impressionism. Vincent didn't realize he wanted to be a painter until he was in his twenties--he made up for the late start with a zealous commitment to his work and a prolific output over the course of his short life. Theo nurtured Vincent's talents, supported him financially, and made sure his paintings were seen in galleries that were beginning to move away from the old masters and show art in newer, brighter and more abstract styles. Short chapters and inventive formatting make even familiar information feel novel as Heiligman delves deep into Vincent's early life, his changing relationship with Theo, and his rocky journey as both an artist and a young man. New perspectives on key points in Vincent's life as well as detailed information about the brothers' early devotion to each other--and the previously little known painting that documents that moment--add new insights even for readers familiar with the artist and his art. Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers is a fascinating and informative story that tenderly explores the momentous and sometimes tragic lives of two of the art world's most important figures."
"This book gives one an insight into the life of a very troubled. person and the relationship with his brother."
"Rather, it was very entertaining and read at times like a novel with dialogue scattered throughout and beautiful scenery. Shifting between Theo and Vincent's point of views, we see the two grow from small boys to grown men who drift apart and together again in times of stress and hardship. However, the level of detail is not too deep that it would bore or confuse a young reader."
"Whenever I read about van Gogh I think of his paintings I've seen in Chicago and Cincinnati and how they have affected my like no other artist."
Essays by family and friends help to tell Esther’s story along with an introduction by award-winning author John Green who dedicated his #1 bestselling novel The Fault in Our Stars to her. John Green dedicated The Fault in Our Stars (2012) to Esther, and in his introduction to this memoir, he notes that while he’s proud of Fault’s success, “the one person I most want to read it never will.” Featuring essays from friends, family, and doctors and curated by her parents, this collection—part autobiography, portfolio of her fiction and drawings, and photo album—is a touching eulogy, and it fulfills her dream to be an author.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I love that this book exists, as it's a way for Esther's words and writing to live on and find new people to inspire. Along with writings from her journals and blog posts, and even some transcripts from her videos, there are also stories from the Catitude members who knew her best, her friends and family, other great people that got to know her like the DeGeorge brothers and Andrew Slack, and even her doctor."
"Esther, her parents, noted author John Green, and others tell not only of Esther's life, but of her efforts to make this world a better place. You can help by visiting This Star Won't Go Out at http://tswgo.org/. My fundraising efforts can be found on St. Baldrick's page www.stbaldricks.org/participants/KristaTheBaldAvenger."
"Even those of us who totally believe and know death is really a new life I. Heaven has an. awesome young lady now..."
"I later came across this book while shopping for random things one day, and bought the Kindle edition because it was cheaper. One of the. reasons I loved this book was the fact that Esther Grace Earl is a real person, therefore cancels out almost all possibility that she would be a Cancer Kid, a lifeless figure made of his/her disease that many authors fall back on while creating (or attempting to create) a meaningful story that turns into another Cancer Book."
In Chinese Cinderella , Adeline Yen Mah returns to her roots to tell the story of her painful childhood and her ultimate triumph and courage in the face of despair. Following the success of the critically acclaimed adult bestseller Falling Leaves , this memoir is a moving telling of the classic Cinderella story, with Adeline Yen Mah providing her own courageous voice. Adeline Yen Mah is a writer and physician.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I wanted to read this book as a resource for my talk and my two Cinderella books at Amazon."
"A very well-written poignant, dolorous true story about a young girl looking to be loved and treated equitably by her nuclear family only to find coldness and rejection by her father and hostile stepmother in a China in transition from feudalism and British imperialism to Maoist communism."
"By hard work, persistence, some timely encouragement from other family members and kindly nuns she turned despair into triumph."
"This is the best book I've ever read!"
"a good book to know the story of a modern Chinese Cinderella, it is inspiring and encouraging for people to understand a successful Chinese lady as well as Chinese culture in the old days."
"A must read for adults and youth."
"At the end of his talk, which he gave smoking nonstop, he asked if there were any questions. I certainly appreciated learning a little about Chinese characters, and the meaning behind names... and, too, the exchange between Ye-Ye and Adeline near the end when she announced her displeasure with reading Chinese... that exchange was absolutely priceless."
