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"Highs!"
[OCT. 18, 2000] “Highs!:
over 150 Ways to Feel Really, Really Good…Without Alcohol or Other
Drugs," Alex J. Packer, Ph.D., Free Spirit Publishing Inc.,
2000. 251 pages. Ages 12 and up.
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Dr.
Packer’s opening statements sum up this book: "Getting high
is fun. It’s natural and healthy." He then offers a large
variety of activities to explain how to get "high"
naturally, rather than becoming dependent on alcohol or drugs to
feel good or deal with life.
"Highs!"
is divided into three sections. "Serenity Highs"
discusses breathing exercises, meditation and visualization as
ways of handling stress.
In
the second section, suggested activities include relaxation
exercises and x-treme sports. The chapter on healthy eating highs
is very informative and written in a contemporary way that adults
and teens will enjoy.
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The
third section, "Social, Spiritual and Creative Highs,"
introduces the reader to nature ("Blue Skies, Cow Pies"),
keeping a journal and storytelling. The articles on connecting with
family, friends and organizations also provide many interesting
insights.
The
chapters of "Highs!" are very well organized. There are
resources, including websites, listed in the back of the book, as
well as an extensive index.
Alex
J. Packer, Ph.D., is an educator, psychologist and screenwriter and
is the author of many books for parents and teens.
[Pat
Schlough, Lincoln Public Library]
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"What
Teens Need to Succeed"
[OCT. 18, 2000] “Lead"What
Teens Need to Succeed: Proven, Practical Ways to Shape Your Own
Future," Peter L. Benson, Ph.D., Free Spirit Publishing Inc.,
1998. 361 pages. Ages 12 and up.
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Teens,
says Dr. Benson, have power to make a difference in their own
lives and the lives of people around them. They can celebrate the
good times, plan the future and shape their own successes.
Starting
with page one, this book is a journey to developing positive
assets, external and internal, aimed at giving teens power to
"stand up against negative pressure and avoid dangerous
situations."
"What
Teens Need to Succeed" is very well organized into two
sections. "Building External Assets" talks about family
support, peer influence and constructive use of time.
"Building
Internal Assets" covers positive values, social skills and
self-esteem.
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Overall,
this book presents a very positive approach. Each chapter has
resources listed, including helpful organizations, complete with
addresses and phone numbers and websites. This book is for teens and
adults, especially those who lead teen groups.
Other
books of interest to teens are "On Friendship" by Kimberly
Kirberger; "What Do You Stand For: a Kid’s Guide to Building
Character" by Barbara Lewis; "Teens Can Make It Happen:
Nine Steps to Success" by Stedman Graham.
[Pat
Schlough, Lincoln Public Library]
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