Reviews (9)

It was very helpful!
I'm a junior in high school and I've been reading this book bit by bit this semester to look for ways I can enhance my college applications. I've done all the typical high school stuff like being assistant editor of the newspaper, run track, and am the president of a couple of clubs, but I really want to stand out when I apply to colleges next year. I found a lot of great ideas in this book for doing just that--such as finding a study abroad program for this summer--I found one in Italy--and organizing a service program at my school.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who's looking to be a unique applicant in the college admissions process--especially if your college counseling office isn't very helpful at providing good ideas to students--mine sure isn't.

This book gets a mom's stamp of approval
I bought this book for my two daughters after reading about it in a newsletter. I thought the title and premise sounded interesting: a book aimed at teens who are looking for "something more" from their high school experience than just joining a team sport or working on the high school yearbook. Not that these activities aren't great--they are--but some teens want to "go outside the box," just as this book's title implies. My girls were interested in filling their weekends with some interesting activities, and this book gave them--and me--a ton of ideas.
For instance, the chapter on study abroad has given both of my daughters the idea that they'd like to spend next summer studying abroad in Europe. This book tells them exactly how to find a good program, how to prepare for departure, and what to expect while studying abroad. The chapter on mentoring gave them the idea to both look for an adult to teach them more about a hobby they enjoy doing. One has located a watercolorist to teach her more about the art in exchange for helping out at her studio; my other daughter is shadowing a pediatrician once per week, and has a wonderful mentor who is teaching her lots about the field.
I am enthusiastically recommending this book to other parents, in the hopes to get more teens out in the world, doing things that will help them better understand themselves.

Great book to help you plan your high school years
I'm 16 and in the eleventh grade, and my mom gave me this book after she read about it in a newsletter. I needed some help finding activities to do this school year that would help me get excited about school again. It worked!

The book showed me exactly how I could enroll in a college course at a local university, which is working out great so far because I was getting pretty bored in high school math, and now I can take advanced calculus with freshmen in college. Before I read this book, I never knew that an opportunity like this existed.

This book also gave me the idea to find a mentor in a subject I'm interested in, who can help me get more out of it than I could in high school. On the campus where I'm taking the calculus class, I also found a graduate student in math who's willing to be my mentor and tutor me in advanced math.

If you're kind of tired of what your high school has to offer, check out the unique ideas provided in this book. Don't miss the chapters on job shadowing and apprenticeships, too--they've given me even more ideas I plan to try out this year!

Great book to make your summer amazing!
I picked up this book at the recommendation of my summer school teacher, and it really helped me find some meaningful activities to do to help me figure out what I'm really interested in. For example, I wanted to get more involved in the arts, but living in a small town there's not that much opportunity here to take organized classes. This book inspired me to offer my time for free to a local artist in exchange for her teaching me how to draw, something I wouldn't have thought of on my own.

I also started volunteering at a local animal hospital because I'm thinking about eventually becoming a vet, and this book showed me how to find organizations that are happy to take volunteers. Overall, I just loved the personal examples from other teens who have done similar things, and shared these stories with my friends to help inspire them. Overall, I think this book will be great for any teen like me who needs a jump-start to get their summer heading in an amazing direction!

Don't waste your time
The Teenager's Guide.. is basically a cheap, glossed-over rehash of the Teenage Liberation Handbook.

If you've already read the aforementioned TLH, skip this book, because there is nothing very new or remotely inspiring in it. I couldn't even read the book in its entirety.

Filled with FYI boxes, bullet listings, and cheesy cartoon illustrations throughout, this book tells you of the various offerings out there such as apprenticeships, volunteerism, mentoring, study abroad, and taking classes outside of your high school.

In the section discussing mentoring, the author gives, IMO, some rather silly advice. She suggests you go out, find a person whom you would like to be your mentor and...ASK them if they will be your mentor. Yes, you ASK them verbally or in writing "will you be my mentor?". Personally, I think this is probably the surest way to scare a potential mentor away, not to mention what a vague and confusing question it is.

Greene also fails to mention how to search for information and resources on teaching yourself a subject, rather than just taking a class.