Best Teen & Young Adult Adoption Issues
A deeply personal and inspiring memoir recounting one woman's struggles--beginning with her birth in prison--to find self-acceptance Even at twelve years old Deborah Jiang Stein, the adopted daughter of a progressive Jewish couple in Seattle, felt like an outsider. "Prison Baby , one woman's profound quest for family and identity, is also a soul stirring call to arms on behalf of incarcerated women and their children. “A compelling story of loss, addiction, and healing…told with grace and much heart.”. —Heidi W. Durrow, New York Times best-selling author of The Girl Who Fell From the Sky “At a time when more and more women are being incarcerated worldwide, Deborah Jiang Stein's story of the secrets and ignominy surrounding her prison birth gives readers a brave account of the backlash children and society encounter when families are torn apart by addiction, prison, and shame. More than anything, Deborah's book is a call for an open-eyed examination of our broken criminal justice system, and a heartfelt plea for more compassionate responses to poverty and mental illness.”. —Naseem Rakha, author of The Crying Tree "A profoundly moving search for identify, Prison Baby is as inspiring as it is haunting. —Katrina Kittle, author of The Blessings of the Animals. “Prison Baby is an emotionally charged, transformative story about one woman's search for her true origins. Candid and searing, Deborah Jiang Stein's memoir is a remarkable story about identity, lost and found—and about the author's journey to reclaim—and celebrate—that most primal of relationships, the one between mother and child. I dare you to read this book without crying.”. —Mira Bartok, author of The Memory Palace " Prison Baby hits all the emotions of the who, what, where, when and why's of adoption right on the head of the nail!
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"When Deborah was twelve-years-old, she discovered, while snooping through her adoptive mother's dresser drawers, that her birth mother was a heroin addict and was in prison when Deborah was born. Deborah's writing style is superb; how could it not be?"
"This utterly fascinating story, about an adopted child who discovers she was born in prison, is so well written, so honest in its emotion, and so brave in its telling, is unforgettable."
"Deborah Jiang Stein tells the story of her prison birth in an amazingly powerful telling of not just her prison momma, but the author's slips through adolecence and adulthood."
"But as she travels to women's prisons, Deborah Jiang Stein finds many women who have had the experiences her first mother had-- of being forced to give birth in prison for crimes related to addiction. As an adoptive parent and as a recovering addict, the most pain I felt--the places I cried--were in Deborah's description of how sorry she felt was as her adoptive mother was dying. However, as a recovering addict, I do not fully forgive myself for my clueless, heartless behaviors when I had my emotions and empathy buried under an ocean of alcohol and I thank God I didn't have kids at the time, but I did have parents and I did hurt them and I do feel tremendous remorse about that. But I also found myself wishing that her mother had tried harder to understand Deborah's needs and especially had not kept the secrets from Deborah or tried to smother all questions with her love and her parental competence. At the same time, her parents adopted Deborah without any benefit of generational hindsight. "Adoption research surveys indicate that not until the 1970's did more than a thousand white families include adopted children of color. I was too scared to eke out even one word to her in response, to tell her I didn't feel part of anything.-DJS". My parents adopted my mixed-race (considered black) brother at almost the same time in US histgory as Deborah was adopted, the 1960's. Rendering someone invisible will result in a failure of empathy that Deborah experienced from her loving, privileged parents. Because of my personal experience and reflection, I was aware of these dynamics when we began our adoption journey but I really wanted to be a parent. When I announced (because I am the announcer) that my husband and I would attempt to adopt locally and seek same-race adoption, I ran into a world of problems that I won't go into for this review."
"An incredible book."
"This book clearly shows how broken the system is, This little girl's life could of been so different if she would of had answers early on."
Best Teen & Young Adult Marriage & Divorce Issues
This book gives them everything they need to get through their parents' divorce and keep it from taking a long-term emotional toll. This workbook helps teens understand their feelings, cope with parental fighting, and be happy after their parents' divorce.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I usually just skim the stories and at times have skipped over entire activities because the activities are elementary-like, and the high schoolers I work with don't take them seriously."
"this workbook was really helpful for me, and unlike other workbooks it didn't make me feel...crazy or undermined or anything."
"Great for working with teens and preteens."
"It was an okay book and even since it's aimed at teens it didn't really interest me or help me deal with depression."
"I love using this workbook with teens."
"This workbook is an amazing tool to have as a Clinician working with children."
"I have used it with some of my clients."
"Great book....but mine is missing pages 27-58 (instead of these pages there is a second copy of pages 1-26)."
