American Family Resource Center

Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul - 101 Stories of Changes, Choices

List Price: $14.95 Price: $10.17 You Save: $4.78 (32%)

From remembering their own life experience or to watching their own children grow, most people recognize that the preteen years, ages nine to thirteen, can be one of the most awkward times in life-a period of tremendous physical and emotional change. At this age, youngsters are eager to leave the "kid" stage, yet are uncertain about what adolescence will bring; they'd rather listen to peers over parents, and hear all too often to "wait until you're older." Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul will guide kids through this transition.

Written by and for preteens, this uplifting collection of stories touches on the emotions and situations they experience every day: making and losing friends, fitting in while keeping their personal identity, discovering the opposite sex, dealing with pressures at school including violence, and coping with family issues such as divorce.

Chapters include: On Love, On Family, On Friendship, On Choices, On Changes, On Overcoming Obstacles, Eclectic Wisdom, Tough Stuff, Attitude and Perspective and Achieving Dreams. Contributors indclude: *NSYNC, Mia Hamm, Beverley Mitchell and Karl Malone.

Whether first-time Chicken Soup readers or "graduates" of the bestselling Kid's Soul book, preteens are sure to include this in their backpacks and book bags.

Inspired by the many readers of Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul (one of many in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series), the authors decided to reach out to young people at that incredibly confusing, exciting chapter of life, the preteen years. Readers between the ages of 9 and 12 (give or take a year) sometimes felt that the book for kids was too young, while the edition for teens (Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul) was too old. In this warm, supportive anthology of true stories by and about preteens, the very issues that seem so complicated and insurmountable are addressed with intelligence and openness. Divorce, violence, death, friendships, school, family, attitudes, changes, dreams... preteens have a lot to offer and a lot to learn on these subjects. Many of the brief essays, cartoons, quotations, and introductions are witty as well as wise and touching; readers might devour the book from start to finish, drop in for a story here and there, or focus on a concern that is most important at the moment. The preteen years seem to be the perfect time to reach kids, before they are lost in teen angst and coolness. And who better to learn from than their own peers? For some added incentive to read, celebrities such as Mia Hamm, Karl Malone, and 'N Sync have contributed essays as well. (Ages 9 to 13) --Emilie Coulter Read more...

Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul II: Stories About Taking Charge, Making a Difference and Moving Through the Preteen Years for Kids Ages 9-13

List Price: $14.95

At last …the long-awaited follow-up to the 1.2 million-copy bestseller! Filled with relevant, inspiring and fun stories written mostly by kids, this new volume features a unique, innovative chapter, "Rockin' Our World", that highlights real kids achieving real dreams, helping less fortunate people, starting your own business, and utilizing your unique abilities. For a young generation repeatedly exposed to a hostile world, this must-read book promotes positive thinking, giving to others, unity and tolerance. Chapters cover preteen concerns such as friendship, body changes, first crushes, difficult choices, as well as tough issues such as divorce, drugs and alcohol, and dealing with death for the first time.

At last …the long-awaited follow-up to the 1.2 million-copy bestseller! Filled with relevant, inspiring and fun stories written mostly by kids, this new volume features a unique, innovative chapter, "Rockin' Our World", that highlights real kids achieving real dreams, helping less fortunate people, starting your own business, and utilizing your unique abilities. For a young generation repeatedly exposed to a hostile world, this must-read book promotes positive thinking, giving to others, unity and tolerance. Chapters cover preteen concerns such as friendship, body changes, first crushes, difficult choices, as well as tough issues such as divorce, drugs and alcohol, and dealing with death for the first time.

Raising a Thinking Preteen: The "I Can Problem Solve" Program for 8- to 12- Year-Olds

List Price: $17.00 Price: $12.75 You Save: $4.25 (25%)

In most public schools today, children aren't taught problem-solving skills until high school--a time when they're often already mired in a variety of difficult situations. Raising a Thinking Preteen addresses this situation by presenting a well-developed program, ICPS (I Can Problem Solve), that's designed to help children think clearly about their actions and emotions by considering different viewpoints, solutions, and possible consequences. Every child can benefit from the concepts here; as author Myrna Shure says, "there is no ceiling or upper limit when it comes to learning interpersonal skills." The book begins with some practical basics--especially useful are some simple games that will help develop the vocabulary your child will use to discuss his feelings. Not every 8-year-old can define embarrassed or frustrated very easily! This parent-friendly guide focuses on everyday occurrences and practical improvements rather than theoretical possibilities; as a result, each chapter is full of real-life examples and suggestions for teaching these techniques to your own children. Hurried parents who lack focused reading time will appreciate the way each chapter breaks down into smaller subjects--so those constant interruptions won't be such a bother. Jill Lightner Read more...

BeTween: A Preteen Girl's Guide to Life

List Price: $14.99 Price: $8.99 You Save: $6.00 (40%)