Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations
Alex & Brett Harris
Multnomah, April 2008, 256 pages, $16.99, www.waterbrookpress.com

Expectations have consequences. High ones tend to cause people to excel; low ones create abysmal performance. The 19-year-old Harris twins (who rallied Christians behind presidential candidate Mike Huckabee) call into question the moniker “teenager” (which has been around less than 70 years), because it has created an artificial category between childhood and adulthood that places approximately zero—or only negative—expectations on teens.

Do Hard Things is written to teens, but it’s essential reading for adults who influence them. Adults can join the Harrises as they encourage teens to choose challenge now in order to excel for the rest of their lives: “We’re all being shaped . . . The shaping and hardening happens whether we’re intentional about it or not. Changing later isn’t impossible, but it is extremely difficult.”

Mad: How to Deal with Your Anger and Get Respect
James J. Crist, Ph.D.
Free Spirit Publishing; 2008; 160 pgs. $13.95, www.freespirit.com

Anger is a normal part of our emotional makeup, but for some students it can take control to destroy relationships and create problems at home, school and in the community. Mad is a guide for teens, intended to be read as self-help material. Dr. Crist includes biological information, healthy ways to control and express anger, sections on relationship impact, mental health and what happens if a teen gets in trouble as a result of anger.

A helpful list of agency and Internet resources is also included. Sprinkled throughout the book are journaling ideas and thoughtful questions to be considered by the teens. Not only is the information relevant, but the graphics, quotes, and highlights appeal to the teen audience, as well. This is a worthwhile resource for those students who need a simple, straightforward guide to a difficult problem.

You Are Here: A Straight-shooting Guide to Mapping Your Future
Danny Holland
WaterBrook Press, August 2007, 179 pages, $13.99, www.waterbrookpress.com

Danny Holland is a masterful storyteller. His accounts of deep-sea canoeing off the Hawaiian coast are awe-inspiring as he charts a life course for teens (and even adults if you’re searching!). You Are Here thoroughly and engagingly explores life from a biblical perspective, emphasizing purpose, character, attitude, focus, and faithfulness.

Holland asks penetrating questions to help discern purpose: “What makes you cry? What injustices fire you up? What makes you feel most alive?” These and others will help teens find who God created them to be. Readers will glean insights that will truly change their lives, and subsequently, the world. 

Student to Student: A Guide to College Life
Written by College Students: Compiled by Paul Buchanan & Paula Miller
Regal Books, 192pp., 2008, $12.99, www.regalbooks.com

Reflecting on their own experiences, 60 college students offer their hard-learned wisdom to their peers. Their brief anecdotes are well formatted for weekly reading and devotional use.

Accompanying each narrative is a “Wisdom for the Week” portion that lists scriptures for personal study. In addition, there are practical recommendations throughout the book on anything from what kind of computer to buy to tips for staying awake.

This book is perfect for any high school senior or young college student who is looking for encouragement and assistance as they wade into their undergraduate studies. Not only will the readers find solid advice here, but they will find a loving and graceful God actively weaving through the lives of their fellow students.

Meet Mr. Smith: Revolutionize the Way You Think About Sex, Purity, and Romance
Eric & Leslie Ludy
Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2007; 240 pgs.; $13.99, www.thomasnelson.com

Meet Mr. Smith is a creative narrative dialogue between the author and personifications of the characteristics of Great Sex. The intended audience seems to be older teens and 20-somethings, single and married, who enjoy allegorical style books.

While the format is unique, the content is troublesome for this reviewer. Ludy presents a romanticized portrait of relationships, sex, and God based on his own personal marriage, which frankly, becomes sappy at times. This may lead to some unrealistic expectations. Singles may be frustrated looking for a fairytale spouse, knight in shining armor, or maiden in waiting. Those disappointed in their marriage or whose spouse doesn’t’ live up to the magical portrait Ludy presents may receive the wrong message.

Even in the FAQ portion written by his wife Leslie, there is very little time or space given to the reality of brokenness in people and relationships, or even the mundane, day-to-day routines of life. This book is a unique presentation on the topic of sex and relationships, and some older teens might appreciate the narrative genre. But, be cautious of false or damaging expectations.