Youth Books

McShane is the real deal when it comes to coaching soccer. I highly recommend his instructional and informative book. I do wish that he sought out the mighty Arsenal Football Club as a resource. I'm sure Thierry Henry could have added some poignant insights on the game. My only other complaint regarded the fact that there were no chapters on soccer video games. I feel that these games not only serve to develop hand-eye coordination and lot of good material for "smack-talk," but also instill confidence (albeit false) in one's outdoor performance. Nonetheless, this is a fine read for the lads. Go STA! Go Arsenal! and GO SOX!

Mr. McShane has produced a work that will, I think, have a profound effect on how the elite youth players in the United States are trained. He has done intensive research on how the most successful player development systems operate and has written a book designed to clearly define the essential elements of their training. If you have involvment with the development of potentionaly elite players, you should read this book.

Funny, charming graphic novel about two homeless cats engaging in some spur of the moment crime borne of desperation. The story has a sweet ending and the artwork is cute without being cutesy and a nice compliment to a story with slightly dark undertones. I had a lot of fun reading this little gem!

I reviewed Max Estes' first book Hello Again just over a year ago on Amazon and it was a big hit with me. That was a more serious, somber-toned story about confronting one's guilt. Coffee and Donuts is decidedly different in tone, much lighter and a bit of a farce about a couple of down-on-their-luck street cats named Jules and Dwight. Dwight does all the talking in the story. The two cats live their days in a alley dumpster scrounging for food but a mysterious benefactor constantly leaves them coffee and donuts. Determined to change their fortunes, the pair notice an armored car that stops everyday at the same time at a nearby warehouse. They hatch a plot to rob the car but quickly find out they have no clue as to what they are doing. They botch the robbery and find themselves on the run from the cops.

They are caught by a couple of "wise guy" street cats, Myles and Moose who are not happy with them as they had their own plans to rob the armored car. Now the local toughs demand that Dwight & Jules repay them for blowing their job by working from them as loan shark collectors or else they will turn them over to the police. Now Dwight & Jules...two cats who really are a couple of good guys, have to find away to escape the hoods and also avoid the police. And...maybe find out just who is leaving them coffee and donuts.

I had a lot of fun with this book. Max's cartooning style is pretty basic but he paces the story quite well and the dialog is fresh and funny. There's lots of slapstick action as the pair try and avoid Myles and Moose while dodging winos and scaling buildings. I think Max has quite a flair for humor and I'd like to see him continue along this path.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

I just purchased my copy of Collective Vision from the Association of Children's Museums. It arrived today and I've read/devoured half of it. It consists of a series of essays which go into great detail on every aspect of start-up that I had thought of -- and many more! I had already prepared my business plan but have now been able to fine tune my focus with the advice from the book. As a first-timer in the nonprofit AND children's museum arena, the book has prepared me for the unique challenges that I am bound to face and methods of overcoming them. It's pricey at $95 since I don't have a membership with the ACM (only $65 for members) but well worth it.

This is a well written comprehensive guide. We are new museum owners and use Collective Vision on a regular basis. It really covers everything!

I recommend it highly to anyone who works with childrens' museums, education, and recreation.

As a children's ministry director, I have found this book to be very useful especially with my younger preschoolers. Each of the 52 lessons offers an easy to collect supply list, a step by step outline for sharing and involving the children in the Bible Story as well as simple yet relevant follow up questions. The coloring pages are good quality - not cartoonish like some children's coloring pages - with the Bible verse printed clearly at the bottom. A complete and inexpensive way to give your preschool children quality Bible teaching in Sunday School or at a mid-week program at your church.

Some kids love to color...others don't. But by mixing in fun, sensory additions like cotton balls, glitter and finger paint or activities like "Hide and Seek," you can engage both the coloring sheet lovers and the others. There's a Bible verse on each reproducible Bible activity sheet plus another page that gives instructions and "talk about" questions for the teacher. I sometimes add one of these activity pages to a lesson that seems a bit short or needs a little extra "oomph." A big plus: you don't need to be artistic to use this book. Your kids will provide the creativity and no two activity sheets will look the same when the kids are done, but they will have explored the same important Bible point. This is a great resource for all children's teachers in Early Childhood and Early Elementary.

