@Sophie Takes a #Selfie - Rules & Etiquette For Taking Good Care Before You Share

By J. J. Cannon

“Sophie” symbolizes every young girl, tween and teen (maybe even Mom or Grandma) in possession of a smart device, which the Author likens to a stick of dynamite if used without proper guidance. The whole wide world opens up to Sophie who can now be in constant communication with friends and share anything in an instant on her favorite social media site…but should she?

Sophie loves KiK-ing it and snapping selfies on Instagram but realizes that things can get complicated in a hurry! Why are people leaving mean comments? How come she wasn’t invited to the party she’s seeing pics of in her feed? Why are kids bullying each other with hateful and humiliating words? Sophie is not perfect. She is going to make mistakes but, together, we can try to guide her in a healthy direction.

With her own young daughters in mind, the Author gives us the #SweetSixteen, thoughtfully written “Rules” with a touch of humor, starting with #Keep It Classy. This first rule encourages young people to consider the many alternatives to overused, less than lady-like acronyms. “All of this LMFAO and OMFG-ing is worn out” Cannon writes, and laments the poor letter ‘F’ being needlessly dragged through the mud. The incredibly adorable illustration accompanying this rule is “My Fair Sophie”, a nod to the timeless brilliance of Audrey Hepburn in “My Fair Lady”. #Be Kind, asks readers to refrain from using, liking or sharing hate speak of any kind and includes suggestions about what to do if you see it. #Beware the Over-Share asks young people to think about the kind of digital footprint they want to leave and consider future colleges and/or bosses who will likely Google first and ask questions later.

The overall message throughout the uniquely named, positive reinforcing rules like #Take 5, #Worry Not, #Practice Perception, #Be Queen Bee, #Find Your Balance, #Protect Your Privacy, and the rest is to stop and think before you react to anything online. “@Sophie Takes a #Selfie” is about self-love, self-respect and self-worth.

Sophie learns the proper etiquette for sharing, reposting or tagging photos or artwork without permission, along with the age old, still relevant “if you can’t say something nice…”, and stresses that it is not ever, under any circumstance, necessary to tell someone he or she is ugly. “You should just go kill yourself.” The sad fact is that some kids do.

This book includes some eye-opening social statistics and invites readers to continue the conversation with the Author on the site she has created specifically for this book. She shares current information pertaining to kids and Social Media and, should you find yourself in a sticky social situation, feel free to “Ask Sophie”.

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It's Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens

By danah boyd

What is new about how teenagers communicate through services such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram? Do social media affect the quality of teens’ lives? In this eye-opening book, youth culture and technology expert danah boyd uncovers some of the major myths regarding teens' use of social media. She explores tropes about identity, privacy, safety, danger, and bullying. Ultimately, boyd argues that society fails young people when paternalism and protectionism hinder teenagers’ ability to become informed, thoughtful, and engaged citizens through their online interactions. Yet despite an environment of rampant fear-mongering, boyd finds that teens often find ways to engage and to develop a sense of identity.

Boyd’s conclusions are essential reading not only for parents, teachers, and others who work with teens but also for anyone interested in the impact of emerging technologies on society, culture, and commerce in years to come. Offering insights gleaned from more than a decade of original fieldwork interviewing teenagers across the United States, boyd concludes reassuringly that the kids are all right. At the same time, she acknowledges that coming to terms with life in a networked era is not easy or obvious. In a technologically mediated world, life is bound to be complicated.

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Bullying Under Attack: True Stories Written by Teen Victims, Bullies & Bystanders

WORDS ARE POWERFUL- they can inflict damage and they can heal.  In this anthology of first-person accounts written by teenagers for both their peers and adults, words transform pain into hope and the possibility for change.

Bullying Under Attack is an eye-opening anthology of all three players in the bullying cycle. These conversational essays on life as the bullied, the bully, and the bystander provide insight and inspiration for change. Rather than offer a cumbersome psychological breakdown, this graceful and hard-hitting book places the reader firmly in the shoes of all involved.

The stories written by The Bullied explain the subtleties and agony of harassment, helping readers understand that there is more to unkind words and behavior than "just joking around." Although many of these teens have suffered through harassment by their peers, their essays are both empowering and inspiring. By exploring the essays by The Bullies, readers will discover that the bullies are often times incorrectly labled as bad kids, but many are simply trying to fit in, despite their own insecurities and fears. While these bullies may still have their own seemingly insurmountable obstacles at home, they share their experiences and insights hoping to manage and reforming other bullies. The section voiced by The Bystander shares tales of those who have regrettably watched and those who have stepped up to help others. Here, readers will find the inspiration to speak out rather than just standing by while others are emotionally harmed.