Overall, the Teenager's Guide has a very limited persepctive of "school outside the box." If it isn't in the form of a class or "service learning" opportunity, you can forget about learning whatever you're interested in.

If you want a REAL and truly life-changing guide to learning outside of school, I cannot begin to recommend the Teenage Liberation Handbook, by Grace Llewellyn. ... Read more

Book Description

Samantha Abeel tells her own story of living with and overcoming dyscalculia. She describes in painstaking detail how her life was affected by her learning disability before and after she was diagnosed, and the way her peers, her family, and her teachers treated her. In seventh grade, Samantha suffered anxiety attacks as she struggled to keep up in her classes, to remember two locker combinations, and to deal with new teachers. Samantha was eventually placed in Special Education classes in eighth grade, but she continued to feel anxious about her future. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

provocative and unforgettable
This is one of the best memoirs I have ever read. Although not formally diagnosed when in school, I believe that I, like the author, am both gifted and learning disabled. (The gap between my verbal and math SATs would convince anyone of this.) The descriptions of what it is like as a young student who most people consider smart to "fake it" in one's problem areas are the most painfully accurate I have ever read. The narrator's disabilities extend far beyond what most of us think of as having "problems with math." Making change, following directions on a map, and telling time are all part of the narrator's disability. In this book, she shows how the inadequate research done on this disability, coupled with her impressive masking skills, and prejudice on her teachers' part as to what a "dumb" kid looks and behaves like, all made her school years more difficult than they should be for anyone. Luckily, parents who insisted on speaking up to the school system, as well as Sam's own gifts helped her graduate and complete college.

Another thing that intrigued and angered me was a comment one admissions' officer made to Sam's (the narrator's) mother as they were researching colleges: "Our students are perfect in every way." i.e. we couldn't possibly consider your daughter. Really? I worry about a college that weeds out applicants in that manner, especially given that the narrator had already published a book.

If you have ever seen a movie or TV program on adults who cannot read but who have managed to negotiate and even excel in daily life, you will have some idea of what life was like for the narrator during her youth. What makes the book so compelling is that it's not just written by someone who wants to talk about a disability, but also by a poet and gifted writer who can convey what it is like to have her particular disability perfectly.

An amazing book
This book is an absolute must-read for teachers, parents, and kids with learning disabilities (LD) and other special needs. Beautifully written, honest and very open about what life is like for a child with learning disabilities. This is especially important reading for those who don't understand that a child can be both intellectually gifted and LD, and that no one is "too smart" to have a learning disability.

As someone who works with families of gifted/special needs children, I will be recommending this book widely.

A very fine autobiography of courage and frustration
Samantha Abeel's story is a memoir with reads with all the smoothness, drama and pointed observations of a novel. Her math-related learning disability sets her apart from others and until she is diagnosed in 7th grade, her life is one big struggle. My Thirteenth Winter is a very fine autobiography of courage and frustration.

A Heart Wrenching Read!
As a teacher of fifth and sixth graders, this book really touched my heart. I have three special needs children in my class of thirteen kids. I feel that this book has given me a better understanding of what life must be like for people with disabilities. My heart just wanted to reach out to this child that was terrified of going to school everyday because she couldn't do the work, particularly math, no matter how hard she tried.

Samantha Abeel does an exemplary job in showing that all people have talents and gifts. I know it is very frustrating to work with a student every day that just can't seem to "get it." Samantha reminds us that even if someone is not good with math, she might be able to write. Never give up on the child.

I recommend this book to all children, parents, and especially teachers. This book will remind you that life can be very frightening for people that don't think or learn like the majority of people.