Week in and week out, leaders are looking for something to spark the imagination and the energy of their youth group! Now they can choose from a menu loaded with great ideas to make a youth group meeting come alive. Combos provides the "main dish" (the key message) and the all the "fixin's"-games, video and popular song selections, skits, food ideas, out and about tips, special events, service projects, worship music, small group time, decorations, publicity helps, and more-all related to the theme! Leaders can use the ingredients to create a soul-satisfying "combo" just right for their youth group! Check out these themes:
* The Game of Life
* Takin' Out the Trash
* For Heaven's Sake
* Walk Tall
* Awesome Powers
* Finding You
Each theme can be used for a month of weekly youth group programs-so complete, just add a leader! The CD-Rom is included to allow youth workers flexibility when modifying the themes to meet their group's specific needs.

This is an incredible resource for a great price. Instead of going through a variety of books and piecing things together, this pretty much has the total package and it's all in one place! The powerpoints are cool and the book is packed with many usable ideas. It even has artwork, worship suggestions and other cool peripheral ideas. I love how it's so thorough and complete. Both the volunteer youth leaders and the students have enjoyed the material. For everything you get and the price, it is well worth it!

"Come to the party with Jesus" is an action rhyme story of the first recorded miracle of Jesus at the wedding feast at Cana. I have come to love Chris Saunderson's colorful illustrations. They depict the characters and settings of Bible times. In this story the faces reflect an air of festivity and celebration. The text by Leena Lane and the actions that accompany each illustration create an interest for the reader and make learning a fun experience for the child. Everyone will long remember the party atmosphere, the music, the miracle and celebrating in the presence of Jesus.

The Action Rhyme Book Series is ideal for use in day care centers, kindergarten classrooms, and in church school programs. It also provides an opportunity for those surprise and unexpected teachable moments that help bond child and parent.
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake, a Christian Education Consultant

Who doesn't love the story of Jesus helping out, even if reluctantly, by providing another round of wine at a wedding party? If you are a mom, or know one, you will appreciate the underlying message of this New Testament story of "listen to your mother ..."! Kids will love the actions suggested for the party scenes - "toot toot - yum yum - pour pour". This title from the Action Rhyme Book series can fit into any religious education curriculum.

As a high school librarian who bought this book years ago, I can tell you it was well worth the money. (Not too short, not too long, answers many questions teens may have about volunteering, gives practical, easy to understand, useful advice, and ideas for exploration.) If you are a teen thinking about helping others(develop personal skills and resume while you're at it) or have teens in your life who might be interested in volunteering, do pick up a copy.

Many of today's young people want to make a difference, even if their schools haven't made volunteering a graduation requirement. Gralla's book not only takes that selfless drive and nurtures the spirit, but he offers sensible, down-to-earth advice on how to act upon it. Unlike many authors of "how-to" books for kids and teenagers, Gralla doesn't talk down to his target audience; he treats the reader as an intelligent human being, while at the same time avoiding technical terms or other intimidating jargon. Little side anecdotes about real-world volunteer experiences from the lives of Gralla and his family contribute to the overall readability of the book. Even the most cynical of adults can find something useful in here to steer them toward the benefits of public service. -- Laura Klotz, author of "Saving the World in Your Spare Time"

It's a great book for teenage girls to read. The discussion questions are great to be discussed with a leader. It has great potential for teenage girls to form an accountability or mentor type relationship with an adult.