Whether due to race, weight, or jealousy, there are a myriad of reasons WHY. Included in this startling compendium of personal stories that convey the complexity and nuances of what it means to be bullied, are stories of regret, promises, and encouragement that will help readers find solace during their teen years and show them how—as adults—their words and actions can provide strength and reassurance to others experiencing all aspects of bullying. Ultimately, they will learn to find their voices in order to break the cycle for good.

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The Offenders: Saving the World While Serving Detention!

By Jerry Craft

A freak accident gives five middle school bullies super powers. But instead of transforming into cool super-beings, they take on the characteristics of the kids who they bully. Sure their abilities may be at an all-time high, but do they really have what it takes to save their school when their self-esteem is at an all-time low?
The only thing they know for sure is they're about to learn one "powerful" lesson in compassion!

The 228 page book tackles a prevalent problem facing many of today’s youth, bullying. But instead of the typical tale of childhood bullying, the author decided to take a different approach on the issue. “I wanted to do a book about the kids doing the bullying, those who were bullies and didn’t know it.”   Why are children bullying one another is the ultimate question Craft sought to answer with his book.

Read more about this book and these unsung heroes - click here.

 The Offenders: Saving the World While Serving Detention! is available for advance order at http://jerrycraft.net/offenders.html.

Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life for Teens: A Guide to Living an Extraordinary Life

By Joseph Ciarrochi, Louie Hayes, Anne Bailey and Steven Hayes

Hundreds of thousands of people have read "Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life" to identify the things that are most important to them and give focus and direction to their lives. "Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life for Teens" finally brings these essential skills to teen readers, presenting a comprehensive acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), positive psychology, and emotional intelligence plan for moving past depression, anxiety, unhealthy behaviors, and simple self-doubt.

This engaging book follows the journey of the characters Jess and Sam as they learn to control their impulses and focus on becoming the captains of their own ship.

Readers come to see their dreams clearly and take steps to make them happen, even though these actions may risk criticism from others and cause them to feel temporarily embarrassed or afraid. By learning that feelings do not need to be translated into actions, teens learn to see their lives in the long term and gain self-control and emotion regulation skills that will serve them well as they move into adulthood.

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Papersalt - Simple Tools for Families

What a great resource of books and journals as well as other resources for families!

Papersalt has something for everyone and every age range.

Who are they?

We are a division of Revolution, a Seattle marketing and printing company founded in 2003.

We specialize in employee training and recognition, building content to inspire and influence people.

We are parents. We have spent years building content around families.

At our best as parents and family members, we still always need help. That’s why we started Papersalt.

Building and nurturing your family is the hardest thing you’ll do. With so much media in front of us, we realize that simple, memorable, engaging content is extremely effective.

Content for all books, games and artwork is researched and written by us and our families. And we produce all of the items in our Seattle facility.

Follow them on Twitter and join them on Facebook.

Check out their teens site!  Click here.

PRESS RELEASE FOR PAPERSALT:

Papersalt Launches New Product Line of Tools for Families

Seattle, WA- Seattle’s Revolution, Inc. recently launched their new product line Papersalt. Papersalt creates simple, effective, to-the-point books for kids and parents, giving families an effective set of tools that can be used in all stages of learning.

Recently mentioned on the Macaroni Kids site, “Papersalt products are not only unique, but a truly thoughtful idea. The creators spent years building the content around families… The books feature everything from table manners and ways for families to be healthier, to driving do’s & don’ts and things moms would like their kids to remember as they grow up.”

 –Macaroni Kid, Snoqualmie

“I got ‘Being a Girl'. I read it to my daughters yesterday. My 5 year old wanted to read it herself again later....then again today...3 times”

-Tiffany (Goldthwaite, TX)

“I got "We Do", I read it to the kids right away and we are going to be using it as an awesome tool for our family from now on!!!”

-Lindsay (Big Lake, MN)

Papersalt products are made by and for parents with the hope that kids will pay more attention to the family-based ideas in each book. With just enough content and creative designs, these books are a useful way to translate life lessons into simple yet memorable advice.

