There are numerous issues we face as we head back-to-school:
- issues about bullying and whether or not others will like us,
- issues on relating to other people, be it friends, family or boys,
- issues on finding our place in theater, sports, academics, etc.,
- issues with simply trying to discover who we are and what life is all about.
Each of these titles deal with one or many of these issues in a unique way, helping you prepare for the ups and downs of the back-to-school season. Through fictitious characters, real stories and heartfelt encouragement, you’ll find uplift and inspiration during this transition.
Chicken Soup for the Teen Soul
Chicken Soup for the Teen Soul is a collection of stories written by teens. Each life story is honest and relatable; some will even move you to tears. The story topics range from losses to making life’s toughest decisions. Teens open up about being tempted with drugs and the prejudice they still face today. There are stories about friendship, sweet love stories, personal challenges, family situations and the struggle to fit in with everyone. Reading this book reminds you that other people go through the same obstacles you do. It reminds you that there’s hope and that memories need to be treasured.
Please Stop Laughing at Us
Please Stop Laughing at Us is the sequel to Jodee Blanco’s book Please Stop Laughing at Me, a memoir of her experiences with being bullied when she had been in school. This book deals with the reactions of her former classmates when they read the book, and her decision to go on a speaking tour to talk about bullying at various schools. It’s also about her relationship with a former classmate, whom she begins to date and eventually marries.
If you have ever been bullied or want to help if someone else is, this is a great resource. She tells it with a lot of heart and honesty and makes you realize what it feels like and what to do about it. This book also gives hope that we can all make a difference.
Take a Bow
Elizabeth Eulberg has a talent for writing books that connect you with her characters, engage you with her story telling and leave you wanting more when the story is done. With Take a Bow she does all that and a little more. You’ll love getting to meet Carter, Emme, Ethan and Sophie.
Elizabeth Eulberg does such a beautiful job at creating characters to fall in love with, root for and want to go hang out with. If you’re looking for a book that will whisk you away from reality for a bit, give you a richly written dialogue between four distinct well written characters and leave you feeling all hopeful and completely satisfied after reading it, than I highly recommend picking up Take a Bow.
Thirteen
Thirteen reminds us all what it’s like to become a teenager. Winnie is a teenage girl that faces the trials of middle school. She becomes caught in the middle of her best friend, Cinnamon, and other best friend, Dinah’s, differing personalities. Winnie witnesses true love as she hangs out around her sister and her sister’s boyfriend. Then, she learns what a relationship is when she becomes involved with her long time crush, Lars. Everyone can relate to this humorous book and what it’s like to be thirteen – trying to figure out who you are.
The Teen Girls Gotta-Have-It Guide to Embarrassing Moments
by Jessica Blatt
You’ve all had those moments. The boy you like walks in… just when you’re telling your BFF how cute he is! You’re presenting a report to the class…then you realize you’re trailing tp on your shoe! If you sometimes wish the earth would open up and swallow you whole, then this book is for you! This handy survival guide, packed with great advice and fun quizzes, shows you how to get through those situations with style and self-confidence. Family fiascos, school slip-ups, boy bloopers, body blunders, fashion faux pas, can all be handled with a little help, and with some humor and happiness too.
Geek Abroad
by Piper Banks
Geek Abroad tells a thrilling tale about a math genius named Miranda Bloom. Her life has just been flipped upside down. Her mom recently moved to London, forcing her to move in with her father, step-sister and evil stepmother. For the holiday break, Miranda flies to London to be with her mom, who insists Miranda only call her Sadie. Little did Miranda know that Sadie had schemed to set her up with a boy named Henry. She arranged for Henry to take Miranda on a tour around London. The only problem is that Miranda really likes Dex, who had just escorted her to her school’s dance. But after several days of Dex not emailing her, she decides to give Henry a chance. After her break’s over, Miranda returns home to a ton of drama. Charlie, her best friend, has been only spending time with her new boyfriend Mitch, totally ignoring Miranda. Finn, her best guy friend, is jealous of Charlie’s relationship, since he’s secretly in love with her. Miranda has to decide if she wants to continue her relationship with Henry long distance or ask Dex why he stopped talking to her. On top of all of that, Miranda has to decide whether to compete in the Mu Alpha Theta tournament or to force her team to forfeit by going to Winston Writing Competition finals. You won’t be able to put this book down until you find out how Miranda handles these tough circumstances.
Revenge of the Geek
by Piper Banks
Revenge of the Geek is all about Miranda Bloom’s junior year at “Geek High.” Dex and Miranda finally are boyfriend and girlfriend! Sadly, Dex moved to boarding school in Maine on a lacrosse scholarship, forcing them to have a long distance relationship. Life starts to change when Nora Lee arrives at Geek High. Miranda befriends Nora and begins to hangout a lot with her. Miranda notices that Nora becomes a different person depending on who she’s around. With Miranda, Nora claims that she has a long distance relationship with Marcus, which Miranda doubts. Around Finn, Nora is suddenly interested in video games and loves art around Charlie. Miranda wonders if she is just paranoid and jealous of Nora, or if Nora is really trying to steal her life and friends. The last straw is when Nora backstabs Miranda by submitting her own written piece to the prestigious school magazine, The Ampersand, knowing that Miranda was also submitting a piece. Miranda was devastated when Nora’s piece was chosen over her own. Now it’s up to Miranda to prove to everyone that Nora’s not really who she says she is!
Book 1 and 3 of this series is just as good, so pick up the full set for some good reads from Geek High.