Well, I grant that I'm not exactly a member of this book's intended target audience but Mrs. Lindsey has crafted an interesting memoir that will undoubtedly inspire many a young girl. She wisely points out that even though she dreamed of once becoming a supermodel her successes never yielded genuine fulfillment. Upon forging a relationship with Jesus Christ in high school her new faith served to greatly diminish her satisfaction at being a festival queen. One of the things I really enjoyed about the book was all the quotations from scripture that she included in her narrative. I can honestly say that many of them were helpful and instructive for me. That the life of faith holds risks is undoubtedly true but its rewards are infinite.

I can't say enough about how terrific and unique this book is not only for teens going off to college, in college, post grads... but for ANYONE with ADD or ADHD!! This book is explained in a format where the author shares his stories and then details what he has learned from his experiences, in order to help others. He has ADHD himself and is even a life coach for other ADDers now. This book is like having an ADD coach by your side all the time. You can use it as a guide and flip through various sections when necessary or you can read it cover to cover over and over again. The author's writing is captivating, lighthearted and even humorous at times. He even laughs at his own mistakes sometimes, which truly helps readers see life as a bigger picture than just a current struggle they may be going through at the time. He explains the many creative gifts of having ADD and broaches just about every life topic with great knowledge. His sections range from the best foods for an ADDer to eat to stay focused, to sections on how college students with ADD can keep a great schedule for eating, laundry, and cleaning. He also broaches much deeper sections on depression and impulse behaviors of ADDers. This book is captivating and is such an easy read for someone who may have trouble focusing. It is truly an essential educational resource for ANYONE with ADD or ADHD!!

We finally got it!

In the intro, Michael Sandler writes about an episode, an accident, that changed his life, and for the best. In his words:
"I am very thankful for that accident, and for all of the struggles and challenges to follow. And I'm incredibly thankful that the "new" me, the one who whoke up to find someone else's blood being pumped into his veins, had the opportunity to rewrite much of this book.
You see, the book was originally a how-to guide for being the best square peg in a round hole. But when I cam to, I realized that wouldn't do it. I could no longer help students just fit in or get by. Life's too precious, too short, and we have far too much to offer. While good grades are great, I want to help students discover their inner talents, joy, and passion, so they may love, laugh, and achieve their dreams while living life to the fullest. I wanted to help them build castles in the sky."

With this spirit, Michael almost entirely re-wrote this book.

Every challenge is analyzed in a pros vs cons fashion, and strengths are used to face and solve problems. Problems are NOT denied, forgotten, or glossed over. Similarly, strengths aren't idolized but used.

In every chapter, the author offers balanced views (challenges and advantages are both explored), practical how-tos, and even tips on what to try, what not to try, and why!

What I loved about this book is that it's not as negative as many others are, focusing on the negatives only. But it also isn't as delusional as many are, thinking that only strengths should be analyzed, and cultivated for the fun of it, rather than for solving actual challenges.

The book, essentially, answers the question (and the quest): how can I obtain results without selling myself short and while having fun and pride in what I do?

As I said, this book is what we ADHDers have been searching for and hadn't found just yet.

Remember, it's not just for students, because it teaches the reader a new way to frame the ADHD challenges, and this new way can be applied to just about anything under the sun.

Using this book as the centerpiece of our high school class brought new life into the class. We nearly doubled in size in two years. We allowed the students to choose the topics, emphasized that this would be a discussion between the students, and that personal attacks would not be tolerated.

A dozen of our church's youth small groups are using this book after my own class used it a year ago. The format is very effective. It does not "preach" to youth, but rather teaches youth to turn to the Bible and search out answers to difficult, real-world issues that they face. Each topic is displayed on two facing pages, the left taking the "NO" position, and the right taking the "YES" position. Basic tenants and concepts supporting each stance are outlined, and specific Bible verses are cited. In our group, we started each hour session by reading the topic, briefly clarifying the issue, and "voting" on it. Every member had to take a position on their own... yes, no, or "walk like an Egyptian" (not sure.) Then we moved through the discussion, referring to the listed Bible verses. At the end of the hour, we reviewed what we had learned by taking another vote.

The topics range widely, but they all are real-world issues that are relevant to today's youth.