Youth Books

I haven't had a chance to read this in depth, but that's not why I ordered it. I wanted a good comprehensive list of what my children should know per grade and this is it. Best of all, it's very easy to use! User friendly always rates very high for me!

This book is aweseom for giving you a method to put Christ first in your child's education. It give you the tools to do it yourself and show you resources to assist you. Have a highlighter handy becuase you're going to want to look back at most if it from time to time!

I bought this book because it was suggested by a friend to check for any learning gaps. HOWEVER, I got much more. I came away in awe! I learned how badly I needed to renew my mind regarding education. Mrs. Sampson explains in easy to understand language how many homeschoolers begin on the right path-wanting to teach their children how to be godly- but leave this path due to fear.

This book begins with an explaination of our assumptions about education (with a great parable) and then gives examples and suggestions on how to put education in the right perspective by teaching our children what TRUE wisdom is. Mrs. Sampson gives excellent teaching ideas to make the Bible the focus of your school day. The last part of the book is full of the checklist by grade level (for up to five children).

Reading this book motivated me to get back on the right path and back on my knees making God the Lord of my homeschool NOT the state.

Two chapters of this book describe Mrs. Sampson's unique approach she calls "The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach." It's a great combination of many poplar practical approaches including Ruth Beechick, Charlotte Mason philosophy, and Bible methods. I also found more details in several free download files on the Heart of Wisdom site.

I have used this book over and over and have even bough copies for friends (I won't give mine up!). If you have a small voice questioning if you are on the right path you need this book.

This author also wrote a GREAT unit study on Wisdom.

I bought this book after hearing several homeschoolers tell me how it drastically changed their teaching for the better.

The focus is academic standards should not be separated from spiritual standards! It explains how we need to teach the whole child according to the child's individual God-given gifts. True wisdom progresses beyond intellectual pursuit; it is practical.

The goals outlined in this book will help you prepare, teach, and evaluate your children from a Biblical world view. It will also advise you in helping them become self-motivated, lifelong learners.

This book has four intriguing sections:

The first section explains how we have been conditioned to believe the state is competent to access our children's intelligence! You'll learn how different a Christian world view is and how to RENEW your mind to get rid of this "public education mentality." It includes a look at the Greek history of state education compared to history of Biblical education. The Hebrews focused on the home. Worship, family and academics were taught in the home, not separated subjects in individual locations. The home was more important then the synagogue. The center of all life-- religious, education, and training--was the home.

The second section explains what achievement tests are, test terms, test scores, testing limitations, avoiding testing anxiety, possible benefits from testing, states that require testing, alternative methods of evaluation, and much more.

Section III explains a new teaching approach (based on a combination of several effective approaches including Charlotte Mason, chronological history, Ruth Beechick, etc.) called The Heart of Wisdom.

The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach is centered around reading the Bible through in one year and the creation of a Bible portfolio. The Bible is the main focus and the core of the curriculum, with the secondary focus dedicated developing writing skills using the "writing to learn" method. The H.O.W. approach leads progressively to a renewed mind and to a self-chosen commitment to a life of intellectual and moral integrity. You can use this approach as explained, or adapt it to the methods and curriculum you are using. (Explained in detail on the Heart of Wisdom web site).

Section IV includes check lists are divided according to grade level K-8: Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Science. Studies show "Evaluation Check Lists" are far superior to Achievement Tests. You can evaluate and make notes for up to five children with these lists.

Bible Reading checklist and a Character Traits list are also included as well as extensive glossaries and reproducible forms.

I agree with those that recommended this book- it has changed my view of education drastically!

I purchased this book after discovering another book by the same author, titled: "A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays." This book was such an inspiration to me and helped me to re-evaluate my curriculum choices. For fans of Charlotte Mason and Ruth Beechick, this is a must read! For everyone else considering homeschooling, this book will introduce you to a God-centered method of educating your children, while ensuring you have guidelines to meet state educational standards at the same time.

Very engrossing story and well written however, the small type on the stark white pages really gave me a headache. Maybe I just need glasses. In any event, read the book it's really an unbelievable case.

A gripping, utterly harrowing tale that plugs you right into the soul of a killer. Kirsch dares us to enter the mind of a thirteen year-old killer. Then, we follow him again as he trods mercilessly down the same path, this time years later. A true literary masterpiece, When Love is Not Enough asks us "Why did we let this happen again?" Read this book and gain a new appreciation for life's fragile gift. When Love is Not Enough belongs on every parent's list of required reading. Read it: you'll be glad you did.

