Is your teen prepared for the real world of personal communication? Set your kids up to succeed with the lost art of social skills and job skills. "5 Stars"--San Diego Book Review"Smile & Succeed for Teens is a fantastic resource to help teens be successful at work." --Temple Grandin, Author, Thinking in Pictures, The Autistic BrainONE OF TIME MAGAZINE'S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN THE WORLDAre your kids glued to their phones and out of touch with the real world? Do your teens slouch and have poor eye contact? Do you worry that their inability to communicate will keep them from getting a good job? If so, then it's time for a crash course in the social skills and job skills that will lead to their success. Let award-winning author Kirt Manecke be your guide. Developed by a team of teens, parents, and educators, the proven methods in Manecke's book provide your kids with the people skills and confidence they'll need throughout their lives. Whether your teen is looking for work, holding down a job, making friends, or taking part in leadership or service positions, Smile and Succeed for Teens will give them the education he or she needs to thrive. Perfect for special education, ADHD, Down Syndrome, and Autism too. Each lesson is presented in an entertaining style, with quips, tips, and easy-to-adopt strategies that will teach your teenager the critical elements of good communication. Filled with fun and informative illustrations with educational captions. And the best part is, teenagers enjoy reading it! Parents, you can help your teens learn the skills in Smile & Succeed for Teens by using the book in conjunction with the Parent's Guide for Smile & Succeed for Teens (sold separately on Amazon) to give your teens the edge.In this book, your teen will discover how to: * Develop self-esteem and beat crippling social anxiety* Make new friends and speak with confidence * Sail through the most difficult of interviews for scholarships, programs, and jobs* Become an effective volunteer* Improve their school programs and community through effective fundraising * Succeed at work and stand out to their employer, and much, much more! The winner of the Mom's Choice Gold Award for excellence, Teachers' Choice Award, and the IP Gold Award recognizing excellence, Smile & Succeed for Teens is an attention-grabbing, easy-to-use course that has already supplied thousands of teens with the skills to do better in school, develop meaningful relationships, and establish fulfilling careers. If you want to equip your teenager for success in work and life, then you can't afford to miss Manecke's essential guide. Buy the book to set your teen on the path to success today!

For many girls it starts early. The desire to be perfect. The need for approval. The longing for acceptance and being liked by a lot of people.Thanks to social media, these desires now get channeled online. Girls can curate an image, build a following, and test-drive identities until they find one that draws attention and applause.But in this quest to be liked and noticed, girls often fail to feel loved and known. The result is a generation of girls who hunger for real and authentic relationships - yet are unclear on how to create them. From popular blogger and bestselling author Kari Kampakis comes a powerful book for girls in the digital age. Designed to empower teens and tweens through the Christian faith, it's packed with godly wisdom and practical advice related to identity, friendships, social media, and a relationship with God. Topics covered include:Living for God's approval, not human approval;Cultivating a true identity;Using social media wisely;Building a positive reputation online;Spreading kindness, love, and compassion;Distinguishing online friends from real friends;Building deep connections that last;Handling rejection, criticism, and volatile emotions;Activating your Christian faith; and Making an eternal difference, not a temporary splash.For anyone exhausted by the quest to impress - and ready to rest in God's unconditional love - Liked is the answer. Written succinctly with thought-provoking questions, it's an ideal resource for a small group or youth group study, and a conversation-starter that will quickly unite mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends by speaking to the female heart.

In today's world, the topic of homosexuality seems to be part of everyday conversation in the media, in politics, and even inside churches, with pressure to accept one view or the other. And if you're a Christian teen, there seems to be few easy answers to the issues you regularly encounter, such as: Can you be friends with someone who is gay? What if your sister is a lesbian, or you sometimes wonder if you might be as well? Does the Bible really say homosexuality is wrong? What does God want us to do and say?Preston Sprinkle has encountered these same questions, and as a theologian and a college professor he has dealt with these issues firsthand. Through honest conversation, real-life examples, and biblical research, Sprinkle unpacks what we can know to be true, and how Scripture's overall message to us today allows us to move forward and find answers that align with God's intent.