Selfish Mom: Inspire and Instruct Your Kids with Papersalt Books:

http://selfishmom.com/2012/07/02/inspire-and-instruct-your-kids-with-papersalt-books/

Family Matters Blog: Papersalt Books Helps My Dislexic Boy

http://www.familymattersblog.com/1/post/2012/06/papersalt-book-helps-dyslexic-boy-by-sandra-clarke.html

All products can be viewed at www.papersalt.com

HEY, BACK OFF! Tips for Stopping Teen Harassment

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By Jennie Withers and Phyllis Hendrickson

Because of the recent alarming increase of tragic suicides among youths, the direct result of repeated harassment and taunting of school children, the United States Department of Education (DOE) released a nationwide appeal to Boards of Education addressing the growing harmful issue in our schools: bullying. Many states have now signed the “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights” to help ensure the physical and emotional well-being of today’s youth. Approximately 160,000 students in America and more worldwide avoid school each day because of the fear of bullying and 60 to 80 percent of schoolchildren face harassment intimidation.

For More Info: Website – Facebook – Twitter and 4 Teachers

Listen to CyberhoodWatch recent BlogTalk Radio Show with Jennie Wirthers!

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lol....OMG!: What Every Student Needs to Know About Online Reputation Management, Digital Citizenship and Cyberbullying

By Matt Ivester

The ease with which digital content can be shared online, in addition to its many benefits, has created a host of problems for today’s high school and college students. All too often, students are uploading, updating, posting and publishing without giving a second thought to who might see their content or how it might be perceived.

lol…OMG! provides a cautionary look at the many ways that today’s students are experiencing the unanticipated negative consequences of their digital decisions – from lost job opportunities and denied college and graduate school admissions to full-blown national scandals.

It also examines how technology is allowing students to bully one another in new and disturbing ways, and why students are often crueler online than in person. By using real-life case studies and offering actionable strategies and best practices, this book empowers students to clean up and maintain a positive online presence, and to become responsible digital citizens.

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Dear Dr. Wes: Real Life Advice for Teens

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This is a unique book of advice and commentary for teenagers, co-written by teenagers. It combines Dr. Wes Crenshaw’s nineteen years of clinical experience as a board certified family psychologist with the natural wisdom and empathy of eight really sharp sixteen- to eighteen-year-olds, each of whom spent a year writing for the Double Take advice column.

Though humorous and entertaining in tone, the book offers serious, honest and practical advice on real world issues including: sex, contraception, pregnancy, sexual identity, mental health, cutting, falling in love, breaking up, friendship, divorce, the future, conflict with parents, teen technology, suicide, foster care, school success and failure, fear and hope, and all the other issues you wake up and face each day in the middle and high school years. Most of the advice was written in response to letters sent to ask www.dr-wes.com, many written by teenagers themselves.

The rest were written on topics selected by the authors based on teen trends and current events. In addition to specific suggestions on each problem, the authors share their thoughts on how the world influences your generation, and vice versa.  Order this book today on Amazon.

Be sure to have your parents check out: Dear Dr. Wes: Real Life Advice for Parents of Teens.

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life

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By James Patterson, Laura Parker, Chris Tebbetts

"Rafe Khatchadorian has enough problems at home without throwing his first year of middle school and the school bully Miller (aka Miller the Killer) into the mix. Luckily, he's got an ace plan for the best year ever, if only he can pull it off: With his best friend Leonardo the Silent awarding him points, Rafe tries to break every rule in his school's oppressive Code of Conduct.

But when Rafe's game starts to catch up with him, he'll have to decide if winning is all that matters, or if he's finally ready to face the rules, bullies, and truths he's been avoiding. "

Read More at http://middleschoolbook.com/


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Do I Get My Allowance Before or After I'm Grounded?: Stop Fighting, Start Talking, and Get to Know Your Teen

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Just released!

HOORAY! Finally, parenting advice from the kid’s perspective! It’s usually impossible to get more than one-word-answers from us, but with my book “Do I Get My Allowance Before or After I’m Grounded” and my blog, I hope I can be honest about real issues that teens and pre-teens are dealing with, so you, the parents, can actually understand us (well at least a small part of our world)…and we can finally develop better relationships.

• Have you ever wondered what really goes on in the mind of a teenager?

• As a teenager, have you ever wondered why parents really make your curfew so early?

• As a parent, have you hoped for a better understanding of the teenage years?

 I am very excited to announce that my next book will be coming out in September with Plume Books–a member of Penguin Group (USA). Here is a sneak peek:

“Do I Get My Allowance Before or After I’m Grounded?” by Vanessa Van Petten

For Parents with Kids Age 7-23!

Every parent fears “losing” their child. But in this revolutionary book, youthologist Vanessa Van Petten translates what parents want to say into what teens want to hear.

