3 great non-ministry related books…

Book 1: I’m Down by Mishna Wolff
This is such a fun memoir. Mishna is an intellecutally gifted white girl growing up in the ghetto with her single white father who worked hard at making his and his children’s identity black. This is a story of race, diversity, struggle and coming of age written in an accessable way that challenged me to see the world around me differently. At its heart it’s a story of a young girl trying to find her place in the only world she knows. I was moved to tears on more than one occasion.

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Yes, teenagers can make wise choices in our sex-saturated culture.
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Book 2: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
A tragic story of a young girl who committed suicide and left behind a collection of numbered cassette tapes to be distributed to those she blamed for he hopeless act. This is a very powerful story that gets at the heart of the struggle to simply “survive” adolescence. It unfolded like a mystery, leaving me wondering how all of these people were connected and what role they planned in her decision to end her life. This is a book you can read with your students that will stimulate discussion about bullying, sexism, marginalization, loving people, the importance of reaching out and a host of other topics. Strongly recommend this title.

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Yes, teenagers can make wise choices in our sex-saturated culture.
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Book 3: Cracked by K.M. Walton
This is a quick and easy read that tells the story of two high school students. Victor and William are classmates. Victor is the nerdy kids that William has picked his whole life. Through a series of events they both end up roommates on an adolescent psych unit. This was a great way to teach on empathy and compassion and look past the surface into the heart of another person. The ending is a bit “happily ever after-ish” but the lessons remain. Another good discussion starter for students and adults alike.