Books for Teens

In Their Shoes

By Deborah Reber (Simon Pulse, $12.99, 411 pages)

This engaging book, by the co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul The Real Deal series, lets teenagers envision what it might be like to have the job of their dreams. Full to bursting with “day in the life” profiles, checklists and helpful tips, this book is a goldmine for any young person – and adults, too, really – pondering the question, “What do I want to do with my life?”

The book includes interviews with amazing career women such as Shonda Rimes, the creator and producer of the hit TV show Grey’s Anatomy; Susan Schulz, editor in chief of CosmoGIRL! magazine; and U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer. IN THEIR SHOES is the aspiring working girl’s encyclopedia. It would make the perfect graduation gift!

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UNDER THE BASEBALL MOON

by John H. Ritter

Philomel Books, $16.99 (hardcover)

DALLAS WOODBURN’S PICK OF THE MONTH

I did not want to put this book down – I read it in two days, cover to cover. Here’s the synopsis: Andy Ramos, a free-style skateboarding trumpeter, has dreams “as big as a baseball moon.” Born into an ecclectic family of musicians, Andy wants to take his unique fusion of Latin jazz, rock, and hip-hop straight to the top of the charts. But when he crosses paths with Glory Martinez, a softball pitcher who has Olympic dreams of her own, the mysterious fusion of their athletic and musical skills changes everything. Or is Andy’s newfound success due to the elegant, but eerie, man in black? He promises fame and fortune, but can he deliver? And just how far is Andy willing to go to find out?

I have never played softball or the trumpet, but I felt like I WAS Andy and Glory. Not just that I could relate to them — but that I WAS them, that I experienced what they went through, that I could feel the mysterious magic force between them. This entire book is *magical* … John’s unique voice and rhythmic style, the effective use of “slang” dialogue, and song lyrics included at the end make this a truly original read that will capture the heart and soul of anyone who marches — or skateboards — to the beat of a different drummer.

Not only is John Ritter a gifted writer, he is also a wonderful person who always encourages young writers. Check out his other award-winning books, CHOOSING UP SIDES, OVER THE WALL, and THE BOY WHO SAVED BASEBALL, and his website: www.johnhritter.com

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”Gearing Up” – Inside & Out for a Great Life – A smart guide for teens

by Patrick Combs (Author), Publisher: Light Matrix Book, ISBN: 0974334502

High School is an incredibly pivotal time in life. It comes with many opportunities and many challenges. Students are challenged to do well in class, explore their careers, plan for their future, and get ready for the real world, all while having to cope with peer pressure, stressful transitions, ups and downs, and difficult people.

Whatever your family background, whatever your IQ, whatever your self-image, and whatever your dreams, GEARING UP FOR A GREAT LIFE, will guide you (and inspire you) to great success in High School and beyond!

Patrick Combs is also the author of “Major in Success”. Check out his website: www.goodthink.com – you’ll like it!

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Organizing from the Inside Out for Teens:

The Foolproof System for Organizing Your Room, Your Time, and Your Life

by Julie Morgenstern and Jessi Morgenstern

America ’s # 1 Organizer teams up with her daughter to give teens a foolproof method for getting organized in every aspect of their lives.

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Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Teens; Simple Ways to Keep Your Cool in Stressful Times

by Richard Carlson (Author)

Richard Carlson’s DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF titles are # 1 National Bestsellers, with over twelve million copies in print. Now he turns his attention to showing teens how not to let the small things in life get them down. (www.dontsweat.com )