Youth Books

Having completed a B.A. degree in youth ministry, no textbook was more influential for my ministry than this one. I read it again and again to remember why I chose the career path I did. Far from explaining "how to" of "what", this book inspires the reader to answer the question "why". Not a model of ministry, but a theology of transforming lives. Reading this book helps me remember my roots. A practical guide to build a foundation of incarnational theology to youth. In other words, this book helps its reader live as Jesus calls us to.

Working with teenagers in a Catholic highschool, I needed this information and all the stories that went with each theme.I not only was encouraged and inspired by this book,but informed so that I can share this information with those who teach in my department. THANK YOU!

This book, more than any other I have read to date, describes the changes that must take place as youth ministry enters the 21st century. The authors focus upon the necessity of having spiritual, youth relationships rather than just social, youth recreation. The crying need today is for churches to minister as only they can do to the emptiness young people face in their lives. Rather than competing with secular programming, Christian youth ministries are called to offer something entirely different from the secular world.

The authors describe in detail various measures to be taken that will energize youth in their Christian faith. This title is far from a book of programming ideas, but rather a very readable volume of philosophy and theology on youth ministry. I recommend it highly to all youth pastors, and other Christian professionals who will interact with teenagers on a regular basis.

This book reminds those in youth ministry why we are here: to be "God-bearers" to the youth whose lives we are entrusted with. This book is not about methods, how to grow a youth groups, or how to impress the rest of your church. This book is about realizing that at the core, youth ministry exists in order that we can form authentic relationships with young people. This book is a great read for a new youth pastor in order to make sure you have the correct focus in ministry. It would also make an exceptionally good read for the youth pastor who doesn't feel "successful" in youth ministry. Reading this book will encourage you and strip you away from the pragmatic standards of success and remind you that youth ministry only needs to have one authentic relationship with a young person in order for it to be successful.

I didn't give this book five stars because of the way in which it deals with Mary and some of the extra-biblical assumptions it makes. I found this part to be molded to fit the authors' desired point. Neverthless, this was a fairly minor drawback for me and I believe that every youth minister needs to read this book.

While the focus is on youth ministry, the ideas and principles in this book should be read by anybody who is a minister within the church. The "radical" idea of the book is that the church should be focused on changing the heart of people and society in order for all people to reach and strive for a relationship with God.
If you are looking for another gimmick in order to make a youth ministry program grow, this book is not for you. If you are looking for a book in how to minister to youth, thier families and the people who work with them, then this needs to be on your shelf.

Great teenage stories that draw students to want to read the book. I can't keep the series of books in my classroom. As soon as it's checked in it's checked out by someone else.

Have you ever read a book that you can relate to?
Well I just a read a book that was just like that.Diary of a teenage girl book 5: My name is Chloe.I found that it was very easy for me to relate to the main character,Chloe.This book has to do with a teenage girl struggling to fit in and dealing with Christianity.
The book is about this girl Chloe Miller.Most people see her as a rebel she wears long weird clothing.She has piercings,her hair is cut in a weird way.She dyes it all sorts of different colors.She feels like there's nothing important in her life.She feels as though no one understands her.She doesn't have a lot of friends people are afraid of her.Her parents aren't all that different her mother doesn't approve of how she looks.She then make friends with an african american christian girl Laura and a girl Allie who's practicing witch craft.She and Allie become christians.They start playing music together and form a christian band.
I really enjoyed reading this book.The words and the message was really powerful.You could tell that the author was writing straight from her heart.It was very spiritual.I highly recommend it.