At 16, Vanessa Van Petten started her award-winning website, RadicalParenting.com, in reaction to sudden friction with her parents. Today,Vanessa and more than one hundred teen contributors help thousands of parents build and maintain healthy, strong, mutually fulfilling relationships with their teenage children—by providing prescriptive advice straight from the source.

From classic fights like dating and chores to twenty-first century issues such as sexting and cyberbullying, this comprehensive book provides step-by-step guidance on every worry, including:

• Lying

• Social Networking

• School

• Peer Pressure

• Sex

• Drugs

It’s never too late to reconnect. Vanessa Van Petten helps you learn what’s really going on in your child’s life, and most importantly—understand when to put your foot down and when to let go. This book is helpful for parents with kids ages 7 to 25–the advice is timeless and can help in all parent child relationships.

Order on Amazon today!

Real Girls' Guide to Everything... That Makes it AWESOME to be a Girl

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By Erin Brereton

Girls just want to have fun? Well, that’s all part of the journey of being a girl, but there is so much more that goes into becoming a well-adjusted and confident woman and a brand-new book provides helpful tips on how to get there.

Real Girls Guide to Everything…That Makes it Awesome to Be a Girlby Erin Brereton is a handbook that uses humor and everyday situations to emphasize positivity, achievement, and being a strong individual. Girls have so many pressures in today’s world and this book offers helpful tips and advice on how to combat those pressures including:

• Advice about social media, texting, and boys
• How to feel beautiful inside and out
• Tips about setting and reaching goals
• How to be confident and build self-esteem
• Ways to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Important tips on choosing great friends and avoiding toxic friends

 Order today on Amazon!

Tornado Warning: A Memoir of Teen Dating Violence and Its Effect On A Woman's Life

COMING SOON February 2011:

Tornado Warning - A must read for all teens and parents 

By Elin Stebbins Waldal

Parents, teens, and survivors are lucky that Elin Stebbins Waldal has the courage to share her own harrowing experience with teen dating violence. At 17 she unwittingly fell in love with an abusive man. Tornado Warning is the true, honest portrait of how he whittled her down--with words, hands, and weapons--from a confident teen to the shadow of a woman. But Stebbins Waldal offers more. Interwoven with her real-life journal, she reflects on how this relationship has affected her since, and how she is working to protect her teenagers from succumbing to a similar experience. Provocative and healing, Tornado Warning is a must-read for parents, women, and anyone who has suffered at the hands of a loved one.

About the Author

Elin Stebbins Waldal is a writer, speaker, and founder of girls kNOw more, an organization whose mission is to help build confidence in middle-school-age girls. Elin is the Love Is Not Abuse Coalition State Action Leader for California, which advocates for legislation that will require teen dating abuse curriculum in all middle schools, high schools, and colleges. She is a frequent guest on the WomenontheVerge.com radio show. She is also a regular presenter for Laura's House, an Orange County resource for victims of domestic violence. She was recognized with an Honorable Mention Award in the World of Difference Category by The San Diego County Office of Education for speaking and educating high school students. Additionally, she is a California-state-certified domestic violence advocate. She has contributed to The Courage Network, Safe World for Women, and The Women on the Verge on-line periodicals and also serves as a San Diego Examiner reporter on the subject of teen dating violence. Elin lives in Southern California with her husband, three children, and their family dog.

Pre-order today!

Good Girls Don't Get Fat: How Weight Obsession Is Messing Up Our Girls and How We Can Help Them Thrive Despite It

By Robyn Silverman

Based on Dr. Robyn Silverman's groundbreaking research at Tufts University, and filled with searingly honest young voices, Good Girls Don't Get Fat:

– Decodes the ripple effects of actions that damage our girls—and provides tools to help stop them.
– Shines light on the positive influence of women who embrace body types of any size—and explains how to model the right behavior.
– Shows how girls, whatever their size, can own their strengths, trust their power and accomplish amazing things.

Order on Amazon today!  

Not Your Parents' Money: The TALK

By Jean Chatzky

For the first time, financial guru and TODAY Show regular Jean Chatzky brings her expertise to a young audience. Chatzky provides her unique, savvy perspective on money with advice and insight on managing finances, even on a small scale. This book will reach kids before bad spending habits can get out of control. With answers and ideas from real kids, this grounded approach to spending and saving will be a welcome change for kids who are inundated by a consumer driven culture. This book talks about money through the ages, how money is actually made and spent, and the best ways for tweens to earn and save money.

Find out more and order on Amazon today!