My Thirteenth Winter-a Review
Samatha Abeel's autobiography should be read by every parent of a learning disabled child and by every teacher who has learning disabled children in the classroom.
As an elementary student, Samatha excelled in language and social studies, but she also had a harrowing secret: she could not understand or do the math her classmates did-she could not even tell time!
It is not until she is thirteen that Samatha is finally diagnosed with dyscalculia, a math related learning disability.
The book covers both Samatha's triumphs like working with artist Charles Murphy to produce "Reach for the Moon" and her difficulty dealing with the outside world where most people do not understand how her dyscalculia shows itself in her daily life.
This is the story of her persistence and her ultimate sucess. For as Samatha writes,"...we are stronger than we think we are."
I highly recommend this story of a courageous young woman and her struggle to deal with her disablility. ... Read more

Book Description

Smarter. Fresher. Better.

And now with new content, and new packaging.

Announcing the 650,000-copy, $750,000-marketing-budget relaunch of Brain Quest, America’s #1 educational bestseller with over 23.7 million copies in print. Featuring a complete updating of the content and an eye-catching, brainy-retro new look with easy-to-stock-and-shelve packaging, this is a dazzling makeover, inside and out.

For kids, it’s fun unplugged. For parents, it’s the easiest, most trusted way to know if their children are keeping pace. Assisting in the relaunch is an advisory panel of ten of America’s top educators, each of them winners of Teacher of the Year or Milken National Educator Awards. The result: completely revised questions and answers, with up to 20%new material, to bring each deck up to the standards of today’s curricula. The content is the same that kids will find on standardized tests, handled in such a way that it promotes mental flexibility.

The new Brain Quest is rolling out this Spring with a national “Thinking Cap” College Tuition Sweepstakes promo-tion; official spokesperson (Milken award-winning teacher and Brain Quest user Patty McGee); national publicity; and a revamped Web site (www.brainquest.com). Because it’s no tonly OK to Be Smart®—it’s absolutely essential. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Brain Quest - kids love it!
My kids love Brain Quest and we have used it for each of them from K through 4 so far.There are 1500 questions and answers.The questions are age appropriate and are challenging but are no so difficult as todiscourage children.My son will pick up "the deck" (this bookis really a stack of cardboard quiz card bound at one corner) and quizhimself for fun.What he didn't know before he might now.I highlyrecommend this educational tool. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Self-Help Book for Teens with Learning Disabilities
Discusses using your high school and teenage years to become the best possible adult. Includes sections on making and keeping friends, using the IEP process to get a good education, relationships with the opposite sex, and whether or not you should get a part time job.

This book is well-laid out and is written in an engaging style.

This review is adapted from the Annotated Bibliography of Learning A Living; A Guide to Planning Your Career and Finding A Job for People with Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disdorder, and Dyslexia

It brought relief and a smile to my daughter's face!
After a particularly tough few weeks getting back to school, I bought this book for my 14 Y-O daughter, who has some Learning Differences after surgery, & radiation for removal of a brain tumor. Today, she was bouncing again and all smiles, as she read aloud to me some of the paragraphs from the book.

She felt normal again ! Priceless !

If you have a teen with LD, you know what I mean. Just buy it and wait for them to start leafing through it. It has simple and straightforward paragraphs that are not threatening to a teen with LD, and it helps them focus on what matters to them. Parents be warned it is not all about school work, so be prepared, but also about getting a job, dating, driving, etc. ... Read more

Book Description

These exciting, informative board books with sturdy handle and clasp are one of the best-selling formats in the Fisher-Price line. Index tabs guide children through each story for interactive fun.

In All About Tools, kids learn how everyday people use tools to build and fix things. Safety precautions are stressed on every page.

Format: Books with Handles

Dimensions (inches): 6 1/8 x 7 1/2 ... Read more

Reviews (1)

My son loves and sleeps with this book!
Every since we received this book from Amazon.com my 3 year old son has been in love. He sleeps with this book which is the indicator of love in our house. What a great book and facinates my son with every page. Especially the hammers. ... Read more