Have you ever felt extremely left out? Like you have don't have friends and no one loves you? Well that's how Chloe Miller, a very confused teen, felt. She had used to be such a good girl, but suddenly her life was changing. It seemed as if she had crossed over to the dark side. She began wearing ratty clothes and she always seemed unhappy. When Chloe thought that everything in her life was as horrible as it could get, she realized she was wrong. On one rainy night in her favorite cemetery, she decided to invite Jesus into her heart and become a Christian. Her life then took another dramatic change as Jesus began to solve some of her problems. She started to easily make new friends, went to church, and started a band. You'll have to read the book to see if Chloe's new life will really work out the way she plans.
This book was very interesting and a lot of things happened that I wasn't expecting. I like the Diary of a Teenage Girl series because the books are written like an actual girl's diary. One of my favorite parts was when Chloe decided to become a Christian. Her life took one drastic change and I really felt happy for her. The only thing I didn't like about the book was the way Chloe started out. She was very unhappy and had different friends. But then, if she hadn't been that way, nothing exciting would have happened.
I have a feeling that only girls would probably like this book. There really isn't anything about these books that guys would be interested in. So, if you think it sounds good, I recommend it to you.

This novel is very inspirational and should be read by every teenage girl. Chloe Miller struggles with your everyday teenage problems, fitting in at school, parents, and searching for faith. Chloe surrenders her life to God and forms the all girl Christian band Redemption.

This book is a really easy read. It is written in the form of the diary of the main character, Chloe Miller. This gives it such a real feel, the way it is simply written as a teenager would write. It really helps you relate to the character on a personal level. You read what she goes through and her thoughts and emotions, and you feel them too as you read. I love the way Melody Carlson writes. Her characters are so real, so true to life. Each of the people she describes in this story reminds me of someone I know who is like that. Her descriptions are so detailed, that you even imagine the wrinkles in their faces. She really diversifies her characterization. The three girls in the band are so unique and different from each other. There's, of course, Chloe, the fun-loving, sensitive songwriter who takes her faith very seriously. She dresses very creatively and is laid back about her style. Then there's Laura, the very proper and well kept bass player. She's very tidy and self conscious about her appearance and has a very strong sense of morals. Then there's Allie, the drummer. She is bubbly and hyper and never seems to rest. She's boy crazy and altogether silly, and although she's confident in most situations, she still gets stage fright once in a while. The plot of the story is also very strong. When the girls are performing their first concert, you feel their stage fright with them because of Carlson's elaborate description of the setting, and their emotions. So if you're a girl and into music, you should definitely read this book, it'll teach you things about friendship, struggle, music, and God.

As a teenage girl Chloe has many struggles in her life: no friends at school, getting tormented by bullies, and having her parents not fully accepting her for who she is. Working through these problems can be really hard for Chloe when she has no one to express her thoughts and feelings too. For Chloe she finds relief in playing her guitar and listening to music. She also goes to a graveyard and visits this one specific grave to just sit and think about what is going on. At school one day Chloe meets some friends that are into drugs and stuff that isn't good for your body, she stays in contact with them-specifically one girl-but never gets into the whole drug thing. Later on she visits the graveyard again where she makes a huge change in her life. Chloe accepts Christ into her heart. From that point on everything seems to get much better for her, Chloe and two other girls are starting a band, her parents take notice of her now, and she just feels better as a person. Through weeks of practice the band has gotten really good together. They are now performing at the Paradiso (a small coffee house in town). There next gig is at the Battle of the Bands competition. With help from Willy, someone from Chloe's church, the bands goes through a tough week of practice to insure that they are ready for the competition. When it arrives they perform and didn't really do all that great but it was ok. After all the bands played their song the winners were announced and to their surprise they got second place. Now what will happen that their band has been noticed by important people in the music business?
I would recommend this book to any teenage girl. This book is categorized as a Christian Fiction but it's also suspenseful in a way. You do not have to read the Caitlin books first to understand this story. There are many sequels to this story that I'm sure are really good. If you just like a good story you'd like this book. I liked pretty much everything about this book; I don't have any negatives to mention. The thing I liked most about this book is how I could take the story and relate it to my own life.

