Teenagers 101

September 15, 2014
This manual for parents of high school students provides a no-nonsense guide for preparing teens for independence, whether at college or in the workforce. Deurlein is a longtime teacher with two grown children and a doctorate in educational leadership, so she has dealt with this issue from all sides. The breadth of topics covered is impressive, ranging from the basics, like motivation and self-esteem, to concepts that rarely appear in other parenting works, like getting the most from parent-teacher conferences and the importance of dress and manners. Deurlein tackles both ends of the academic spectrum, suggesting that many teens benefit from the “positive peer pressure” and the challenge of an AP course in one chapter and then, in the next, saying straight out that “college isn’t for everyone.” Throughout, she reminds readers that even members of the “everyone-gets-a-trophy” generation must be allowed to stumble, “deal with the consequences,” and learn that, “as much as we want something, we don’t always get it.” Armed with Deurlein’s tips, any parent should be able to give his or her teen something much better than another trophy: the self-reliance and work ethic necessary to take the first few steps into adulthood.

Starred review from November 15, 2014

Veteran educator Deurlein loves teenagers, and her enthusiasm for working with this dreaded age group shines like a beacon. Once youngsters reach high school, their teachers often spend more time with them than their parents; and, teachers, unlike individual families, have the experience of working with hundreds of kids over the years. There are no rose-colored glasses here, but rather a solid look at the challenges teens present coupled with practical strategies for growth and appreciation for kids and their parents. The author covers larger topics, such as motivating youth and encouraging perseverance, along with specific advice for scenarios that include attending conferences and deciding if your teen is ready for advanced placement courses. As such, the book works equally well in both the parenting and education sections. Deurlein's style is direct and chatty: "Parents, whatever you do, do not commit the cardinal sin of...doing homework for your kids." You tell your children they are incapable, and you tell your children's teachers they are idiots who can't tell the difference. VERDICT With her real-life examples, humorous dialog, zippy responses, and an overriding theme of hope, the author is the teacher all parents want their kid to have. Libraries should make room for this one.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.