This book had me on the edge of my bed. As one of the 'other' neighborhood kids from the Tara Sue case, I already knew the outcome. Yet, I cried my eyes out, and could barely breathe as each event unfolded. Ms. Kirsch is an excellent writer, and spared no details of the double crimes. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has children, anyone who likes to read crime novels, or anyone who likes to read a book that is extremely good! k

A mesmerizing, heart-wrenching story of Timothy Buss, a 12 year old boy who destroys a 6 year old girl. 16 years later, another child is missing...This book will grip you, have you turning the pages well into the night, getting up only a couple times to check on your own children and kiss them for good measure. Mary Ann Kirsch does a better job than most true crime authors on the shelves today. If you like to read true crime or want to explore how American families fail their children, you have to read this one. Enjoy!

I read constantly and this is one of the best. I knew the ending, yet found myself unable to stop reading. Every parent should read this book. It will change your perspective on what's really important and make you want to hold your children close and cherish them. Kirsch's well-written account will keep you up long after the lights should be out.

I thought this book covered some very practical ideas. A lot of the stories found in the book were a bit surprising. He truly made a turn around with some of these kids. He also admits that not everything worked.

At times I found myself getting a little caught up with his sense of an ego lingering through the pages. I almost felt as if there was a bit of bragging going on. Although I think he is a man who deserves to boast since he sacrificed a lot of time and money to help others, not mention often putting his life at risk for his kids.

I gained a couple of good ideas about how to get kids inspired to do things, to build up courage to do the right thing, to ask more of parents, and most of all to emphasize strong morals and values. I'm not talking about religious morals, he vaguely mentions them, I'm talking about being a good person and fighting for justice in your daily life.
He talked about sacrifice, work ethic, respect, integrity. I even learned some things about these values myself. It's what this nation educational system is lacking and I'm glad he brought up!

One thing I found faulty with his system: he had the option of kicking kids out of his schools if they chose not to comply with his standards. That is one very significant option teachers and parents usually don't have.

However, he emphasized parents roles in their children's lives. I would definitely recommend this to parents, because he acknowledges that more often than not bad behavior is caused by a weak structure at home, reading this would only help. He really brings these kids back from the dead as well as some families in the process. I'm glad someone finally acknowledged the growing problem of education systems: the lack of care or concern for these kids BEYOND the classroom.

Mr. White doesn't claim to have a system to cure all of the schools' ills but he certainly has a good start. He also makes the statement that today's kids aren't any worse than we were but just the boundaries aren't as well defined as we had back in the 50's and 60's.

Mr. White does admit to his failures, not every one has coming through his doors went out a better human being but many are able to shop where they want and get ahead instead of stuck in the same dependency cycle.

His rules are simple. He outlines them in the book and how he applies them. He told a story on the radio about a wealthy parent pulling her child out of an expensive private school to attend his charter school. The usual method of admission to his school, Mr. White jokes, is 2 felony convictions. The wealthy parent was impressed with how the kids behaved and were learning much more than at the expensive private school.

Now there is a caveat here, Mr. White's school is only 30 to 40 students with himself, a probation officer, and another teacher in a tough part of town. The teachers and the students spend the whole school day together talking about personal issues as well as the educational topics.

Mr. White has taught in regular schools and admits he has as many non-contract renewals as awards, so everything has not been a bed of roses. He says the biggest key is the administration backing up the teachers and principals. The parents need to talk with the teachers - so this isn't just a teacher working against the system but creating a support system for the students.

paul white has made it simple...just do what is already available to do..the kids will get there if we let them and encourage them. this is a must read for everyone...

i passed this book on to some teachers and adminstrators...they tell me there is a waiting list to read it.

well done

There's tendency as a veteran teacher of twenty-five years to think I have all the answers about how to run an effective classroom. White's Rules is a reminder that what is basic in life is also basic in the classroom. The classroom must provide more than academic instruction; it must be a place where teachers establish the primary values and morals that their students need to survive in the world outside the classroom. This book shows how teachers can demand bedrock solid values of their students and reap the rewards of mutual respect that such values create. White's Rules is not just a book for inner city teachers and their "incorrigibles" it is also a book for teachers like me in the suburbs with diverse middle class kids. The combination of strict consistent discipline and unconditional love is a formula that works. I recommend this book to anyone looking to find what's essential and what works in the classroom today.

