Peter Benson, Judy Galbraith and Pamela Espeland
Free Spirit Publishing, 2012, 256 pp., $9.99
As Eugene C. Roehlkepartain explains in this book’s introduction, this third edition of What Kids Need to Succeed: Proven, Practical Ways to Raise Good Kids represents a new generation of children and teenagers—and has the survey power to back up the claims. Right away, digging into this very accessible volume one gets the impression that what the authors are providing is a snapshot of current adolescent trends and the paths that successful teens take. The book is portioned in 36 individual helpings, all assets that teenagers need in order to be well-rounded, secure and happy people.
There is a great deal here for youth leaders, pastors and parents to chew on; but anyone working with teens in the religious community will take care to read Asset No.18 (Youth Programs), Asset No.19 (Religious Community) and No.39 (Sense of Purpose) with particular interest. Every asset also is presented with practical guidance for the faith community, as well as at home and school. In short, this is a book that actually could help the church and families work in greater cooperation with each other, and youth leaders will find a wealth of practical information and ideas here, as the title implies. In fact, the authors provide hundreds of ideas that will excite and propel any youth ministry to work more closely with school and family and tell how to do it.
Kids can succeed, and this new edition of a classic volume can help youth ministries be an integral part of that success. After all, youth programs, churches and youth leaders are some of the assets teenagers need most.