Book Description

Children will enjoy dozens of fun activities in these all-new multicurriculum workbooks.Each workbook has 64 pages of essential skills exercises in language arts, math, science, and social studies.Use these books to review, reinforce or accelerate learning. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Learning fun using language arts,math,science,social studies
As a mother, it is easy to get my third grader interested in doing these lessons. The pages are attractive with color pictures and each page features a different US state, historic place or current topics aimed at kids. They can work at their own pace because the lessons are no more than two pages long. This book sharpens their skills integrating math, spelling, and vocabulary. I highly recommend this to parents eager to advance and encourage their child's love of learning. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When the Brain Quest series moves from preschool age to thefirst-grade set, it transforms from a playful question game into a sort of elementary school version of Trivial Pursuit. (In the spirit of this new grown-up air, there is no longer a cheerful animal guide appearing throughout the decks.) Now, each card features one question from each of five category sections: Reading, Math, Vocabulary, Social Studies & Science, and Grab Bag.The rules are gentle: Playing in teams, with partners, or solo, you can stick to your favorite subject category or play the whole card. Keeping score (they offer three different versions) is optional.

Though the framework of the game feels very grown-up, the questions are not out of a first grader's league. A math question asks, "What coin is thesame as 25 cents?" A sample science question reads, "Name the force thatkeeps you from floating in the air." There is much good humor in these questions, and the name references are nicely up to date, though not completely contemporary (Beanie Baby references can be found here, but Pokémon'snotmentioned). (Ages 6 to 7). --Jean Lenihan ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Room 10 loves it!
My first grade class loves Brainquest!We play it in a "family fued" type format with table groups competing.They have a blast and the material in the questions is very compatible with our curriculum and state standards.It makes a great game for rewarding them when we've finished everything, a good 10 minute filler, and a good activity to suggest to a substitute.They always get excited when we are going to play, and are requesting it often.

Not quite as kid-friendly
The questions are age-appropriate, but the presentation is somewhat dry,especially if your kids are used to the Brain Quest for preschool and kindergarten.There are very very few pictures in the First grade version,just several questions written on each card.Not as entertaining for kidsas the Brain Quests with pictures.My sugggestion:look at it first at abookstore before you buy it! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

good for research
I used this title on my college research paper for a Government 1100 class, and the book practically wrote the paper for me!It is great how clearly it spells out the debates in each side of the issues, and has the debates written out by someone who actually cares about them instead of an impartial researcher.Great for high-school or college research papers.

great for research
I used this book on my college research paper for Government, and it practically wrote the paper for me!A little dry in parts, but excellent for anyone who needs info for a high-school or college class, or who just so happens to be interested in education in the school system.Gives equal justification to both sides of arguments in the book. ... Read more

Book Description

First published in 1990, The Survival Guide for Kids with LD has helped countless young people with LD—and the adults who care about them. Meanwhile, laws have changed and technology has advanced. This revised and updated edition retains the best of the original edition: the warmth, affirmation, and solid information kids need to know they’re smart and can learn, they just learn differently. It answers the many questions they have, like "Why is it hard for kids with LD to learn?" and "What happens when you grow up?" It explains what LD means (and doesn’t mean); describes the different kinds of LD; talks about what happens in LD programs; helps kids deal with sad, hurt, and angry feelings; suggests ways to get along better in school and at home; and inspires them to set goals and plan for the future. Includes resources for parents and teachers. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

For parents, teachers, tutors, day-care staff and more
Now in a revised and updated edition, The Survival Guide For Kids With LD* (*Learning Differences) by University of Nevada-Reno professors Gary Fisher and Rhoda Cummings, is a simply presented and easily accessible guide written especially for those dealing with children who have "learning differences". Emphasizing that having one of the many kinds of learning disabilities or cognitive restrictions doesn't preclude a child from learning, from having friends, or from growing up to be a successful adult. The readable prose is packed with tips for dealing with teasing, providing encouragement, simple black-and-white artwork, study tips, and more. The Survival Guide For Kids With LD* is highly recommended reading for parents, teachers, tutors, day-care staff members, -- and most especially, for kids ages 10 and up. Also highly recommended for teen readers is The Survival Guide For Teenagers With LD (0915793512; [$$$]); for parents, When Your Child Has LD (0915793873; [$$$]); and for educators, The School Survival Guide For Kids With LD (0915793326; [$$$]).