I agree with the many points that White makes. Kids will naturally test limits and so clearly defined limits with significant consequences are necessary. But while enforcing rules that students must be punctual, not swear, and not dress like a gangster are worthwhile, the later half of the book is the most important. Teachers should not simply teach kids academics, they also need to teach morals, how to live right, to care for others, and to make a difference. While his rules might not be able to be enforced so strictly everywhere, I think they can be modified and adapated for most schools and other similar organizations. The book is motivational and encouraging, I recommend it to parents, educators, and anyone who works with groups of adolescents.

This book is an honest and indepth look at how guys work and how hard it is sometimes to keep that in line with the standards of God. The emphasis of the whole book is keeping yourself pure by avoiding the same mistakes and finding victory and more importantly God's forgiveness. There's not a Christian guy out there who's required reading should not list this book.

I thought your book was really good. With all the stuff that the media is shooting at us, and just being a guy it can be hard to avoid sexual temptations. Your book really helped becuase it seems like no one ever talks about it, and it therefore is hard to avoid the temptations becuase you don't know how and your book just helped give ways to avoid the temptations.

This book is *the best* book out there for guys in the area of sexual purity. Not too descriptive (which only defeats the purpose) yet real and plain and straight to them. I saw it and got it for my brothers. It's amazing.

I thought your book was really good. With all the stuff that the media is shooting at us, and just being a guy it can be hard to avoid sexual temptations. Your book really helped becuase it seems like no one ever talks about it, and it therefore is hard to avoid the temptations becuase you don't know how and your book just helped give ways to avoid the temptations.

Sex. It's sells everything from cars to toothpaste. Yet very few are willing to talk honestly about it. Bob Gresh not only is frank, but also funny as he tackles issues every teenage guy needs to hear about. The book is layed out in an almost magazine format, with intersting tidbits and sidebars on almost every page, making it an entertaining and easy read. He opens up with stories and struggles from his own life that I was able to learn from. In a solidly biblical format, he spells out not only the truth and lies about sex, but also a gameplan to win the war on lust. I really wish something like this had been around for me when I was a teenager. I am now a youth pastor and plan on getting this book into the hands of all my guys.

I may be Andrea Eagan's daughter, however that shouldn't cloud my view of the book too much, should it? Ms. Eagan taps into the emotions of young girls so well you find yourself wondering if she herself was not still a young woman when she wrote it. Her insight to the problems we face when entering puberty and all through our adolescence is so correct. She helps us understand why we feel the way we feel and what we can do to help ourselves. This is in no way a self help book. Ms. Eagan offers herself to young women as a friend and guide, not some random doctor making a quick buck. She died of cancer just as i hit puberty and were it not for her book I'd be completly lost. I highly reccomend this book for young women as well as for mothers and fathers of young women.. You will not regret it. Daisy Eagan.

The most down-to-earth and honest book for pre-teens and teens ever written. The publishers should re-release it, although I heard Eagan's daughters may be updating the book for a new edition.

I read this book when I hit puberty and it was the guidebook for my young life. I probably would not have made it through adolescence without Ms. Boroff-Eagan's wise words and empathetic tone. The book's style lends itself to use as a guidebook or as a straight through read. I am now at age 37 on the Net surfing for a copy of this book to give to my own teenage daughter. I know that Ms. Eagan's writing style, which it seems was designed to touch the heart, will touch her as deeply as it did me. I only hope I'm able to find a copy of the book!

When I was a teen this was my place to run for answers to all the questions that I was afraid to ask. I don't know what I would have done without this book. I would say that every young woman needs to read this book, it has answers to everything you could ever want to know. The reason that I even found this book today....nearly 17 years after I originaly read it was to refer a friend to it for her daughter. :-)

I may be Andrea Eagan's daughter, however that shouldn't cloud my view of the book too much, should it? Ms. Eagan taps into the emotions of young girls so well you find yourself wondering if she herself was not still a young woman when she wrote it. Her insight to the problems we face when entering puberty and all through our adolescence is so correct. She helps us understand why we feel the way we feel and what we can do to help ourselves. This is in no way a self help book. Ms. Eagan offers herself to young women as a friend and guide, not some random doctor making a quick buck. She died of cancer just as i hit puberty and were it not for her book I'd be completly lost. I highly reccomend this book for young women as well as for mothers and fathers of young women.. You will not regret it. Daisy Eagan.

Book was in perfect condition and came fast. Thank you!!

