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88 Life-Changing High School Hacks (A Sur-Thrival Guide)
Navigating the turbulent waters of high school life is a challenge faced by many, with the journey from childhood to adulthood fraught with difficulties such as bullying, burnout, and anxiety over the future. 88 Life-Changing High School Hacks, authored by Derek Freeman, seeks to provide a guiding hand through this particularly demanding phase of life.
The book presents a comprehensive collection of 88 carefully curated tips, offering guidance on diverse subjects such as study techniques, time management, social interaction, and extracurricular activities. Drawing upon a Miagi-type mentorship approach, Freeman’s work serves as a preparation course designed to conserve time and energy, enhance memory, cultivate strong relationships, and lay the foundation for financial mastery.
Despite its considerable volume, each of the hacks in the book is deemed essential. Freeman has invested considerable effort into investigating the realities of adolescence, even incorporating insights from his personal experiences. Portrayed as a passion project in the foreword, this dedication is palpable throughout the book, with the extensive research contributing to its resonant and informative nature.
The text exudes the comforting wisdom of an older sibling with a playful and engaging first-person narrative. Each tip is meticulously numbered, not only to validate the promised quantity but also to facilitate easy referencing. This thoughtful design allows the reader to utilize the book as a go-to manual for navigating both high school and the transitional years that follow.
Though principally aimed at teens and pre-teens, the wisdom encapsulated in 88 Life-Changing High School Hacks transcends age. Freeman’s insights into internal distractions and procrastination, along with practical solutions like the Pomodoro technique, can be applied universally by anyone eager to enhance their focus. Additionally, personal anecdotes, such as Hack #28: The Codeword, offer valuable insights that parents may find helpful.
In an era when technological distractions often supplant family interactions, Freeman’s book promotes essential conversations between parents and children. Whether discussing life’s practicalities while assisting in the kitchen or leisurely conversing in the backyard, this book fosters connections and understanding.
88 Life-Changing High School Hacks emerges as a timely and vital resource, penned by an observant author keen to impart the wisdom garnered over years of reflection and learning. Its relevance to today’s society, where digital gadgets often overshadow face-to-face family communication, further underscores its significance. Engaging, insightful, and empathetic, this book is not just a guide but a compassionate companion for those journeying through the multifaceted landscape of high school life.
Pages: 220 | ASIN : B0CCK26JTL
Empathy, Cooperation, and Problem-Solving
Huckleberry Academy: The School of Imagination, Volume I The Majestic Feather follows a shy young monkey with anxiety who has to attend a new and strange school. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
COVID was a terrible experience for us all, and it really affected my children when they had to attend school from home. After moving to a new city, my kids had to meet new friends and experience school in a whole different way. I saw the struggle that my kids went through, and I used that experience as my initial motivation to write the book.
What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
The main characters were derived from my childhood. I used to be an introvert like Bongo and afraid of everything. I was scared to experience new things and always tried to stay in my comfort zone. Mo is who I became when I grew into a man. Spontaneous, extroverted, and ready for the world. I wanted to put these two versions of myself together and create a bond between the two. The stories that I write are actual events that I went through as a kid.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes that I wanted to explore in this book were:
1. How to overcome fears and inner conflicts
2. I wanted to teach empathy, cooperation, and problem-solving skills to young readers
3. I also wanted to build children’s confidence in knowing they are not the only one who finds it difficult to make friends and through communication and cooperation they can be accepted as part of a group regardless of individual background or differences.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters? And when can readers expect the next volume?
The next book in the series will show how the main characters develop their friendship and explore new characters that were introduced in the first book. The next book will also explore the mysticism surrounding the school and the city of Huckleberry.
The next book can be expected around Fall 2023
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Huckleberry Academy, The School of Imagination Volume 1 The Majestic Feather
Bongo is heading out for his first day at a new school. For most students, this is a big deal, but for Bongo it’s incredibly challenging. You see, he is afraid of literally everything. There is no situation that doesn’t put poor Bongo into a state of pure panic. Heading in for his first day, Bongo meets super-confident and extroverted Mo. As Bongo and Mo begin their day, Bongo points out Maurice, a mouse from Bongo’s old school. He is quick to fill Mo in on the many shenanigans for which Maurice has been responsible. It looks like this new school has come with old problems for Bongo.
Huckleberry Academy: The School of Imagination, Volume I The Majestic Feather, by J.L. Willis, is a children’s chapter book featuring Bongo the monkey as the shy and anxiety-ridden main character. His fears are many and his day-to-day battle will resonate with many a young reader. As a teacher, I really like the build up to the first day of school, especially the first day in a new school. This is definitely something many children face, and having a book like Willis’s to quell fears is certainly an asset.