This book is a wonderful addition to Nan Henderson's brilliant resiliency trainings! I am a special education teacher and have had the opportunity to participate in a few of her trainings, and I am astounded at the positive impact she has on educators, social service providers, as well as parents. I have witnessed teachers and counselors telling Nan that after just an hour or so in a presentation by her, they have decided to STAY IN THE EDUCATION BUSINESS. This is because her trainings, and this book, are FILLED with positive, research-based validation, inspiration, and practical advice that affirms the power of just ONE resiliency-building teacher in a student's life. Buy the book; buy one for everyone in your school or organization, and then have Nan Henderson come and inspire you in person.

The Pennsylvania Secretary of Education has just mandated EVERY SCHOOL IN PENNSYLVANIA WILL USE NAN HENDERSON'S RESILIENCY MODEL because it what what all kids need to succeed!

Nan Henderson, Bonnie Bernard and Nancy Sharp-Light have provided over a decade of quality information about resiliency.

As a scholar, a practitioner, and a survivor of the foster care system, I wish that more professionals understood and practiced the resiliency-based materials that they have collectively provided over the years.

Their ideas, if used, could reduce school failure, and improve the kinds of outcomes typically endured by young people in the foster care system.

I have a chapter in this book, and hope that any readers will find my experiential view useful in both your work and your life perspectives.

John. R. Seita

Kids Who Outwit Adults



Author:

God Is In The Kitchen
Kids Who Outwit Adults
In Whose Best Interest?

If you buy one book on resiliency, buy this one! This book is packed with helpful information on the philosophy and concept of resiliency - and why it is thee emerging buzz word on working with kids. But this book also gives you lots of practical ideas on how to operationalize this important concept. I used Henderson's previous book on resiliency to write successful grant proposals and to get support from administration on the work we are doing with at-risk kids. This current edition is even more useful. As a clinician you will definitely use ideas from this book for working with children, teens, parents, and schools. Strength-based work has become increasingly important in the mental health field and Nan Henderson has been at the forefront of the resiliency approach.

What a wealth of information for school teachers and counselors. Although it is focused on children, the information is transferable to other age groups. The whole book is full of examples of positive outcomes of "not so good" situations, which is overlooked elsewhere generally. There is a "holistic" approach that does not exclude the Spiritual factors and needs. There are interviews, activities and articles written by a variety of experts. I could recommend this book for schools, parents and especially home-schoolers. I am pleasantly impressed. I had only visited the website. I would like to attend one of the trainings now.
Paula P. Smith, PhD, CTS
Director of Victim-Witness Advocacy
Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia

Resiliency in Action is a great book for Social Workers, Case Managers, Therapists, Marriage Family Therapists, educators, and Parents!!! It provides a new perspective of working with at risk youth and disenfranchised families as well as best practices in raising children. "The Capacity Inventory," "Resiliency Wheel," and the "Resiliency Quiz" are awesome tools in teaching resiliency. The book is well written and covers many environments in where the resiliency concept may be applied (Schools, Communities, and Counseling). I thought the section on resiliency and the brain is indispensable. It is extremely important to understand the connection between experiences and the formation of the brain to be able to create positive change. Resiliency in Action conveys a powerful message in changing the way we think and behave when trying to assist individuals change their lives for the best!!!

This is a great book if you are new to home education. You have questions and people who know you probably have questions.

Read it chapter by chapter or use it as a resource to look up different questions by topic. Wonderful answers written clearly and concisely.

This book is well organized, fun to read, inspirational, and educational!
I recommend this book for anyone thinking about homeschooling or already homeschooling as it has so much good information inside!
Thank you, Ms. Davis!

Hello. When my husband and I decided to homeschool our 4 children (2 were of school age at the time) we received less than enthusiastic reactions. Most of the family opened with "I don't approve of that." or "I think that's just wrong." That was in Spring of 2005.

