Self-esteem for teens Six principles for creating the life you want

Self-esteem doesn't come from external sources-rather, it's entirely within one's own control, suggests author and social worker Schab in this guidebook, part of the Instant Help Solutions series. The author introduces six guiding principles for developing self-esteem, including "My Self-Esteem Is in My Hands" and "There Is a Reward in Every Struggle." Schab breaks down each principle in four subsections-"Learn," "Explore," "Become," and "Affirm"-and activities help readers personalize the underlying concepts ("Pretend you're talking to a younger child who's feeling bad after making a mistake. Describe what you'd say to that child and how you'd explain that mistakes don't change a person's self-worth"). This mix of concrete suggestions, frequent affirmations, and allegorical "wisdom tales" that get at the heart of what it means to have self-worth offers multiple avenues for growth. Ages 13-up. (July) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

In order to help teens approach people, situations, and their own feelings with confidence, licensed clinical social worker Schab (The Anxiety Workbook for Teens) proposes six core principles, the first being that people are responsible for their own self-esteem. She goes on to note that every human being has intrinsic worth, that one's value lies in living authentically, that feeding the positive grows the positive, and so on. A "wisdom tale" or fable is offered for every concept, which clearly illustrates the author's message. Each chapter/principle is also arranged into "learn," "explore," and "become" sections, in which the author provides exercises and questions for self-examination. VERDICT While no book will alleviate the angst of being a teen, this one will offer comfort and help to readers. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.