Best Teen & Young Adult Parental Issues
An easy timeline to help high school students maximize each of their 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade years and optimize their chances of getting into the college of their choice. Over the last fifteen years, through city wide community parent and student workshops, nonprofit online and in person seminars and through her professional school counseling responsibilities, Valerie has helped thousands of first generation and traditional students streamline the seemingly daunting process of academic planning, finding resources and applying to college.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Our kids don't seem to be getting a lot of this information from schools, so they need to be taught these things at home!"
"This book is to provide a grocery list so at the end of four years you can kick back and enjoy a gourmet meal."
"I have purchased this book several times for family and friends that are entering high school and it is an invaluable guide - kudos to the authors!"
"It highlights all the necessary steps for high schoolers (and their parents) to stay on target for picking and attending the right college."
"This book help parents a great deal to know what is needed and in what order so they will be prepared for college."
"This book is essential for high school students who are planning to attend college!"
"Should have gotten this book when my grandsons were just entering High School."
Best Teen & Young Adult Death Issues
Essays by family and friends help to tell Esther’s story along with an introduction by award-winning author John Green who dedicated his #1 bestselling novel The Fault in Our Stars to her. John Green dedicated The Fault in Our Stars (2012) to Esther, and in his introduction to this memoir, he notes that while he’s proud of Fault’s success, “the one person I most want to read it never will.” Featuring essays from friends, family, and doctors and curated by her parents, this collection—part autobiography, portfolio of her fiction and drawings, and photo album—is a touching eulogy, and it fulfills her dream to be an author.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I love that this book exists, as it's a way for Esther's words and writing to live on and find new people to inspire. Along with writings from her journals and blog posts, and even some transcripts from her videos, there are also stories from the Catitude members who knew her best, her friends and family, other great people that got to know her like the DeGeorge brothers and Andrew Slack, and even her doctor."
"Esther, her parents, noted author John Green, and others tell not only of Esther's life, but of her efforts to make this world a better place. You can help by visiting This Star Won't Go Out at http://tswgo.org/. My fundraising efforts can be found on St. Baldrick's page www.stbaldricks.org/participants/KristaTheBaldAvenger."
"Even those of us who totally believe and know death is really a new life I. Heaven has an. awesome young lady now..."
"I later came across this book while shopping for random things one day, and bought the Kindle edition because it was cheaper. One of the. reasons I loved this book was the fact that Esther Grace Earl is a real person, therefore cancels out almost all possibility that she would be a Cancer Kid, a lifeless figure made of his/her disease that many authors fall back on while creating (or attempting to create) a meaningful story that turns into another Cancer Book."
Best Teen & Young Adult LGBT Issues
This haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion marks the stunning debut of a provocative new voice in contemporary fiction: The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting coming-of-age story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up. What is most notable about this funny, touching, memorable first novel from Stephen Chbosky is the resounding accuracy with which the author captures the voice of a boy teetering on the brink of adulthood. We learn about Charlie through the letters he writes to someone of undisclosed name, age, and gender, a stylistic technique that adds to the heart-wrenching earnestness saturating this teen's story. It's like looking at all the students and wondering who's had their heart broken that day, and how they are able to cope with having three quizzes and a book report due on top of that. With the help of a teacher who recognizes his wisdom and intuition, and his two friends, seniors Samantha and Patrick, Charlie mostly manages to avoid the depression he feels creeping up like kudzu.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"In those days homework was accompanied by radio with Rock and Roll music thanks to Alan Fried, Ranger hockey against Maurice Richard, and Gene Shepard,the best story teller of all time."
"The movie was extremely faithful to the book, only (as to be expected), the book goes more into depth with relationships and Charlie's emotions and thought processes."
"I also appreciated the lecture Sam gave him, because those are also the values that have brought me success in my life."
"The main character is so well defined, that he is driving you almost crazy along the storyline!"
"Favourable comparisons to "The Catcher In The Rye" have been made by literary critics, and they are valid, even if Salinger's narrator is outwardly the complete opposite of Chboksy's."
"It was quite extraordinary, though it's very faithful (since the author wrote and directed it), and has taken all the suspense out of the book. I'm sure it DOES appeal to lots of young adults, and that's fine, but it's just as powerful for adults."