The Survival Guide for Kids with LD
This book is a GREAT way for kids to learn about their own Learning Disabilities (the book calls them Learning Differences). I read this book to my son to help explain to him why he's noticing that he's different from some of the other kids in school. The book creates such a relaxed, non-threatening attitude about LDs, and asks some really great questions to help the kids see which LD(s) fit them. It addresses ADHD as well! It has picture drawings of kids having trouble in school that my son could really relate to! He was at once interested, urging me to read more and more, even though he was learning that he was in fact "different". What a wonderful tool for families and kids to learn about each other and themselves. It's a positive book about the harsh reality of LDs - and it's written specifically for kids! Do your child a favor - read this book with them! It will open up conversations and give you both the language and courage you'll need to tackle the days and years ahead! ... Read more

Book Description

Smarter. Fresher. Better.

And now with new content, and new packaging.

Announcing the 650,000-copy, $750,000-marketing-budget relaunch of Brain Quest, America’s #1 educational bestseller with over 23.7 million copies in print. Featuring a complete updating of the content and an eye-catching, brainy-retro new look with easy-to-stock-and-shelve packaging, this is a dazzling makeover, inside and out.

For kids, it’s fun unplugged. For parents, it’s the easiest, most trusted way to know if their children are keeping pace. Assisting in the relaunch is an advisory panel of ten of America’s top educators, each of them winners of Teacher of the Year or Milken National Educator Awards. The result: completely revised questions and answers, with up to 20%new material, to bring each deck up to the standards of today’s curricula. The content is the same that kids will find on standardized tests, handled in such a way that it promotes mental flexibility.

The new Brain Quest is rolling out this Spring with a national “Thinking Cap” College Tuition Sweepstakes promo-tion; official spokesperson (Milken award-winning teacher and Brain Quest user Patty McGee); national publicity; and a revamped Web site (www.brainquest.com). Because it’s no tonly OK to Be Smart®—it’s absolutely essential. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

colorful but transliteration is a drawback to learning
I bought this book together with the Hebrew Picture Word Book by Steadman/Cirker.
However I rate that book better. reasons:

1) The pictures here are colorful but the other book actually lets you paint or crayon in the pictures. for me, Cirker/Steadman is great fun! Straight from the post office, I went to [the store] and bought a cheap watercolor paint set. I am an adult but this was fun - mixing colors, painting and learning the hebrew word. I am using this painting not only to learn hebrew, but also to relieve stress from work :)

2) When the hebrew word is transliterated, one tends to remember the english word and forget the hebrew word because it is easier to look at. It would have been better if they had printed the transliterated words on another page or upside down.

FAMILY FUN
This is a great beginner's book for children and adults alike. We are having a lot of family fun with this one. My 7-year-old and 6-year-old learned how to count to 100 (in Hebrew) in just a few weeks. If you and your family are learning Hebrew, add this book to your collection.

Gorgeous artwork!
This is a very fun dictionary for kids (and adult kids)! The illustrations by Marlene Goodman are colorful and help reinforce learning the words for common nouns. Each entry is illustrated, with the Hebrew word (including vowels), the English word and a phonetic translation. The book is divided by sections ("At the Supermarket," "In the City," etc.) to facilitate learning the vocabulary for a specific topic. It includes an index in phonetic Hebrew and in English. I would definitely recommend it for both children and adults. ... Read more

Book Description

Here are twenty-four hilarious poems about school, where all kinds of unexpected things happen. From an unusual pledge of allegiance and jungle gym gossip to recess rules and the rules of addition, Carol Diggory Shields captures the experiences of schoolgoers with wit and verve. This rollicking collection is sure to keep readers laughing until summer vacation.A frisky collection....Kids will greet [the poems] with enthusiasm. --School Library JournalCarol Diggory Shields and Paul Meisel also collaborated on I Am Really a Princess (Dutton and Puffin) and I Wish My Brother Was a Dog (Dutton). Carol Diggory Shields lives in Salinas, California. Paul Meisel lives in Newtown, Connecticut. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Splendid imagery, language, expression
If you want to feel less alone in the real world of honest feelings, if you want to get in touch with true feelings, if you want to understand your emotions and explore your guilt and really dig deeper than sentiment--Carol Diggery Shields is the poet for you. Her voice is more original and her psychological depth deeper than most contemporary poets. She makes you feel less alone with your inner life. There is no sentimental frosting here. This is accessible and original poetry with a crafty use of language, a flowing free verse. I've spent my life reading poetry, and I find this poet thoroughly satisfying. Spend an evening or a morning or both with her LUNCH MONEY AND OTHER POEMS ABOUT SCHOOL and you will be moved and amazed at the original angles she takes on truth and human feelings and relationships. This is a poet of psychological, philosphical realization--a thinker who really probes the inner life with grace of expression.