In today's world, the topic of homosexuality seems to be part of everyday conversation in the media, in politics, and even inside churches, with pressure to accept one view or the other. And if you're a Christian teen, there seems to be few easy answers to the issues you regularly encounter, such as: Can you be friends with someone who is gay? What if your sister is a lesbian, or you sometimes wonder if you might be as well? Does the Bible really say homosexuality is wrong? What does God want us to do and say?Preston Sprinkle has encountered these same questions, and as a theologian and a college professor he has dealt with these issues firsthand. Through honest conversation, real-life examples, and biblical research, Sprinkle unpacks what we can know to be true, and how Scripture's overall message to us today allows us to move forward and find answers that align with God's intent.

Discover how you can respond to God's call in your own life, whether it's in your own town or on the other side of the world.Teen Austin Gutwein has taken his best shot several thousand timesto help AIDS orphans in Africa and in the process has built a schooland a medical clinic! Take Your Best Shot tells how one boymade an incredible difference in the lives of those without hope whilechallenging the reader to do the same. The interactive dialogue willleave space for the reader to respond. By the end of the book, thereader will know the testimony of Austin and other teens from aroundthe world who are committed to a life of sharing Christ's love, andwill have begun to search for God's voice in their own lives. The bookwill also equip and challenge readers with information on a variety ofministries and organizations around the world to help people, animals,and the environment. "Austin is an outstandingyoung man! He inspires us to dream bigger, reach higher and love deeper. Hisstory deserves a wide hearing." Max Lucado"I amvery impressed with Austin Gutwein's story in Take Your Best Shot. This bookis filled with words of encouragement, inspiration, and hope. It's guaranteedto motivate you into action." Pat Williams, Senior Vice President, Orlando Magic"Ispent a day with Austin and his family and found them inspiring. His story, Ibelieve, challenges us all. The first thing I thought as I drove to the airportwas: What was I doing when I was twelve? Andthen, of course, the next thought: What,exactly, am I doing now?" John Larson, Former NBC NationalCorrespondent"Whenpeople ask me how they can possibly make a difference fighting a problem as bigas 'global poverty', I tell them about a boy named Austin who, like David, stared Goliath in theeye without flinching. This young man has done more to make a difference in thelives of children orphaned by AIDS than most American churches, let aloneindividuals. If you are older than 10 and you haven't yet done your part tochange the world, read TakeYour Best Shot and beinspired. Austin Gutwein shows us the way". RichardStearns, President, World Vision US, Author of TheHole in Our Gospel"Whenpeople ask who has most impacted me over the last year, without hesitation Ican say Austin Gutwein and the story of Hoops of Hope. I am around amazingleaders all the time, and Austin rivals all of them. Austinis my friend. And Austinis one of my heroes. You can't be around Austinor the amazing work of Hoops of Hope without being deeply impacted andinspired. Trust me. Do yourself a favor and read this book and the incrediblestory. But once you do, be prepared to be changed and challenged. You'll seethe world and your significant role in helping those less fortunate in anamazingly fresh way." BradLomenick, Executive Director, Catalyst"Austin'sstory is one of modern day heroism. He represents a new generation that cancarry us all into the twenty-first century: a world of hope, peace and selflesslove. Austincompletely inspires me." DanielBiro, Hawk Nelson