"I know that I'm about 15 years late reading this, but I finally got around to reading The Perks Of Being A Wallflower. To be honest, I didn't like this book as much as I was expecting to, but I think that's mainly due to the fact that a lot of people consider this their favorite YA book of all time, and everyone praises this book non-stop, so maybe I was expecting more. Freshman year of high school was one of the hardest years of my life due to the fact that I felt completely alone, and this made me feel really nostalgic for that time. This book got to be very depressing at times and it was really hard to read because it took me back to the times in high school where I was really depressed. I felt a lot of the same loneliness and hopelessness that Charlie feels throughout the book. I haven't felt like that in a long time, so at times this book was difficult to read. I relate so much to when he talks about seeing a couple and if you feel happy for them, it's good because it means you're happy too. If it makes you sad to see other couples, it's not because you're jealous, or you want them to be unhappy, but because you crave that same kind of happiness that is missing from your life. I just understand the things that Charlie goes through in this book."
Best Teen & Young Adult Bullying Issues
Teen advocate and trailblazer Jazz Jennings--named one of "The 25 Most Influential Teens" of the year by Time --shares her very public transgender journey, as she inspires people to accept the differences in others while they embrace their own truths. This groundbreaking interview was followed over the years by other high-profile interviews, a documentary, the launch of her YouTube channel, a picture book, and her own reality TV series--I Am Jazz--making her one of the most recognizable activists for transgender teens, children, and adults. Jazz has faced many challenges, bullying, discrimination, and rejection, yet she perseveres as she educates others about her life as a transgender teen. PRAISE FOR JAZZ JENNINGS: "Jazz is one of the transgender community's most important activists." I found it deeply moving in its simplicity and honesty.” — Laverne Cox, acclaimed actress and transgender advocate “A terrific and timely book that explains to kids what it means to be transgender and — more importantly — that reminds kids our similarities are much more important than our differences.” — New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult “All young people — regardless of difference — deserve the things Jazz shares in her lovely book: a loving family, supportive friends, and the freedom to be their true selves. A beautifully illustrated and accessible primer on one trans girl's journey of living her truth.” — Janet Mock , New York Times Bestselling author of Redefining Realness “ I Am Jazz is honest, inspiring, and beautiful—but its greatest strength is it never apologizes for being different.” — New York Times bestselling author. Brad Meltzer.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"thought it was an enjoyable book and gave a real insight to Jazz."
"Beautiful girl, beautiful family, and beautiful story."
"This amazing girl has more courage than anyone I know."
"Highly recommended, Jazz is an informative and entertaining narrator to her own life as a transgender child."
"Jazz discusses some difficulties she and her family have faced in life due to discrimination, but overall she has it pretty darn good and she is fully aware of that and--unlike many kids her age--she is grateful. Unfortunately it seems like high school never ends, but Jazz has her head on straight and proves in this book that she is a great role model...and not just for children! There are life resources for the LGBT community and for friends and allies, but there are also lists of books for kids, teens, and adults (fiction and nonfiction) and even TV shows and films featuring transgender characters."
"She is bright, beautiful, and every bit a she."
Best Teen & Young Adult Special Needs Issues
This positive, straightforward book offers kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders covers all of these areas, with an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance. [a] big thumbs up to [the] authors for tackling a tough subject and giving voice to the very group it impacts—kids with autism.”—Louise Sattler, school psychologist, contributor to Education.com. They have produced an informative, practical guide for late elementary and middle school students that neither talks down to them nor floats above their heads.”— VOYA. “This book is designed to be a resource for the entire ‘team of helpers’ rooting for every child trying to reach [his or her] full potential, including parents, teachers, friends, and support staff. “Filled with useful, accessible advice; appealingly colorful, and jauntily illustrated, The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders should be one of the first books a family buys after a diagnosis. I wish it had been around when my own son was the right age for it, but I’m glad it’s here now; it will be invaluable to so many children and their families.”—Claire LaZebnik, coauthor of Overcoming Autism and Growing Up on the Spectrum.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"For the child who truly doesn't remotely recognize or care (that word seems harsher than I'm looking for, but I can't quite think of a better one right now) about those differences, these explanations and strategies are of little use. But in our case, he truly doesn't see or care about these cues or the benefits that recognizing and responding to them might bring him."
"Although I have not gotten through the entire book yet, this is a pretty simple and yet complex little reading item."
"I bought this for my son who has Autism."
"My 13 year old son, who has autism, loves this book."
"Got this guide as a mental health professional who works with kids on the autism spectrum and their families."
"Excellent tool for a school social worker."
