The Junior High Survival Manual

Teens and parents can face those awkward, confusing and often troubling junior high years with a bit less trepidation thanks to Cassel's accessible handbook. This significant source of practical help is filled with simple ideas for improving study skills, making new friends and nurturing existing friendships, learning the how-tos of good decision making, avoiding peer pressure, and setting and reaching academic, social and spiritual goals. Cassel here combines her professional writing skills as the author of over 200 articles, devotions and stories with her personal family experience as a mother of four. Categorized into three general subjects--""Study Skills,"" ""Friendship Factor,"" and ""Deciding for Yourself,""--each includes four sub-topics which discuss the particulars in greater detail. In the ""Study Skills"" section, for example, Cassel provides step-by-step instruction on how to take better classroom notes, increase listening skills, prepare for tests on a regular schedule and set realistic academic goals. Each chapter includes an informative anecdote, ideas on getting organized, blank goal-setting sheets for students to complete, Bible verses to meditate on as well as plenty of encouragement from the author. Discussion questions at the back of the book can be read alone by the teenager, with parents or as a group assignment. A great tool for improving life at home, church and school. Ages 12-14. (July)