FUN. ROMANTIC. EPIC!!Zoe Jabril needs to devise a kick-ass plan to save the world ASAP. Otherwise, Armageddon starts the day she turns eighteen--and if that happens, everything is going to hell. Literally.She could be any other 17-year-old attending parties and checking out cute guys--except she discovers her best friend is a Guardian Angel and the boy she crushes on is a Nephilim, both sent to protect her from the demons who want her dead.Now Zoe has to deal with growing feelings toward the Nephilim, who spreads a strange electrical current through her body every time he touches her. And she's under constant attack from Demons, trying to stop her from fulfilling the Prophecy: a girl will be born who will unite Angels, Nephilim, Fairies and Werewolves to battle evil. Then she has to control newly found talents if she's to prevent the devil from escaping Hell.Fans of Mortal Instruments and "FALLEN" love this series!!"Awesome New Fantasy Read!" - Nicole T., Amazon Reviewer"SOLID FIVE STARS" - Amazon Reviewer"HARD TO PUT DOWN!!" - Linda, Amazon Reviewer** This title used to be called: The Guardian, a Sword, & Stilettos. **** Age Appropriate: Middle School; age 10+ **** This Series are considered to be 'clean' books **

In The Case for a Creator--Student Edition, best-selling author and former atheist Lee Strobel and popular writer Jane Vogel take younger readers on a remarkable investigation into the origin of the universe, interviewing many of the world's most renown scientists and following the evidence wherever it leads.Their findings--presented in the third blockbuster "Case" book student edition--offer the most compelling scientific proof ever for intelligent design. Perfect for youth groups and young people eager to rebut the Darwinian and naturalistic views taught so commonly in schools.

Instead of just surviving relationships, why not cherish them? A teen girl's life is bursting with relationships--hard ones, favorite ones, and ones you would avoid if only you could. In Cherish, best-selling author Vicki Courtney offers godly yet timely advice on how to navigate and cultivate relationships with your parents, friends, guys, and everyone else who fills your day. You'll find your questions answered on such topics as:Top 10 friendship killers What to do when your family is falling apartWhat happens when good girls fall for bad boysHow to live in the digital worldWhy did God put you here anyway?

We know full well the pressures and stress that high school students experience today. As if it weren't hard enough to try to pass A.P. English, make the varsity football team, and stay out of trouble, students are constantly hearing about how they need to be a "good Christian." It's not easy. Being a Christian might be tough, but it's worth it. Now updated for the next generation of teenagers going through high school, this bestselling resource teaches teens how to handle the temptations and pressures they face every day. Through reading about teenagers in the Bible who also faced huge issues in their lives, teens will be encouraged to make a difference in their world today. How to Stay Christian in High School will help teen readers grapple with their faith and make it real for whatever circumstance they face.

"Beauty is on the inside." We know it's true . . . yet sometimes it seems tough to fully believe it. What would your world be like if you truly felt beautiful and lived every day full of that confidence and joy?Fashion journalist Lauren Scruggs knows how it feels to search for beauty. She grew up knowing of God's love, but never fully understood what that love meant, or how it extended to the deepest parts of her soul--until a horrible accident that resulted in the loss of both her left eye and hand. In her darkest hours, everything Lauren believed was tested. Yet it was there that God showed her where real beauty comes from: the unfailing love of the Creator. God's love is what truly makes us lovely.Using stories from Lauren's accident, recovery, and experiences in the fashion world, Your Beautiful Heart explores issues that teen girls face every day: body image, self-worth, peer pressure, and much more. Whether you read the book on your own or with a group of friends, Lauren's personal message of love, faith, and value will show you what it means to be a girl who radiates with true beauty.

Every day, God gives us each the opportunity to use our words in powerful ways. The Bible says that words have the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21), and Annie Downs has discovered during her life the truth of that verse. Speak Love is a call for teen girls to be the genertation of women who focus on bringing life - not death - with their words and have the potential to end the mean girl mentality within themselves, their friends, and others in their schools and churches.

Has Science Discovered God?When Lee Strobel was a high school freshman, science convinced him that God didn't exist. Since then, however, incredible scientific discoveries have not only helped restore Lee's faith, but have strengthened it.Lee is not alone. More and more scientists, confronted with startling, cutting-edge evidence from many areas of research, no longer believe the universe just "happened" or that life arose by mere chance. Behind a universe of staggering complexity, they are seeing signs of a Master Designer.Are your science textbooks still telling you the same "facts" that Lee's did years ago? Prepare to be astonished by what some of today's most respected experts have to say about:The birth of the universeDarwinism and the origin of lifeThe astounding fine-tuning of the cosmosAmazing molecular machines and DNA researchWeigh the evidence for yourself. Then consider this question: Could it be that the universe looks designed ... because it is?