Recently, I found this fabulous book. How I wish I'd had it back when I made the announcement! Since reading the book myself, I have purchased the book for 4 family members. Our community is one of the best for homeschoolers, so there's more social opportunities than they had in public school. I've found that many of the questions in this book are things that people want to ask, but don't think of or know how to ask.

Today, most of the family still thinks we are wrong for our choice, but 1 has come around, my mom. However, occassionally I still get asked, "honey, wouldn't it be easier to send them to school?" The answer is "yes, but as parents it's our job to do what's right, not what's easy."

Buy this book, read it, share it. There are things you don't know, even if you've been homeschooling for a while. This isn't a heavy book, but a realistic collection of the most common questions about this amazing journey.

This is a great book to help give you great food for thought to answer the question the title asks, which happens all the time if you decide home-schooling is for you. Loved it!

I just finished reading this book and have to say it is very good. Although I already know "why" I chose to homeschool, she reaffirms the decision for me. She makes some excellent points, and she has the facts and statistics that back it up for those doubters out there.

That's right... the 13th resource you want for your ministry is this book! It is creative, challenging and very effective for the new youth worker or an old tenured guy like me. If you work in a church or a para-church ministry, The Top 12 Resources is for you!

This book is an excellent resource for volunteers and career youth workers. Tons of great ideas which will help you open doors to sharing Christ with kids.

This is a very helpful book for volunteers and career Youth Workers. Tons for tools for opening doors to share Christ with teens.

This book is exactly what youth workers need--practical, user-friendly, thought-provoking, in-your-face ideas and resources.
As an in-the-trenches youth pastor, I often don't have time to sift through all the myriad articles, books and magazines to find the help I'm looking for. It's the one resource where I am almost always guaranteed to find help--no hype, this is from my own experience. Jonathan is an excellent communicator who has organized this book in a highly usable way.
I highly recommend this book!!

McKee has written a book that will help anyone working in Youth Ministry today. Everyone starting in Youth Ministry should read it for several reasons. It gives great ideas to get you started. Plus it gives powerful principles that will guide you in years to come while serving in Youth Ministry. I have worked with teenagers for a number of years and still found great tools in his book. The book is a must for Youth Pastors

I really enjoyed this book. As a female I couldnt relate to everything in this book, but there were many situations I felt kin to. He doesnt sugar coat the problems in his life, or pretend his change to Christianity was over night.
I would buy a copy for the male friends in my life to read, only I dont want him to think this man is correct on the topic of submission. For example he says his wife's friends would call to make sure she was cooking for her man. Maybe this worked for their relationship, however, I do not feel God has this outlined as a role for all women in marriage. Some of us are very successful in business and other avenues, we work more then our men or have men who enjoy cooking for us/shared responsibilities. He non-intentionally he belittles women, not his wife or other believers that live up to his standard, but every other woman out there. In his opinion all men in the game want is sex, and all women fall for men through this same avenue.
In the same respect, I think he is just ignorant to it; he handles homosexuality in an awesome and loving way. I found this to be right on!
I also liked the way he discussed his troubles in giving up smoking weed, this is a major topic for most people I know who become believers. I would recommend this book depsite its downfalls it is great for new Christians, especially young men who love hip hop as it is parallelled throughout the book.

I can't top what has already been said about this awesome book! It inspired me, challenged me...I could not put it down. I will be buying more copies for friends. I thank the Lord for Mykel (and Sheeri.) They have the amazing ability to be so passionate for Christ yet real and humble in their walk. Hey, I would love for them to write a book on parenting! They have great insight....Blessings Mykel and Sheeri!

It's about time!

Over the years there has been a brewing desperatation for someone in the hip-hop generation to stand up and be a voice for others who hunger and thirst after a relationship with God. Mykel Mitchell is that voice. He says what many people are thinking and simply cannot articulate. He helps his readers understand that you are more cool being a Christian than not. No pun intended.

I love his expertise on the hip-hop culture. I love the fact that although there was a huge transformation in his life, he didn't lose himself, because the reality is, the Lord can use all of us. Hmph! Look at Paul.