Best Teen & Young Adult Peer Pressure Issues
Whether it’s online, on TV, or in magazines, images of impossibly perfectand mostly Photoshoppedyoung women are everywhere. In The Body Image Workbook for Teens , you’ll find practical exercises and tips that address the most common factors that can lead to negative body image, including: comparison, negative self-talk, unrealistic media images, societal and family pressures, perfectionism, toxic friendships, and a fear of disappointing others. I can’t wait to use the wisdom in these pages with the girls I work with!”. Rosalind Wiseman , author of Queen Bees & Wannabes , the book that inspired the motion picture, Mean Girls. Filled with activities and peer anecdotes, this book helps girls identify the specific steps to confidently navigate the journey toward self-love. There are few educators who understand girls as well as her, and The Body Image Workbook for Teens is an exceptional example. Educators, school counselors, therapists, parents, and of course, teensthis is the tool we have been waiting for!” Lisa Flynn , founder and director of ChildLight Yoga and Yoga 4 Classrooms , and author of Yoga 4 Classrooms Card Deck and Yoga for Children: 200+ Yoga Poses, Breathing Exercises, and Meditations for Healthier, Happier, More Resilient Children.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I've used a couple of these activities in an eating disorder setting, and they worked well."
"I bought this for my preteen daughter."
"Fantastic workbook for teens struggling with body image issues."
"Bought this for my daughter, she said it was good."
"I love using these with my middle school students."
"Great book to use in therapy with teens."
Best Teen & Young Adult Dating
You're surrounded by sex constantly--in movies, on TV, video games, music, the Internet. Every Young Man’s Battle shows you how to rise above today's debased, self-seeking culture by examining God's standard, training your eyes and mind, cleaning up your thought life, and developing a plan. Steve Arterburn and Fred Stoeker, the authors of the hard-hitting best-seller Every Man?s Battle, now focus on the temptations young single Christian men like you face every day?and they offer workable, biblical strategies for achieving sexual purity. Every Young Man?s Battle will show you how to train your eyes and your mind, how to clean up your thought life, and how to develop a realistic battle plan for remaining pure in today?s sexually soaked culture.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I've seen a lot of knocks on here for the graphic nature of this book, but for me personally, reading it and applying the strategies and concepts to my own addiction has been life and soul saving. I appreciate that the authors don't shy away from the graphic details because it shows just how nasty a porn addiction can become (and makes those of us who have gone to some really dark places not feel alienated and alone in the fight). Because they address the very topics in porn and masturbation that my dad was too bashful or naive to talk about. Parents, if you're concerned that the content is inappropriate, read it for yourselves and talk to your son about the strategies."
"Straight talk no-holds barred for your the teenage man."
"Very awesome book for teenager boys."
"This book was a good read for my son and I."
"Im currently still reading this book."
"Listen, I don't agree with many of the theological positions directly or inadvertently espoused in the book, but this is a book ever young man, and old man need to read."
"Nor should you put such detailed sexual images in a book that is suppose to help teens with their porn addiction."
Best Teen & Young Adult Suicide
Surviving her suicide attempt but losing her legs launched Kristen into an even deeper battle with depression and suicidal thoughts, as well as unrelenting physical pain—all from the seat of a wheelchair. For anyone struggling to find the strength to go on, the message of this heart-wrenching yet hope-building book is a clear and extraordinary reminder that even when we give up on life, God doesn’t give up on us. Kristen Jane Anderson’s riveting story unmasks the thief and gives hope a face.”. —Dr. I hope you’ll read her story, see her smile, and know why she lives.”. —Michael Easley, former president, Moody Bible Institute.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"As the mother of a child who tried to end her own life, this story was very insightful."
"If you have someone who is thinking about suicide, get them to read this book."
"This book does an excellent job of presenting the conflict and confusion that is present in almost every teenager's life, and the drastic consequences that can occur if the issues are not dealt with properly."
"The title of this book says it all!"
"The author uses her pain of the past to now encourage others and inspire them on to a life truly worth living for Christ."
"I have a hard time wrapping my mind and how much can God love me and humankind when we are all messed up in a way or two...."
"I loved reading Kristen's story."
"Myself, a childhood cancer survivor and later leg amputee, can relate to some of the situations and feelings the author experienced."