One of the most appealing aspects of Willis’s storyline is the fantasy surrounding the magic feather. Readers in grades 2-4 will immediately find themselves swept up into the adventure when that prankster Maurice steals the feather and chaos ensues. Seeing the class clown brought down a notch is another satisfying plot point for young readers.
It is always wonderful to be able to offer books to young readers high-interest books that teach valuable lessons. That is exactly what J.L. Willis is handing readers with Volume I of Huckleberry Academy. I highly recommend Willis’s work to anyone looking to provide a new and engaging series to elementary students.
Pages: 60 | ASIN : B0C5QSRPMW
We Can Rise Above It
Through over 80 narratives, STRONG explores the harrowing journeys of women from childhood adversity to eventual victory, showcasing their resilience and transformation in the face of trauma. Why was this an important book for you to publish?
I wanted people to know that no matter how difficult our early life may have been, we can rise above it. Our past need not define us. We can rewrite our story.
How did you approach the task of capturing the distinct experiences and emotions of each woman while also highlighting the shared strength and resilience they all possess?
I had no agenda or preset questions for our interviews. My approach was to see through her eyes as a silent observer. To feel what she felt as the smallest person in the room.
My task was to listen for the child’s thought process. I wanted to enter her world and hear her story, unfiltered, from her perspective as a small child, in the present tense, and not in the voice of an adult looking back and making observations on her life.
That part was easy.
The challenge was to compress the narrative into as few words as possible to fit the narrow confines of the book’s design, and then refine and smooth out the text into a quick, easy read. At times, I felt more like a sculptor than a writer, chiseling away anything not essential to the story.
The collaboration with artist Galih Winduadi adds a unique visual dimension to the book. How did you work together to ensure that the illustrations captured the essence of each narrative and enhanced the reader’s understanding?
I would not have embarked on this project without the visual dimension because I felt the drawings were as important as the text in conveying the child’s innocence.
I wanted the reader to experience each story as a piece of art, visually attractive and charming on the page, regardless of the sometimes-sordid subject matter.
The collaboration involved me, the child telling the story, the brilliant and patient artist Galih, Google Images and Google Translate.
Most of the women were surprisingly insistent that every detail be accurate—colors, clothing, patterns, textures, hair styles, facial expressions, room layouts, the view from the window. Because my artist does not speak English, you can imagine how challenging that was at times. In some instances, there were as many as eight or nine iterations before the storyteller and I felt we had captured the essence of her story.
What message or takeaway do you hope readers will gain from reading “STRONG” and the stories shared within it?
As I write in the book’s introduction, adults in general don’t show up well in many of these stories. As much as children suffer, it’s because the parents have suffered as well. They don’t realize they’re inflicting their own pain on the child. Unattended to, early childhood traumas pass on as intergenerational stress.
We can be better parents and teachers if we recognize the signs of adverse childhood events on young lives.
If we want to improve society in general, we need to start with decreasing childhood trauma and stress because that’s what drives our societal problems.
My deepest hope is that “STRONG” helps adults recognize that our children need to feel loved, connected, and safe at all times.
To the person who did not feel treasured as a child, the empowering message is, you survived. You are strong. You can rewrite your story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn
The memoirs read like intimate bits of conversation between best friends, overheard, at times in sordid detail.
These stories are in stark contradiction to the nostalgic ones we like to tell ourselves about the charms of childhood. They paint the picture of early years that are not all sunshine and rainbows. Some will amuse. Some will tear at your heart.
The author writes in a brief, clear, concise style. Original, full-color drawings capture the essence of each memory as seen through the eyes of the innocent child.
Endnotes reveal that through sheer strength and resilience, the women rose above adverse situations to achieve success in their respective fields: medicine, engineering, business, finance, consulting, construction, the C-Suite—despite the odds and gender bias that most women experience.
STRONG is not available in Kindle format. For one thing, the book is not designed to be read consecutively, cover to cover like a novel.
The intention is to draw the reader into the child’s world through the artwork. It is such an integral part of the reader’s experience that viewing digitally (especially on a tiny screen) does not do justice to the child’s memory.
Adventures on the Can Do Trail
Adventures on the Can Do Trail is a heartwarming and inspiring book by author Jothy Rosenberg. The story follows Alex, a young boy who fulfills his dream of hiking the Can Do Trail, where he encounters animals with disabilities that prevent them from participating in activities with their friends. With his determination, Alex finds ways to include these animals and help them enjoy life to the fullest despite their limitations.
Rosenberg’s story is a testament to the power of determination and inclusion, delivering an empowering message to young readers that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. The story’s unique twist ending is unexpected and adds an extra layer of depth to the already powerful message.
One of the most notable aspects of this book is the character of Alex, who is kind, thoughtful, and empowering. He teaches young readers the importance of being inclusive of everyone, regardless of their abilities. The illustrations are also detailed and colorful, transporting the reader into Alex’s world and enhancing the overall reading experience.