Memoirs of a Runaway: A Story of Hope

by Michael Kennon

Michael Kennon is the CEO and President of Kennon Transport, LLC, a successful trucking business he runs with his wife, Sue.  Before owning his own company, Mike was a runaway and was virtually homeless for most of his childhood and young adulthood.  To survive on the road, Mike drove trucks, sold encyclopedias, hustled pool, was a baker, ski instructor, sous chef, drug dealer just to name a few.   Drugs and other dependencies took over Mike's life to the point that he could not accept help when it was offered, nor could he stop running away from a past that haunted him. 


While now blessed with what he has achieved in his life and in his personal and family relationships, things were much different at one time.  "Memoirs of a Runaway:  A Story of Hope" is a tale of survival and spirituality.  Isolation and reconnection.  Most of all, it is a hand reaching out to those who travel down the same troubled path; a story of hope.

"I was a runaway at age 12 and has become a real passion of mine to help runaways and the parents of." - Michael Kennon

The Pink Locker Society - Coming Sept 14th

KidsHealth.org created The Pink Locker Society just for girls like you. You’re curious, smart, and ready to find out more about growing up.

Coming soon - September 14th to be exact, you can get your copy of The Pinker Locker Society from Amazon or other major book stores.

The Pink Locker Society (PLS) has a mysterious past and an uncertain future. Meet the members of this secret society and one very important cute boy. Just between you and me, Jemma has a monster-sized crush on him. But does he want to be more than friends?

Meet the cast of the PLS here.

Pre-orders are now being accepted!

Sue Scheff: Bitten By The Business Bug - Teen Entrepreneur

"Bitten by the Business Bug: Common Sense Tips for Business and Life from a Teen Entrepreneur" is a practical approach to business and life with straightforward tips for kids and adults alike. It is the complete opposite to the negative, self-serving attitude of government and the corporate world that has been so prevalent in recent years. Success comes in many forms and is defined in many ways. Regardless of age, achieving success is not brain surgery or rocket science. It does not have to be complicated. Sometimes it just means simplifying things, getting back to the basics, and taking one step at a time.

At age nine, Jason O'Neill did not set out to become an entrepreneur but when an opportunity arose to make and sell a product for a craft fair, he jumped on it and Pencil Bugs were quickly born. As soon as Jason established his business, he realized the importance of giving back to his community. He continues to donate a portion of his proceeds to help other kids. Now fourteen, Jason has achieved what many people only dream of. Through short personal stories, Jason shares his values, creativity, strategies, and advice for those who have wondered, "Can I do it?" Whether you are a young entrepreneur, a high-level executive, or a parent looking for ideas to share with your family, this book is filled with many "ah-ha" moments. Doing nothing guarantees nothing. "Bitten by the Business Bug" is sure to inspire and motivate readers of any age. Try your ideas! You might surprise yourself.

Learn more about Jason O'Neill on his website www.pencilbugs.com  and read my interview with this teen businessman! Click here.

Sue Scheff: Hanging Out, Messing Around, and Geeking Out

Conventional wisdom about young people's use of digital technology often equates generational identity with technology identity: today's teens seem constantly plugged in to video games, social networks sites, and text messaging. Yet there is little actual research that investigates the intricate dynamics of youth's social and recreational use of digital media.

Hanging Out, Messing Around, and Geeking Out fills this gap, reporting on an ambitious three-year ethnographic investigation into how young people are living and learning with new media in varied settings—at home, in after school programs, and in online spaces. By focusing on media practices in the everyday contexts of family and peer interaction, the book views the relationship of youth and new media not simply in terms of technology trends but situated within the broader structural conditions of childhood and the negotiations with adults that frame the experience of youth in the United States.

Integrating twenty-three different case studies—which include Harry Potter podcasting, video-game playing, music-sharing, and online romantic breakups—in a unique collaborative authorship style, Hanging Out, Messing Around, and Geeking Out is distinctive for its combination of in-depth description of specific group dynamics with conceptual analysis.

Sue Scheff: Be Special to Yourself for Teenagers

Be Special to Yourself for Teenagers

By Ronit Baras

"At Last! A Collection of Teen Stories That Inspire, Encourage, Educate and Motivate Our Teens"

Introducing "Be Special, Be Yourself for Teenagers"


Inspirational Teen Stories By Ronit Baras

Who else wants to discover morale-boosting, confidence-building teen stories that uplift the soul and inspire young adults to be responsible and motivated?

Forget about computers or TV and throw out lecturing your teens about respect, health, success, motivation and confidence.

"Be Special, Be Yourself for Teenagers", a collection of inspirational teens stories that does the job for you!

Read more and order this amazing book today!  Click here.