Best Teen & Young Adult Violence
When the war began, Irene Gut was just seventeen: a student nurse, a Polish patriot, a good Catholic girl. Forced to work in a German officiers' dining hall, she learns how to fight back. She spent a year tending to the ragtag remnants of a Polish military unit, hiding out in the forest with them; was captured and raped by Russians; was forced to work in a Russian military hospital; escaped and lived under a false identity in a village near Kiev; and was recaptured by the Russians. In translating Opdyke's experiences to memoir (see Children's Books, June 14), Armstrong and Opdyke demonstrate an almost uncanny power to place readers in the young Irene's shoes.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Just finished and loaning to a friend."
"It's listed as Young Adult and I do think it is an important read for teenage girls but I think it is something everyone at every age should read."
"A gripping, reads-like-fiction true story of an incredible, selfless young girl who allows the horror of war to mold her into a heroine."
"The bravery, tenacity and resilience of Irene in this harrowing story is incredible."
"Interesting, inspiring, but not especially different from many other stories of brave compassion during the Holocaust."
"A true story of the sacrifices people made for each other during such an ugly time in the history of our world."
"Irene Gut is a teenager and a nursing student when the Germans invade Poland at the start of WWII. Irene was honored with the title "Righteous Gentile" at Yad Vashem holocaust memorial in Israel."
Best Teen & Young Adult Sexual Abuse
In. Sexual Assault: The Ultimate Teen Guide. , Olivia Ghafoerkhan describes the various ways sexual violence can be perpetrated, discusses myths many teens believe about the subject, and outlines how young adults can get the help they need to begin the healing process. This important teen guide performs two crucial functions: educating teens on numerous myths associated with sexual assault, and showing teens how to help both themselves and their friends. Given that teens are, according to the author, more likely to confide about these assaults to their friends rather than to an adult, Sexual Assault: The Ultimate Teen Guide. provides essential guidance for the all-too-many teens who have to confront these issues.... The author begins by discussing the many ways sexual assault happens, followed by the myths that surround the situations and the ways a person can get help if it happens to them. The author discusses how important it is to speak up about instances of sexual assault, but that many times the person to whom the victim speaks is a friend who may not be able to help.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"If we can quit trying to hide incidents of sexual assault and start to examine them, we are one step closer to creating solutions...to creating a society where sexual assault is recognized for what it is and hopefully in many cases prevented."
"This easy to read guide has several different aspects: personal stories, media recommendations for further information on the topic, helpful tips and quizzes."
"This book is very insightful, and I believe is a useful resource."
Best Teen & Young Adult Pregnancy
These questions sparked Gaby’s high school senior project: faking her own pregnancy to see how her family, friends, and community would react. But more than that, Gaby’s story is about fighting stereotypes, and how one girl found the strength to come out from the shadow of low expectations to forge a bright future for herself. Gaby Rodriguez made national headlines in 2011 when, as a seventeen-year-old high school senior from Toppenish, Washington, she revealed she had faked a pregnancy for a class project.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"There have been plenty of discussions regarding the ethics of what Gaby did, but I personally feel she made a great contribution to non-fiction teen literature. The harassment that her boyfriend (Jorge) had to endure really did highlight reasons why boys leave teen moms."
"interesting that it's based on high school, but adults can learn to: NOT TO JUDGE."
"There are parents and few friends saying this book isn't appropriate for my kids my age. That fact alone is enough reason why younger kids need to read this book and know about this stuff."
"It takes a lot for me to sit still long enough to read a book for 20 minutes, but i did love this book, and managed to sit a couple hours. This book is a great way to understand someone who has so little, and breaks those stereotypes, racial comments, and the bad reputation a person can have in high school."
"Great book!"
"Teenagers tend to get pregnant at a younger age nowadays and got drop out from the high school."
"I learned that judging a book by its cover, is never ok. And that you never know what someone's background is."
Best Teen & Young Adult Homelessness & Poverty Issues
As her mother spirals out of control, Ashley is left clinging to an unpredictable, dissolving relationship, all the while getting pulled deeper and deeper into the foster care system.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I was deeply troubled by what occurred to her while in foster care and my heart tore in a million pieces. I remember seeing my day taken away from us kids the day before foster care picked us, kids, up...thus, relating to Ashley Rhodes-Courter's memoir was easy and sad."
"A story about a girl who is thrust into the foster system (USA) as a little child and stays there for years."
"Ashley shows a lot of courage in telling her own personal story, as she received some backlash for speaking about what happened to her. When you finish this book, don't stop at the end - "Three More Words" explores her young adult years and how her childhood impacted choices she made throughout her life."
