Despite promises of “fast and easy” results from slick marketers, real personal growth is neither fast nor easy. The truth is that hard work, courage, and self-discipline are required to achieve meaningful results—results that are not attained by those who cling to the fantasy of achievement without effort.         Personal Development for Smart People reveals the unvarnished truth about what it takes to consciously grow as a human being. As you read, you’ll learn (more…)

Amazon.com Review

Actor Jamie Lee Curtis and winsome illustrator Laura Cornell continue their successful collaboration (Today I Feel Silly, When I Was Little, et al.) with this paean to poise and self-assurance, I’m Gonna Like Me. The duo sets out to “let off a little self-esteem” by following a seriously self-actualized (and gratifyingly quirky) boy and girl throughout their day on alternating pages. The kids take turns carrying the lines, often switching off midsen (more…)

Do you sometimes feel like other girls are prettier, more trendy, or more popular than you? Do you ever feel bad about yourself? In this funny, honest book, teen expert and mentor Debra Beck provides in-depth examples and exercises to develop the tools you need for self-confidence. Learn how to have fulfilling relationships, make good decisions for yourself, respect yourself and others, and love yourself for who you are. In a humorous, breezy style, this book instructs young (more…)

Review

“As a minister, I counsel as many women as I do men. More than any other author, Sue Patton Thoele has helped me understand what it is like to be a woman in today’s culture. She writes like an angel yet somehow transcends words and communicates directly to the reader’s heart. The Courage to Be Yourself is a classic, a masterpiece, yet it is so honest that each time you read it, it speaks with a fresh, new voice.” — Hugh Prather, author of The Little Book of Letting Go and (more…)

From School Library Journal

A self-help guide to positive thinking, high self-esteem, and responsible personal power. Based on a program originally developed for adults, the book’s premise is that all young people can and should be taught the skills necessary to face common issues, such as making choices, liking themselves, and solving problems. Exercises guide readers through learning about their own feelings, dreams, and needs–while stressing that they are responsible for thei (more…)

learn how to make soap

From Publishers Weekly

The director of a Texas clinic that specializes in treating chemical dependencies and family problems, Wegscheider-Cruse gears this guide specifically to adult children of alcoholics and generally to anyone suffering from low self-esteem. She offers a definition of self-worth”my valuable identity deserving all good things”and urges readers to change damaging habits, rethink past experiences and develop new behaviors that enhance emotional growth. Her detail (more…)

Every child is precious and valuable. This warm, affirming book helps children know they matter because they are growing and learning new things, because they smile and laugh, because they give comforting hugs, and because we get to hug them. In fact, children are important just because they were born. The simple words and lively illustrations relate to their everyday lives, and the cover reinforces the book’s message: Each child is a star.

About the Author

Todd (more…)

This is a no-nonsense, practical self-help handbook written in a friendly, entertaining, and concise style. The chapters are short and devoid of bull, frills, and hype. All you’ll find are ideas that work written in such a way that it is enjoyable and interesting to read and leaves you with solid tools you can use to better your life. You will learn how to become more effective with your actions and feel good more often.

From the Author

I have made the bes (more…)

“I Am Lovable! I Am Lovable! I Am Lovable!” With these magical words, the gates to the Kingdom of Self-Esteem swing open for readers of all ages. Inside the Kingdom live the Lovables–24 animals who help children feel unique, enthusiastic, confident, and loved. Full color.

(more…)

From School Library Journal

Grade 8-10-Using quotes from women in history and anecdotal stories of adolescent girls, “Dr. Jill” gives prescriptions for dealing with difficult situations. The chapters address relationships, drug addiction, stress, body image, parental divorce, insomnia, bullies, and having a crush on another girl, and the author offers several scenarios based on her years of experience as a psychotherapist. She encourages self-examination and taking action, includ (more…)