This book saved the relationship with my first son going through adolescence. Sometimes you just need a little perspective and this book gives that and more in lovely bite size pieces. Working in the suggestions that this author gives is natural and stress free, this is my second copy. I loaned the first out to a friend and she wouldn't give it up when my second started going through his "growing pains," I like to re-read it constantly to keep all of the tips fresh in my mind!

This is an excellent book, and I suggest starting it when you have a 12 or 13 year old - an age when you still have a little control over them! I have the hard cover, which has nice artwork on the cover, and it would make a great gift.

My 14-year-old daughter uses this book very effectively to gently prod me on issues that need a little more attention. Every few months, she puts a few bookmarks in at carefully chosen points. I get to feel like I'm doing most stuff OK, and she gets to give constructive criticism without a fight. THANK YOU

This book offers quick simple tips to solve any number of situations a parent encounters with a teen. Helpful advice will enable the adult to apply sound principals to parenting (and sometimes cause the adult to re-think the way we deal with our teen).

A person could easily read this book in a single day, especially in light of all the good humor and engaging stories it includes. But if that same person puts the advice in this book into practice, that could have implications for a lifetime. What fortunate kids whose parents read this book! (And how equally applicable the advice would be for spouses, friends, employees and others we interact with.)

As a pastor I know the power of a word fitly spoken; as a father I sometimes forget to practice what I preach at home. David Staal's book is a powerful reminder that my calling as father to two sons is greater than my pulpit ministry. In short, but content-packed chapters, Staal equips parents with a toolbox of words that help build up a child's character, self-esteem and trust. The seven phrases he offers up are simple to say, yet require a depth of commitment to make them more than mere words. Immensely practical, I couldn't wait to start applying them with my children even before I finished the book. In addition the three appendices, offer a roadmap for making these words a part of your daily discourse with your kids. The last appendix - a workshop guide, will probably find a place in our Fall education calendar. A great read and a useful tool for all who love children.

I found myself welling up with tears as I read this. While it's written in a straight-forward and engaging manner and it's not overly sentimental, my mind flew back to conversations with my mom. These conversations transformed me into an adult who never knew what it felt like to have someone believe in her. Any apologies were made with a touch of sarcasm. And my mom really was a wonderful mother. She heard hurtful words when she grew up and, as she often reminded me later, no one hands you a manual when you leave the hospital with your baby. She learned from her mother who had "Spare the rod and spoil the child" embroidered on throw pillows. How would words like "I believe in you" and "I treasure you" have shaped me had I heard them when I was a little girl? This book has brought a degree of healing to the relationship between my mother and me. While I've purchased copies of Words Kids Need to Hear to give to friends who have younger children, this book is not just for parents--it's for anyone who has ever had a parent.

Sometimes the right words can make all the difference in the world. In "Words Kids Need to Hear," author David Staal gives seven words or phrases that will help children to not only grow, but also to be a blessing to others.

There are no magic formulas, but there are plenty of stories, along with cautions about going overboard. And in a nice touch, each chapter ends with a Scripture passage where God is sharing the same sentiment with us, His children.

As I read this, I found times myself alternating between pride and chagrin at the words I use with my children and the generally positive words I heard growing up. It struck me that you don't have to stretch this concept too far to be able to utilize these wise words in other relationships. What spouse or business associate wouldn't benefit from knowing "I believe in you" or "I'm sorry, please forgive me"?

A really easy read that would benefit parents to read - more than once.

Well written, easy read, simple/practical truths. In addition to words kids need to hear, it is applicable to adults as well. I bought multiple copies as gifts for family and friends.

I was recommended this book at a church leadership conference and purchased it shortly after. This book will not disappoint you and is well worth the money spent. It can be used to get youth and workers talking in Sunday School or Small Groups. I have also used it to spark discussion in my weekly emails to people in the youth group as a youth pastor.

Wihile substitute teaching in a junior high school, and waiting for an assembly to start the class asked to play "Would you rather..." This involved using the book and students volunteering to call out a number and then answer the would you rather... question. The biggest problem was having the class end before everyone got to answer a question. Turnned out that this was normally a "reward" for hard work. It was very impressive and caused a great deal of comments, replies and interaction.

I purchased this book to use with my combined youth group of 7th to 12th graders. It is by far one of the best resources I have purchased. This book poses questions would you rather a or b and then the kids are to respond and tell why. This is the one book that consistently gets my youth talking. The discussion varies each time due to the various youth that are at an event. We have gotten off track on a number of questions due to the responses and then the youth wanting to respond to that etc. I recently lost my copy and will be purchasing a new one soon.