We know full well the pressures and stress that high school students experience today. As if it weren't hard enough to try to pass A.P. English, make the varsity football team, and stay out of trouble, students are constantly hearing about how they need to be a "good Christian." It's not easy. Being a Christian might be tough, but it's worth it. Now updated for the next generation of teenagers going through high school, this bestselling resource teaches teens how to handle the temptations and pressures they face every day. Through reading about teenagers in the Bible who also faced huge issues in their lives, teens will be encouraged to make a difference in their world today. How to Stay Christian in High School will help teen readers grapple with their faith and make it real for whatever circumstance they face.

In Speak Love, author Annie Downs challenges readers to use their words to honor God, positively influence those around them, and fill their own lives with God's truth.

Sex is everywhere. And misunderstandings about it are even more pervasive. Whether you have questions of your own and don't know who to ask, or you are being asked questions and don't know where to turn--this small book has the answers. Bestselling author and speaker, Josh McDowell believes that no question is off limits and that knowledge, not ignorance, is the key to youthful purity and a fulfilling marriage and family. This book builds on that approach with relevant, pertinent statistics, entertaining anecdotes, and real stories.This little book will be a very practical tool in the hands of anyone who is struggling, anyone who is curious, anyone who is nervous about asking a "dumb question," and most importantly, anyone who desires to learn how to honor God with his or her body. The Bible is clear on a lot of these issues and Josh's candor (and respect for young people) shines through as he shares these truths about sex. Much like Josh's apologetics books, this book will help equip a skeptical generation with the facts they are sorely missing.

From dorm and Greek life to dating and academia, every piece of the college equation becomes a loaded opportunity for you--and your faith--to thrive. Can You Keep Your Faith in College? will help guide you through the best years of your life.You're not alone in the struggle to maintain the faith you carried with you when you first set foot on campus. Packed with encouragement specifically for these trying years, Can You Keep Your Faith in College compiles experiences shared by students from more than fifty schools across the nation, and targets pertinent issues including, "The Transition," academics, dorm life, peer pressure, extracurricular activities, sports, Greek life, dating, studying abroad, racial relations, and "God's Surprise Encounters." Don't let your faith whittle away; build it up! It's what defines you.

The world is run by teen girls: parents of teen girls, teachers of teen girls, boys trying to date teen girls, feminists who want to empower teen girls, companies trying to sell things to teen girls, and people who have had it "up to here" with teen girls. Chances are if you're reading this, there is a young woman in your life for whom you desire the very best, and 10 Things for Teen Girls can help with that. Based on student minister Kate Conner's runaway blog post, this book answers a lot of important questions: Why should I follow my heart? Should I care what other people think of me? Why are boys only interested in my body? How do I handle my emotions? Am I beautiful? Am I enough? Teen girls have already heard the typical shtick about how they need to dress modestly, or how they shouldn't care what others think of them, but it doesn't suffice. Rooted in biblical wisdom and interspersed with candid stories of the modern teenage experience, Conner's imparts common (and all too uncommon) sense.

You are beautiful. You are valuable. You are enough. In a book based on her run-away blog post "Ten Things I Want to Tell Teenage Girls," which garnered more than 2 million views in two weeks, Kate Conner calls us to action in Enough. We all have teenage girls in our lives who we love, whether it's a sister, friend, or daughter. Kate has identified 10 things these girls need to hear today from someone who loves her. Peppered with wit and laced with grace, Kate's list tackles relevant issues like Facebook, emotions, drama, tanning beds, modesty, and flirtation. Woven into each chapter is a powerful message of worth that transcends age, and will touch the souls of women, young and old alike: You are beautiful. You are valuable. You are enough. A former youth-worker, wife to a college minister, and a young mom in her twenties, Conner stands squarely in generational gap, the perfect place from which to bridge it. Conner offers herself as a translator, helping you to speak your teenager's language and equipping you with a fresh perspective from which to engage your teenage girl--one that may enable her to truly hear your heart (and your wisdom) for the first time since puberty.