"We're considering fostering kids, so I've read a handful of books on the topic and, so far, this one I think has given the most accurate portrayal of the challenges of both the foster system and the kids who have to endure it plus a nice ending about advocacy and hope."
"This young woman tells the true story of her life and being taken from her mother at the age of two."
"At the Moss' home she was deprived of food,forced to run laps in the burning Florida sun if she misbehaved in the slightest, made to drink hot sauce, treated like a lackey in general ,and spanked with a cooking spoon."
"It is based on a true-life story of a girl and her little her brother growing up in foster homes and shows how many children fall through the cracks in an overburdened and sometimes uncaring legal system."
Best Teen & Young Adult Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance Issues
Cooking for teens, like finding the perfect gift for teen boys and girls, is almost impossible. MEGAN CARLE and JILL CARLE are both graduate students at Arizona State University.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"She was so excited because it said ‘Teens’ in the title and that makes her feel so grown up."
"Christmas gift for granddaughter, age 11."
"Easy to follow directions and healthy recipes."
"Item is exactly as described."
"good cookbook, but arrived wit a waterstains and was dirty."
"Bought for teenage Grandson who likes to cook."
"I would not buy this book for a teenager unless they have expressed an interest in learning to make more complicated recipes then simple teenage favorites."
"Not very healthy, recipes unimaginative and really quite bland."
Best Teen & Young Adult Physical & Emotional Abuse
The workbook is made up of 42 step-by-step self-help activities designed to help you learn anti-bullying tips and strategies, manage emotions such as anxiety, fear, anger, and depression, and learn constructive communication skills to help you express your feelings. If you are experiencing bullying, this book will offer sound psychological support to help you gain confidence in yourself and in your interactions with others. The Bullying Workbook for Teens is a remarkable, relevant resource for both teens and professionals.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book had several ideas and activities that corresponded with realistic situations surrounding bullying."
"I work with teens and the ones dealing with bullying say this is helpful."
"My 13 yr old daughter has been bullied and it has caused her severe depression, this is a great workbook, even her counselor recommends it."
"Have excellent worksheets for teens to process during a therapy session."
"I like the book because it does give a bit of input on helping you understand Bullying, but it's a bit out dated on some of the exercises it offers."
Best Prejudice Books for Teens & Young Adults
A Young People's History of the United States is also a companion volume to The People Speak, the film adapted from A People's History of the United States and Voices of a People’s History of the United States. In his books, including A People’s History of the United States , its companion volume Voices of a People’s History of the United States , and countless other titles, Zinn affirms the power of the people to influence the course of events.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"As this book explains at the beginning, most history books, especially textbooks, look at history from the point of view of power – kings and presidents, scientists and writers and other noteworthy names. Zinn, along with co-writer Rebecca Stefoff, wanted to bring a more accessible version of the book to younger audiences, hence, THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, which is roughly two-thirds as long with significantly less writing per page. The young people’s version pretty much follows the adult version of the book, starting with debunking the myth of Columbus and continuing until about the date of publication, including information on the September 11 attacks, the war on terrorism and the invasion of Iraq. As simplified as this book is, I don’t recommend it for high school students (most of whom can handle the adult version). I would like to see this book used in conjunction with a supposedly “objective” text book and maybe even an explicitly right-wing focused book. In this way, students will begin to understand how we know what we know about history and to understand the limits of objective “truth” in history, which really makes up a large chunk of what studying history is really all about, rather than simply memorizing names and dates. In fact, the book is quite optimistic in the idea that ordinary people, standing up for what they believe in, have the power to change history and thereby correct the mistakes of our imperialistic, racist, classist past to create a more equitable and just future as enshrined in our founding documents."
"I am supplementing with other resources, and we like it as a jumping off point for more investigation, research, and discussion."
"If you haven't read any of Howard Zinn's books yet, this is a great place to start....don't let the "Young People's" part of the title dissuade you....it's truly for everyone!"
"I purchased this for my granddaughter because she loves American history."
"Excellent for my 12 year old son & I."
"An eighty year-old learns how badly he has been duped and taught to be docile and obedient."
Best Being a Teen
The Secret to Teen Power makes the knowledge of the law of attraction accessible and relevant to today's teens.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I know the original book well an this one is the best for teens."
"This is uplifting to young teens experiencing a new chapter in life."
"This is a great version of the secret for teens!"
"great book."
"Bought for great niece she enjoyed skimming through the book."
"Very interesting book!"