The What If, Would You Rather, Have You Ever, and Unfinished Sentences have opened doors for conversations with the youth of the church. They are great ice breakers for young adults who are not familiar with each other and start conversations that show differences and similarities of opinions. I would recommend all of them to anyone who works with youth.

This handy pocket book provides a window into the minds of teenagers. Through fun, creative questions, kids become less guarded and begin to open up and share their values. Questions like "Would you rather be gossiped about or lied to?" get them thinking, debating, talking, and laughing. You'll want to keep a copy of this book any place you hang out with kids--in your office, at home, on trips, in your car. This is one resource you'll want for every member of your youth ministry team! Perfect to use for-- Ice breakers - Discussion starters - Community building = Wrestling with faith issues = or just for fun!

Though not as good as his work "Time to Be Bold" (sp.), Michael does a great job of letting you into his world and showing you what God has done in his life. Michael's books excel at making you feel like he is talking just to you. He makes you feel special. He has great sections on how to deal with hard times and some very practical steps to help you grow in the Lord. He has a great love and belief in the power of God's Word. This is perhaps the genius that undergirds this work and his other books as well.

This is one of my favorite books and I also admire the artist for his music talent. There are many authors in the Christian market who are just in it for the money but its clear that MWS is in it to guide and encourage people. The book is well written and he drives the point home without being preachy while making it seem as if he's right there talking to you.

Its for anyone who wants guidance in their life and to know God's will. There are four parts. The first covers a place to grow, to belong to, to make a difference, its basically about find a place to "bloom." The second is Purpose and about finding purpose in your life, the third is passion in your life. What are you passionate about? Is it music or something else? The last part is about God's plan in your life. If your a Christian seeking God's will then I'd really reccomend this book, I'd definitely reccomend it to all regardless of your age.

I have now bought over a dozen copies of this book by Michael W. Smith. Every person without exception has said the same thing. They all felt it spoke to them. Michael "walks the walk" and it shows. I'm back to buy 3 more copies and Amazon.com, you'd better keep 'em in stock for me! :)

When I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. it really helped me realize where I was with my relationship with GOD. It also helped re-light my fire for the LORD!!!! I can not say enough about this book.

A powerful book that gives information ,guidelines and information that relates to all who are looking for their place in this world. Also relates life stories that intertwine with his life and life in general. Highly recommend this book and have bought several as gifts.

Youth builder is a must book for all youth leaders and all who have a dealing with youth of our time. I recommend this book to all youth directors, social workers and in deed all who work for the interest of the youth in this present age.

Jim Burns and Mike DeVries team together to write The Youth Builder, detailing the logistics and heart behind creating an effective and fulfilling youth ministry. One statement in particular touched my heart: "True ministry comes from the overflow of our passion and love relationship with Jesus, not from the overflow of our knowledge of youth ministry." With this philosophy on youth ministry running throughout the book, Burns and DeVries draw on their own experiences as well as knowledge of youth and programming to outline the various tasks that await successful youth ministers.
Dividing their book in four sections-foundation, framework, programming and personal relationships-Burns and DeVries reminds the youth worker of the import of a clear vision, and underlying this, the heart and attitude essential for a vibrant ministry. Still, they also acknowledge the need for good budgeting, preparation, attention to logistical details, a support staff and raising new leadership.
This book was an amazing read for me because it pinned all the essentials for a dynamic youth ministry. The sermon ideas were creative, the grounding of youth ministry in good organization was pragmatic and realistic and yet Burns and DeVries' emphasize the key need for passionate and genuine heart and spirit behind any ministry. While the reader learns essential tips to build a successful youth ministry, authenticity and genuine care and concern to bring youth to God is never forgotten and is constantly brought to the fore. It is no wonder the book is in its 4th printing. Though first written in 1973 the book is indeed timeless.

Not too many books hold my attention the way "The Youth Builders" does, which I couldn't help but finish it in a matter of days. It is definitely a Youth Ministry "textbook" that can be referred to time and again! Not that all the points mentioned will work for all youth ministries, but many are basic starting points in which each ministry can start upon - definitely a must read for foundation building.

This is the best book ever written on youth ministry. This new addition is even better. The Youth Builder belongs in every youth workers library. I especially appreciated how practical it is and the material on small groups,

This in an excellent refrence for rookies and old pros to have around. Jim Burns composed a classic that has advice that is transferable from generation to generation. It is a "Must Have" as far as I'm concerned. Pass this book around for your youth sponsors and parents to read, it will help them understand just what it is that you do as a Youth Pastor.