This was given to my daughter when she was in elementary school as a letter to carry with her each day to remind her that God made her special. My daughter was faced with adversity that others often see as a behavior issue; but I knew it was much more than that. I prayed to God and asked him to help and guide me so she could get on the right track, and he helped me with this letter that now has turned into a book. Kids go through so much beginning at a young age, and peer pressure is rapid as they go through different phases of life. Kids are unhappy with themselves, or a part of their body, whether it's their teeth, nose, ears, body, or hair. When God makes something, he doesn't make any mistakes; he makes each and every one with their own unique design. It's important for our kids to know that no matter how they look, they must remember that "God made me special."

For teenagers who have experienced any kind of abuse or abandonment, it can often feel like hope is lost and they're doomed to stay stuck in unhealthy habits and patterns. This teenage edition of Mending the Soul was written to show teens that by following a path of restoration and allowing God's grace to touch their heart's deepest wounds, they will find hope and healing as they work through their pain. It will help them navigate the emotional trauma of abuse and abandonment, as well as recognize signs of unhealthy families and dating relationships. Armed with a better understanding of their past and how the effects of abuse can lead to risky behaviors, shame, trauma and isolation--teens will be encouraged to face their brokenness, to heal and forgive and to look toward their hope-filled future. A practical resource for teens, Mending the Soul, Student Edition also offers insight into the struggles parents and ministry leaders face when working with teenage victims of abuse.

Come take a fresh look at dating for a new generation of young women. This conversation will encourage you as Tracy Levinson shares grace infused insight, wisdom, laughter and liberating truth. unashamed - candid conversations about dating, love, nakedness and faith is for young women, and people in their lives who adore them. This list includes moms, dads, brothers, grandparents, boyfriends, and church leaders. Tracy Levinson candidly explores pivotal questions asked by this millennial generation. Here are a few topics you will encounter in this book:Q: I have already been involved sexually, so how do I have a redo?Q: What are the things that bug you about dating in the Christian culture?? Q: What is guarding my heart and does it even pertain to dating?

