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April 13, 2009

5 Minutes for Books — Empowering Youth

Written by Jennifer

Kelly Curtis has been written her Positively Speaking column here at 5 Minutes for Mom for two-and-half years! I know that I always appreciate her inspiring and common-sense parenting advise. So when I found out that she had published a book of such wisdom — Empowering Youth: How to Encourage Young Leaders to Do Great Things — I looked forward to getting my hands on it.

This book is not full of self-esteem mumbo-jumbo, that new philosophy with a focus on a largely inflated and empty esteem. No, in this book Kelly Curtis uses the four empowerment assets which “relate to the key development need youth have to be valued and valuable” (page 4).

Instead of bemoaning the irresponsible attitudes and actions of today’s young people, Curtis encourages us to “Be the Who” in a youth’s life by using our interactions to train them for the roles that we want them to assume in the future.

The book is filled with practical examples as well as experiential research and results. The Activities suggested seek to open dialogue between youth and adults with the result of changing each of their attitudes from “me to we.”

The last chapter gives ways of “Ensuring a Safe World for Young People,” especially useful to anyone working in a community group that targets kids.

If you interact with young people in any way — as a teacher, church volunteer, aunt, grandparent, or even (or especially?) a parent — I recommend that you read Empowering Youth: How to Encourage Young Leaders to Do Great Things.

Do you think you might have a book in you? Check out Kelly’s Becoming an Author series on her Pass the Torch blog.

Find out more about her book at the Empowering Youth page at Search Institute Press, including a peek inside and sample activities.

I don’t have a giveaway winner to announce this week, because last week’s giveaway for a great Welcome Little One book and gift package is still open.

We also have several giveaways open at 5 Minutes for Books, and we are doing a giveaway-a-day from April 15 – 24.

If you’d like to win a copy of Empowering Youth (U.S. shipping addresses only), leave a comment below. We’ll announce the winner in next week’s column.

Contributing editor Jennifer Donovan manages 5 Minutes for Books and blogs at Snapshot.

31 Comments

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Comments on 5 Minutes for Books — Empowering Youth »

April 13, 2009

Kayla @ 1:04 am

I would like a copy =]

My email is k.potega03@yahoo.com

Thank you so much for directing me to Kelly’s blog. I have wanted to start writing for awhile now, but I can’t seem to get started whether it be discouraging, unimaginative ideas or just plain blahness.

Mozi Esmes Mommy @ 1:23 am

I’d love to read this – it looks great!

Ellen C. @ 10:01 am

This sounds like a great read. Thanks for the chance.

Kate @ 10:31 am

I’m excited to read this book!

Tricia @ 10:36 am

This sounds like a great book! Actions speak louder than words!!

Shasta @ 10:56 am

I would love to have {and read!} this book!

Sarah at themommylogues @ 11:05 am

I would love this book!

Jenny K @ 11:08 am

I would love to win this book, I have a young child of my own and I plan on volunteering at the church with our youth! Thanks for the chance to win this great prize!

Sharon S @ 12:14 pm

This would be a great read for me! I am running out of ideas at motivating the youth in my church to really take ownership of our activities and would appreciate the help… Thanks!

Hailey @ 2:02 pm

I would love to win a copy of this book!

Heidi @ ggip @ 5:01 pm

I’d love a chance to win. Sounds like a breath of fresh air in this book.

Martha C @ 5:41 pm

I could so use this book to help guide me in my classroom, my volunteer work and especially at my own home!

Deanna @ 7:07 pm

Empowering Youth sounds intriguing to me.
I have several youth in my life…one of my goals is to empower them.

I would love to win a copy.

Diana (Ladybug Limited) @ 8:58 pm

I’ve been reading Kelly for awhile now– I’d love to have her book!

Nancy S. @ 9:09 pm

This book looks great! I’d love to use it for a class I’m teaching in my children’s homeschool co-op on critical thinking and teamwork!

Lisa @ 11:10 pm

I went to high school with Kelly and would love to win her book!

April 14, 2009

edj @ 7:13 am

You mean it goes beyond the “look deep in yourself and you will find the answer” philosophy taught in every single children’s movie? Wow. Please enter me in the drawing.

April 15, 2009

Kristin @ 8:38 am

I would love a copy- kids all over the place here!!

MH @ 8:18 pm

I am a grandmother and would love to have this book.

Angie @ 10:55 pm

I’d love to win this book for use on my 12 yo son.

April 19, 2009

Sarah Berry @ 12:34 am

This would be great not only for home but also at work. I work with troubled children. Thanks for a great giveaway

Linda M. @ 11:21 am

I’m so thankful that I’ve been led to your wonderful books! I have your site on my Yahoo homepage & I would love to win this book. I have 2 nephews that are just at the right age for this book to be helpful to me,as their Aunt & my sister, their mother.I can see the help it would be just by reading your perfect review! Thanks!

Sara Amos @ 12:35 pm

Id love this for my sister who teaches high school

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