This book needs to be in EVERY household, recording studio, beauty salon, barber shop, prison, school, group home and the like. It is a must-have! It will inevitably cause people to feel uncomfortable, and that is okay. When that happens, just know that is the Holy Spirit at work and don't try to blame the writer.

Lives will be transformed.

This book is a blessig for anyone who wants to know how GOD sees the hearts of this generation. The message of this work,could not have the impact it does ,without the ispiration of GOD. Thank you Mykel Mitchell for being obdient in completing this testament .

What keeps young people away from the church? What can be done to draw them in? Why would young people want to go to church anyway? These are but a few of the questions Mykel Mitchell addresses in his book WORD: For Everybody Who Thought Christianity Was for Suckas. Using his own life as an example, he shares his experiences in a vivid and honest manner.

He begins by explaining why he was turned off by churches and religion and then candidly explains the sense of despair and lack of fulfillment that led him to give it another try. He reflects on how his professional success, material goods and hip-hop lifestyle were not enough to provide a true sense of fulfillment. He reminisces about his journey back to Christianity and the struggles he encountered while trying to be not only a better Christian, but a better man. From there he goes on to discuss various issues such as sex, money, marriage, and forgiveness, all from the Christian perspective. Most importantly he notes, that while he has changed in many respects, he hasn't rejected his hip-hop style.


I can't express what a gem this book is. It is great for churches trying to build or enhance youth ministries because it highlights some of the reasons why some young people are difficult to engage. The book uses everyday language and hip-hop slang to explain some of the basic tenants of Christianity. As a result, it is a book young people can enjoy and relate to. This can be used to expose non-Christian teens and young adults to the faith and would also be a wonderful discussion tool for Sunday School classes and youth groups. Mitchell points out that commitment to God doesn't mean giving up having fun and being hip, but it offers the added security of knowing that God is working in your life and has your back. I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

this book comprised of blessing prayers that allow parents to bless their children in every aspect of their lives, to teach them to treasure God's promises, the blessings God has for them, and helping them to continue to live through their continuing faith in God.
Unlease your blessings.

This is not the sort of book you read at one go and say, "THAT"S NICE". This is a book you do. The more you use this book daily, the more you'll benefit and get out of it. So, set aside the time to use this book and do this book to bless your children. Thank You Pastor Sebastian. May this book release more of God's promise and blessing to our children so that they can enjoy God to the fullest. God bless them plentifully.

Do you want your children to receive the blessings of God? This is a book that all parents should take to heart if you what to bless your children. It is easy to read and use, the concept is simple just need 5 minutes or more depending on what you desire. You'll find out what a great difference your blessings really make in the lives of those you love most (your children). The bottom line is - you need to give time to expose spiritual matter in their lives instead of leaving God's promises and blessings out altogether.
I'm thrilled that here is a book to enrich my family's prayer life and God's promises to pass on.

This is such a great way to pray for & with your child everyday!!! It is very simple & easy to fllow... I LOVE IT!! I am thankful i found it! A must for every parent!

A must to have book for every mom and dad who wants to make a difference in the spiritual lives of their children. The book reminds us of the value of pronouncing blessings - how they can begin to experience God's promises in a different way and becoming aware of the blessings bestowed on them.

Add blessings and excitement of God's promises to their growth. They will benefit by how God's Word communicates to them. It's a tool that will literally prepare them to achieve what God had planned for them.

Book is outstanding. A real weapon in the empowerment of my walk with God and encouragement of others.

Excellent resource for spiritual help. This book addresses everyday challenges and problems faced by Christians. It's an easy to use source for prayer suggestions and accountability for ones actions.

I use this book everyday...it is so easy to find that exact scripture you are looking for. The intro of the book says for teens, but THIS BOOK is for everyone! I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone.