Social Skills for Teens is The Teaching Guide for the award-winning book Smile & Succeed for Teens: Must-Know People Skills for Today's Wired World. This information-packed guide is created by teachers as a supplement to the book to help you teach a fun and effective life skills and career skills curriculum for teens. Short, quick and easy to use and implement, just like the book Smile & Succeed for Teens. Perfect for CTE (career and technical education), social skills, DECA, transition, school to work teachers, home school, and youth groups. This Teaching Guide is also popular with special education teachers teaching students with special needs and autism.Harvard University says Social Skills are the Top Factor for Getting a Job-ARE YOUR STUDENTS PREPARED? When you use this Teaching Guide along with the book Smile & Succeed for Teens you will learn how to:Easily and successfully help your students apply the techniques in Smile & Succeed for Teens.Assist your students in improving critical communication skills for success in school, work, and life.Guide your students as they prepare for a job and help them get a positive head start in their career.Help students who have jobs or volunteer to quickly improve customer service and increase sales or donations. Help you effectively teach the 21st Century Skills in the book Smile & Succeed for Teens.FILLED WITH ACTIVITIES - ROLE-PLAYING AND MORE! REPRODUCIBLE WORKSHEETS FOR THE CLASSROOM.This Teaching Guide is an Activity Guide for Teachers: Covers PEOPLE SKILLS, JOB SKILLS, COVER LETTER/RESUME. MOCK JOB INTERVIEWS. ELECTRONIC ETIQUETTE, CUSTOMER SERVICE, SALES, VOLUNTEERING SKILLS and more. 18 exercises for teaching the social skills and job skills in the book Smile & Succeed for Teens. Created By Teachers to Help Teens Succeed! For Grades 6-12Inside this supportive book you will also find indispensable tips, proven techniques, and "must-do-now" strategies. This valuable teaching guide generates immediate results for success in school, life and work. In no time you will be helping teens master priceless social skills, prepare for a job and get a head start in a career. This is the perfect asset for those who want to help teens looking for a job, working, starting their own business, volunteering or applying to college. You will teach them to make a powerful first impression that will positively impact their future for years to come! For Classroom Use and MOREAre you using Smile & Succeed for Teens to teach teens outside a classroom? This Teaching Guide is a also an ideal church and youth groups (scouting, etc.) tool and can be used powerfully for nonprofits, businesses employing teens, and more. The lessons in the Teaching Guide are flexible and can be assigned daily, semiweekly, weekly or whenever there is available time in the classroom.Packed inside, you will find all you need to ensure that your students succeed in school, work, and life with this essential life and career skills curriculum for teens! Table of ContentsExercise 1Informational Text Scavenger HuntExercise 2Essential People SkillsExercise 3Evaluating Personal ExperienceExercise 4Role Play Top Ten People Skills (Ch. 1)Exercise 5Create a Flyer (Ch. 2)Exercise 6Build a Cover Letter and Resume (Ch. 2)Exercise 7Mock Interview (Ch. 2)Exercise 8: Keep Your Job (Ch. 2)Exercise 9Overcome Stress Evaluation (Ch. 2)Exercise 10Master Electronic Etiquette (Ch. 3)Exercise 11Role Play Customer Service Skills (Ch. 4-6)Exercise 12Answer the Phone with a Smile (Ch. 4)Exercise 13Role Play Fundraising Skills (Ch. 7)Exercise 14Be a Mystery Shopper (Ch. 1-7)Exercise 15Service Learning Project (Ch. 7)Exercise 16Make it Stick (Ch. 1-7)Exercise 17Quotations, Illustrations, Computer Monitors, and Wired Tips (Ch. 1-7)Exercise 18Book Review (Ch. 1-7)AppendixLesson WorksheetsPurchase this Teaching Guide today to give teens a huge head start for success in school, work, and life!

This book was written when I was 14 years old. I reflected on life and I believe that this will help other young people, who are Christians. I just want to encourage others that while being a Christian is one of the best decisions I've ever made, there are still challenges and obstacles that we deal with in life. However, with faith and strength of God, you can overcome. You are more than a conqueror.

Middle school is like a roller coaster, filled with ups and downs, twists and turns; it's exhilarating and scary all at the same time! From piles of homework, to understanding the variety of "interesting" people working at your school, and dealing with the new challenges of changing for gym class in front of everyone, it's normal to feel a little overwhelmed. That's why in My School, from the Middle School Survival Series, we will tackle the things that weigh heavily on middle school students just like you. This book will address important middle school issues like: dealing with bullies, jocks, nerds, and every other category of student you encounter revealing the truth behind the urban legends of middle school pop quizzes, tardiness, and other survival tips This book is filled with short and easy-to-read tips, along with funny stories from the authors (who, believe it or not, used to be middle school morons!), and quotes and questions from students just like you. After reading My School, you'll be able to walk the halls like the confident student you want to be.

To the Survivors is about one man's journey as a rape crisis counselor with true stories of sexual violence shared by survivors in their own words. Gently and beautifully constructed, To the Survivors is moving, tender, sharp, and piercingly true all at once. Readers will encounter uncensored written stories, poems, and interviews from women and men who have experienced rape and sexual assault, plus the advocate-author voice that weaves their experiences together. The survivors are diverse in age, gender, and ethnicity, yet each gives a similarly raw and heartfelt account of his or her victimization and recovery. The authenticity and vulnerability with which survivors speak resonates profoundly. But this book is not just for survivors of sexual violence. Robert Uttaro believes anyone can benefit from the words in these pages, rape survivor or not.