Lunch Money Book Review
Lunch Money Book Review
Lunch Money is a book about poems. It was written by Carol Diggory Shields. My Favorite Poems are "Pledge" and "Hot Lunch Money". My favorite part of the poem "Hot Lunch Money" is at the very end when a boy goes to his piggy bank and gets money. "The Pledge" is funny because a boy says, "there's a spider crawling up your back!" And in the poem "Lunch Menu" it's gross when the boy says," tuna noodle casserole". I learned that kids can be very funny and silly!

By Emily D.

Fantastic book !
I am a student teacher and I used this book in a first grade class during a unit on poetry. The students loved it. I had to read each poem at least 3 times each before moving on to the next one. Now, my students want to read the book on their own. The poems are great to use for short skits/plays. My class loved performing "The Flag" and "Moonwalker". This is a must for any classroom that wants to get students involved in poetry.

Second graders think this book rules !
I recently read this collection of poems to my second graders and they loved every minute ! The pictures are delightful and interesting and the poems really relate to their school days. Bravo !

Lively and fun back-to-school rhymes and raps
My second grade students and I shared this book of poems during our first weeks together this year. They loved hearing the poems read over and over. The poetry is very 'today' and is a lot of fun to read and hear. The illustrations are colorful and lively. This book is a very nice addition to the back-to-school literature repertoire. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

AWESOME!!!
This guide includes EVERYTHING you need to know to have a GREAT school year. It's packed with places to write down assignments, goals, friends phone numbers and even emergency information. Got friends photos? Place them in the plastic covers at the front of this planner. Plus it has a bunch of advice for organization tips, after school snacks and tons of other AG Advice!!! CHECK IT OUT FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR ... Read more

Book Description

This guide was written as a step-by-step workbook to assist middle school students who are interested in attending a private high school. It takes a very stressful, competitive, multiple-part process and simplifies it by empowering the student to make some personal determinations, while organizing, planning and managing the many tasks involved in this endeavor over an 18-month period. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

indespensible
this publication is an indespensible guide to helping parents focus on the high school years that provide the foundation for college choices based on the interest of their children. It offers a step by step 'checklist' for helping to determine your childs interest, methods for applying to high schools as well as information for obtaining financial aid for private high schools. If your childs future is important to you, this reference book is worth the couple of bucks! ... Read more

Book Description

Follow Jazmin Escalante, newly arrived in California from El Salvador, as she recounts her first days of school in America. ... Read more

Book Description

HELP! MY TEACHER HATES ME takes a sensitive but no-nonsense approach to a whole array of school-related problems. From the common teacher predicaments that give the book its title to dealing with a fellow student who has AIDS. Written by a psychologist and writer who specializes in helping teenagers explore potentially troublesome issues, it addresses tensions between school friends, the great cheating dilemma, grades, homework, family attention, sports and other extracurricular crises, and actual physical fears. Suitable for ages 9-14. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

great for the middleschooler
Great Book Entering the early teens and middle school is a confusing time for many kids. This book offers practical insight and humor to ease the way. Good for parent too. It helps to open the door to some great conversations. ... Read more

Book Description

What counts as rude behavior in school? What can you do when a teacher is rude? When someone tries to copy off of your paper during tests, should you rat or not? How can you dress for school success? What’s the best way to handle bullies, bigots, bashers, and harassers? School can be cruel. Here’s sound advice (touched with humor) for teens who want to make it more bearable. ... Read more