This book is set up in categories that teens deal with and then for each category it lists verses that correspond with that category. Unlike a lot of scripture by subject book that list adult topics, this one has topics like peer pressure, drug use, abortion, alcohol, appearance, astrology, beauty, cults, dating, depression, fear, gossip, homosexuality, love, lust, porn and many others...topics that teens really do seek answers to. The really great thing about this book is that Ive found that there have been times when my concordance didnt produce results about a particular subject but this little book did. Another great thing about this book is that it makes a great reference for those times when we actually have to have a sit down face to face talk with a youth about somehting thats big in their life and this gives us fast facts without scaring our youth with a big fat bible. Ive found that youth will pick up this little reference book and find what they need but the task of finding quick answers int he bible is often to tough so they give up. Sometimes all they need is one scripture to cling to but if it means reading chapter after chapter to find it, they wont bother. Naturally, it has a lot of other great topics too, but I just listed a few of the obvious ones---but seriously, it is a must have.

I discovered this book from my Sunday School teacher several years ago, and I have loved it ever since! I literally cannot keep myself a copy because I enjoy giving it away to everyone. It is an excellent tool for finding appropriate verses about nearly every topic from abortion to dancing. I couldn't imagine planning for a lesson without this book! I truly feel that everyone would be more than pleased with this selection. God bless!

This book provides a concise, while hilarious, look at peer pressure from the teen perspective. A great book for teens and their parents!

Very informative...loved it and will recommend it to all my friends!

This is one of the best books out there on the subject. I found it informative, insighful and fun to read! I have shared it with my friends and family and we have all agreed this is a book you read over and over again!

I purchased this book for my granddaughter who was having some
peer pressure issues at school. This book was very helpful and encouraging to her. Thanks for the wisdom of those who have already been through the Peer Pressure Years!!!

This book has been an enormous help to my teenage son. He no longer feels as if he is,"the only one," who has problems. He refers back to the book whenever he needs help with a problem.

I'm a gay teen who didn't know anyone who was gay and really needed to know that I was the only guy out there going through this stuff. Free Your Mind is an awesome book in many ways, because it's so full of comments and stuff from other people who share similar experiences, that it's hard to feel so alone and different after reading the book. The authors, as well, are really nice people, I've e-mailed them several times and they are incredibly friendly, supportive and loving. When I got it, I kinda hoped that Free Your Mind would provide me with all the answers... it doesn't, nothing can, but it provided me with a sense of hope, pride and one really intensely important message : I am not alone.

Thisis an excellent resource for the family with gay members, or for those who want to better understand gay teens, such as educators or social workers. It is great for gay teens also. I especially liked the sidebars which mention prominent gay people and their contributions to society. I also very much liked the chapter on community support and their suggestions on making the schools more accepting of gay students.

It was really great to read this book.. I was confused, sad, angry.. but this book teached me a lot of things.. To hear other experiences was excellent.. I cried when I saw that other people lived what I lived.. Thank you Ellen and Kate..

I bought this book for my parents and myself shortly after I came out, and I think that it was the best purchase I've made in terms of books regarding gay youth. I've lent it to several of my friends as well, when they've need help in their own coming-out process. It's just enormously comprehensive, and it's extremely interesting and uplifting too. Every gay youth should own this book.

This is simply the best book resource available for gay and lesbian young people - and those that want to give them support.

It offers practical advise not only for youth, but also gives space to parents, educators, and other adults who want to lend support to bisexual, gay, and lesbian youth. It features personal comments from teens who have been there/done that - including two persons who grew up to be instrumental in the popular XY magazine for gay teens.

While not a cure-all, this book can help young people accept themselves, make rational decisions on coming out, and deal with parents, friends, faith and religion, and many other topics... and serve as a primer for those adults who would like to help gay teens, but aren't quite sure how to go about it.

Well researched, well presented, and of all things, still current in terms of content and resources both, this book is the Bible for gayTeenresources.com