In addition to the story itself, the author includes a powerful message at the beginning of the book to encourage readers to approach challenges with a “can-do” attitude. This message is reinforced throughout the story, giving young readers the confidence to believe in themselves and their abilities. The inclusion of a fun scavenger hunt at the end of the book is an added bonus, encouraging young readers to explore and engage with the story on a deeper level.
Adventures on the Can Do Trail is an inspiring and empowering book that instills confidence, compassion, and a “can-do” attitude in young readers. It is a highly recommended read for parents, teachers, and anyone looking to teach young readers the importance of having self-confidence and compassion toward others.
Pages: 41 | ASIN : B0BHTX4YGX
Beautifully Blemished
Beautifully Blemished: Learning and Celebrating Skin Differences is a heartwarming picture book that teaches children that their unique skin is not something to be ashamed of or embarrassed by. Instead, children learn about various skin conditions that are all normal and make the person with them special. Things like birthmarks, moles, and freckles to Vitiligo, Rosacea, and Psoriasis are all covered in this fantastic book.
Author Leanne Stuckey and illustrator Traci Allison have combined their skills to bring children a meaningful and important story. Each child featured in this moving book shares how they are unique and special, from the stars in the sky to the bright colors of fall. Each skin condition offers children a chance to see something in themselves that is positive and encouraging. The illustrations show each child positively and respectfully, giving those with unique skin a voice.
Beautifully Blemished will help children learn about positive self-image, self-esteem, and compassion for those that look different from themselves. This eloquent story will help children appreciate all the differences in people around them and themselves. It is an excellent tool for teaching diversity and acceptance. Learning about different skin conditions will help children understand that physical appearances are not what matters, and just because someone looks different than them, it is not a bad thing or strange. This superb picture book will educate children and encourage them to be themselves and be proud of who they are inside and out.
Pages: 36
The Eighteen Years That Didn’t Change Anything
Enrico Tesla’s The Eighteen Years That Didn’t Change Anything is a memoir depicting the life of an average man as he lives through his prime to middle-aged years. The author takes an alternative approach to contemplate the human condition and existence.
Tesla excels in portraying himself as an average man within his words, “above average prospects.” The arc of the text shows him as a young man just beginning his career and concludes with a man who has loved, lost, and been a bit weathered by life. This portrayal renders his character accessible and relatable; he is neither above nor below the reader and, therefore, human. Still, he maintains a curious ego that leads him to ponder his existence in the context of some transformative life events.
The peculiar way he regards both his existence and the human condition also attracts the reader’s empathy. He ponders his existence in a neurotic, scientific-theory-based manner that encourages the reader to ponder the intersections of humanity, an arguably subjective matter, and science, a discipline founded in concrete fact.
His careful pairing of certain scientific facts, such as natural selection and Einstein’s iconic mass-energy formula, alongside his analysis of human perseverance at the end of the novel, is his thesis on life. It is through these efforts to prove his mastery of understanding life at its core that he comes to a poignant yet sobering conclusion. He frames even the most intimate experiences, such as love, in a clinical manner and even expresses to the reader areas in which he feels inadequate. Yet he possesses a stern conviction that due to the foundational understanding he has of life and the due process of nature, life is still worth living.
Pages: 114 | ASIN : B0BBCS8FCT
Tommy Turtle
Tommy Turtle is a young shy land turtle. He wants to play with the other turtles at the park, but fear keeps him inside his shell, away from the others. Tommy watches from his hiding place in a hollow tree stump as the others splash in mud puddles and has a good time. Soon another turtle named Jerry walks over and introduces himself to Tommy. He convinces Tommy to give playing in the puddles a try but takes him to a less crowded area of the park. There Tommy opens up and starts to play and have fun until another turtle comes over. Once more, Tommy hides in his shell till she convinces him she won’t make fun of him. Together, the three go on to meet other turtles in the park and play.
Authors Mary and Michael Schmidt have created a heartwarming picture book for children to understand what shyness is and how to treat their peers that are shy. The storyline is well thought-out, giving kids an accurate representation of what shyness is and what the child that is shy is thinking and feeling. In addition, it explains how to approach and encourage children that are sky to make new friends and try new things in a child-appropriate way.
Tommy Turtle is a wonderful resource for schools to use in the education of emotional empathy and social skill development. Teachers, especially in kindergarten, can use this story to help children become comfortable with new situations and people as they learn to be in a classroom together for the first time. The emphasis on self-esteem and acceptance of others blends into this engaging story, and children will want to see Tommy make new friends while understanding why it is so hard for him. This children’s book is a must-have for families and schools.
Pages: 33 | ASIN : B09XNTKRDQ
LITERARY TITAN 